Animal Care Aid - Part Time

The New Albany Animal Shelter is currently seeking part-time Animal Care Aids. Animal Care Aids work under the direction of the Animal Care Coordinator and are responsible for the care of shelter animals, record keeping, sanitation and maintenance of shelter grounds and buildings. Animal Care Aids are also supervised in conjunction with Animal Care Coordinator by the Adoption Coordinator and Animal Control Coordinator as needed. Hours vary based upon need and may include holidays.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS :

Must have the ability to deal with the public in a courteous, professional manner via telephone or in person

Must have the ability or develops ability to restrain, handle and maintain any species that may come into the department's custody;

Be responsible for the overall sanitation and general conditions of all kennels and shelter areas;

Able to recognize importance and value of teamwork, practicing this concept by assisting volunteers / employees as needed, requested or directed;

Assists potential adopters and can direct them to appropriate staff for education on animal care and regulations;

Be able to identify animals that are suffering from serious health problems and notify supervisor;

Have the ability to be educated on current national trends in animal shelter issues and accepts training as needed;

Exercises and socializes all animals held in order to increase their adoptability;

Under the direction of the Animal Care Coordinator, perform vaccinations, gives medication and treatments as directed in current protocols;

Be able to perform record keeping, process adoptions, intakes, licensing, writing run cards and handle all appropriate records as needed using the current shelter computer software

Answers the shelter phone and has the ability to take messages and answer basic questions;

Dispatches messages to Animal Control by means of a pager, phone;

Be responsible for humane care and assistance with euthanasia as needed..

Performs other duties as required.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS :

Knowledge or ability to learn the principles and objectives of animal control and responsible pet ownership;

Ability to understand and apply a full range of generally accepted principles and theories related to animal control and animal health and sanitation;

Ability to communicate effectively in order to work with other shelter staff, and provide service to the public.

DIFFICULTY OF WORK :

Incumbent works with generally accepted methods and procedures and will constantly be exposed to animal related hazards when handling animals while assisting staff or the public. May be exposed to extremes in weather conditions. The duties of the position involve frequent bending and lifting and incumbent must be able to lift 50 pounds.

RESPONSIBILITY :

A considerable portion of the work will require extensive handling of animals and cleaning chemicals. The ability to follow instructions and established procedures / protocols without direct supervision is required. The ability to follow policy yet maintain a helpful and positive atmosphere will be paramount.

PERSONAL WORK RELATIONSHIPS :

Incumbent has frequent daily contact with persons internally and externally. These contacts may involve explanation of policies regarding animal care and control.