Animal Care Specialist

Wallis Annenberg PetSpace

Job Description

Job Summary:
-Wallis Annenberg PetSpace has an exciting career opportunity for an animal care professional to join our team. The Animal Care Specialist is responsible for providing high quality care to the animals within Annenberg PetSpace. This role also provides counseling and education for the public, when appropriate.
-Must be 18 years or older to be employed with Wallis Annenberg PetSpace.

Reporting to the Animal Care Coordinator, the Animal Care Specialist will be responsible for the following:
-Clean and maintain all animal care areas, providing proper animal husbandry while following approved procedures and using appropriate products.
-Feed all animals their required diet and in the appropriate rations.
-Provide enrichment to animals to include utilizing exercise areas/walks, activities and human companionship.
-Complete daily health and behavior observations of all animals.
-Participate in behavior shaping/training of animals to enhance their adoptability.
-Assist with morning, mid-day and evening duties as appropriate.
-Assist with grooming & bathing of animals as needed.
-Ensure all dishes, laundry, and animal carriers are sanitized daily.
-Restock and perform inventory of animal care areas.
-Support and assist potential adopters in selecting appropriate animals given their requirements.
-Update and maintain the adoption software with adoption content (e.g. animal photos, descriptions).
-Train volunteers in the proper techniques for successful animal care.
-Coordinate with staff and volunteers to ensure best adoption and animal handling practices.
-Ensure all operational procedures are followed.
-Work with the behaviorist to communicate behavior treatment plans to animal care and adoption staff.
-Communicate in an effective and professional manner with public and Annenberg PetSpace staff members.
-Assist with training and supervision of volunteers.
-Participate in public education programming (i.e. pop-up presentations, behind the scenes clinic tours, etc.).
-Represent Annenberg PetSpace in a professional and courteous manner at all times.

Experience:
-Minimum of 1 year working in animal care, preferably in an animal shelter or rescue environment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
-Excellent animal handling skills.
-Excellent customer service skills.
-Basic knowledge and ability to understand aspects of disease and the causes and treatment of animal-related problems.
-Critical evaluation and observation skills.
-Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office and selected software/databases.
-Effective written and oral communication skills with ability to compose routine correspondence.
-Possess the ability to work efficiently and calmly under challenging conditions.
-Possess poise, professionalism, diplomacy, teamwork and the ability to interact with people from all walks of life.
-An individual who can contribute to the culture of respect for all individuals and animals.
-Commitment to, and passion for, the mission of Wallis Annenberg PetSpace.

Benefits:
-100% paid medical insurance, dental and vision for employee + family.
-We also offer a 403(b) retirement plan with 10% company contribution after 1 year of employment.
-Vacation & sick days.
-Company paid holidays.
-Gym membership.
-Cellphone stipend.
-Mileage reimbursement.
-Professional development allowance.
-Pet adoption discount.

Hours/Schedule:
-This is a full-time role (Saturday & Sunday required). Shift times may vary: 7:30a -3:00p or 11:30a-8:00p. Holidays as needed.

Salary:
-$18.00 per hour.

Wallis Annenberg Legacy Foundation, PetSpace, is a company that respects the uniqueness of each employee and offers everyone the means to find their place and thrive. We promote initiatives aimed at supporting professional equality for everyone. We strive to go above and beyond purely symbolic measures by building a culture focused on meaningful strategies aimed at creating an inclusive workforce.

Upon notice, the company engages with applicants and employees requesting reasonable accommodations. Please notify Human Resources to explore further.

This is a full time job