Animal Care Associate I

Job Details

Job Location

Bellevue - Bellevue, WA

Position Type

Full Time

Salary Range

$22.00 - $22.00 Hourly

Job Shift

Day

Job Category

Nonprofit - Social Services

Description

POSITION SUMMARY :

This position is part of a union- represented bargaining unit. Union membership is mandatory as a condition of employment.

The Shelter Care Program is responsible for the direct animal care for all nine species of animal accepted for admission at Seattle Humane. This includes an astounding array of dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, hamsters, gerbils, rats, and mice. Each day the Shelter Care Team is responsible for feeding, cleaning, exercising, enriching, and medicating the animals in our care. In addition to the high level of care each animal receives, the Shelter Care Team also provides pathway planning for each animal's journey. This starts from intake to outcome with an emphasis on minimize length of stay and meeting each pet's individual needs. In order to accomplish these duties, Shelter Care is comprised of a team of compassionate and skilled staff and volunteers. While the work during the day can be challenging, the team supports a culture of leaving work at work when the scheduled day is over.

The Animal Care Associate (ACA) I position is responsible for providing direct care for the animals in the shelter building as well as supporting other shelter operations. ACA I is the entry position within the Animal Care Associates, with opportunities to advance to specialize within a species or as a trainer of staff and volunteers. A day in the life of an ACA includes cleaning, feeding, socializing, exercising, and medicating animals as directed. In addition, ACA are also responsible for cleaning and the restocking of animal areas. ACAs are assigned a daily circuit of work to complete individually or with the help of volunteers. When ACAs have completed their assignments, they are expected to assist fellow teammates. Successful candidates for this position can work alone and with others, enjoy problem-solving, and thrive in a fast-paced environment where change is constant and communication is crucial. This position also requires applicants to appreciate working with both animals and people.

KEY OR ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS :

• Responsible for direct animal care of all pets in the shelter; this includes feeding, cleaning, socialization, enrichment, exercise, and medicating as instructed
• Responsible for keeping animal areas and supplies clean, tidy, and restocked
• Enters observations and notes into pet database
• Monitors the animals for input and output as well as signs of stress and illness
• Carries out animal movement plans
• Communicates concerns with a supervisor promptly
• Offloads transfer animals
• Supports teammates in completion of their duties
• Provides basic grooming such as nail trims, bathes, and brushing as needed
• Works closely with volunteers to complete care duties
• Actively participates in project and group meetings
• Follows all SOPs and processes
• Adheres to the Five Freedoms of Animal Welfare
• Focuses on disease prevention and safe working practices

SECONDARY FUNCTIONS :

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY :

COMMUNICATIONS :

Daily communication with staff and volunteers across the organization in person, through email, written procedures, monitoring sheets, and / or through database.

Qualifications

COMPLEXITY :

Animal Care Associates are flexible and respond to a variety of tasks while managing multiple priorities daily. A high degree of independent judgment is required. Formal policies and procedures are followed or developed as needed. Needs high level of attention to detail and must be able to respond to unexpected questions, comments or requests from volunteers and other staff. Must be able to maintain concentration on a task or series of tasks while dealing with frequent interruptions. Must be able to work well without direct supervision. Must be able to communicate effectively and display cultural competency with people of varying backgrounds. Requires good customer service skills. Must work well within a team setting.

KNOWLEDGE / EXPERIENCE / EDUCATION OR TRAINING :

LICENSES / CERTIFICATES REQUIRED :

High school graduate or GED preferred.

PHYSICAL / MENTAL REQUIREMENTS :

WORKING CONDITIONS :

General office and animal shelter environment. When handling animals, there is a potential of animal bites, exposure to zoonotic diseases, animal dander and noise. Exposure to hay, as well as other potential allergens. Potential for working with upset or irate customers.Involves entering and leaving work areas alone before sunrise and after sunset.

Equipment Used : Personal computer and printer, applicable software, office supplies, multi-lined telephone, copier, safety boots, hearing protection, eye protection, respirators, gloves, animal leashes, clothes washer and dryer, broom, mop, hoses and nozzle, sprayers, scrapers, squeegees and animal dryers.

Work Hours : Full-time non-exempt position. 40 hours per week scheduled, four or five days a week. Schedule may vary depending on coverage by other department staff, holidays, or emergencies.

SEATTLE HUMANE CORE VALUES :

Candidate should be committed to Seattle Humane's Core Values :

Compassion

Accessibility

Innovation

Responsibility

Teamwork

The Benefits :

At Seattle Humane, we believe in investing in our people, you'll receive competitive benefits and perks, including full health & wellness coverage, generous paid time off starting at three weeks, 10 paid holidays, an employer matching retirement plan, personal pet allowance, employee sabbaticals, discounts, and you get to work around cute animals!

Check out ourLISTof benefits and perksHERE

Sound like something you want to be a part of? Then apply today!

Who we are :

Seattle Humane is more than a shelter, we are a community resource center. We're meeting the increasing need for pet owner support services, so that families don't have to choose between an overdue bill and a beloved family member. We're training the next generation of veterinarians in our state-of-the-art medical center. We're building a community of animal advocates through our volunteer and youth education programs. The impact of Seattle Humane is life-changing, for the animals in our care and the people who love them. Our top priority is to connect animals in need of rescue with the people who will love them. Through our outreach, advocacy, and services, we strive to ensure that animal companionship is accessible to all.

Take a look at ourVision for the Future, which will guide our work and priorities in the years to come.

Equal Opportunity Statement :

As an equal opportunity employer, Seattle Humane is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability status or any other basis prohibited by applicable law.