Animal Care Technician

## Description

An Animal Care Technician works one-on-one with animals. This position is responsible for monitoring and maintaining the health of animals under their care and performs duties such as receiving new animals, cleaning and changing kennels and providing food and water. Other duties may include updating and maintaining animal records, administering medications, sterilizing equipment, preparing laboratory samples (Rabies testing), assisting with medical care of animals and interacting with and educating the public on topics such as pet overpopulation, feline population management, etc.

**Essential Functions:**

Include but are not limited to

• Provides animals with appropriate housing, food, water, bedding, toys and other mental stimulation and enrichment, social interaction with humans and, where appropriate, other animals.
• Observes animals for signs of illness or injury and reports findings to veterinary team.
• Socializes animals with potential adopters and other animals as appropriate.
• Facilitates health checks for animals at the time of adoption or shelter partner placement.
• Cleans and disinfects all animal areas.
• Humanely euthanizes animals as needed under the direction of the Shelter Services Manager.
• Participates in the intake process of incoming animals which includes scanning for microchip, vaccinating, deworming, aging, sexing, and identifying breeds.
• Participates in daily enrichment for all animals onsite, including playgroups.
• Safely handles animals utilizing Fear Free methods to ensure animals are calm, comfortable and our staff is safe at all times.
• Documents daily observations and concerns in shelter software for all animals in our care and reports progress to the ACT Lead and Shelter Services Manager.
• Performs other duties as assigned

## Qualifications
**Qualifications/Requirements:**

• High school diploma or equivalent qualification.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel) and shelter software.
• Humane attitude towards animals.
• Must be able to effectively restrain dogs more than 100lbs.
• Ability to manage the emotional aspect of end-of-life services and humane euthanasia decisions.
• Supports and represents IVHS & SPCA and SGVHS core values, programs, policies, and procedures.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and clean driving record.

**Preferred Qualifications:**

• Bilingual (English/Spanish/Mandarin) preferred.
• 1 year of experience working for a non-profit rescue group, humane society, municipal shelter, or other animal welfare agency preferred.

**Knowledge & Abilities:**

• Customer-centric, open-minded approach to engaging with adopters, partners, visitors, volunteers, and colleagues; familiarity and comfort with an open adoption process.
• Strong interpersonal skills, a team player, personable, professional, and able to get along with people from different backgrounds, as well as the ability to handle sensitive and confidential situations.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with well-developed organization skills to juggle multiple competing tasks and demands.
• Ability to work a varied schedule, including weekends and evenings, as required.
• Excellent communication skills to develop healthy relationships with staff, volunteers, and donors.

**Physical Demands/Working Environment:**

• Work is performed in a setting within an animal shelter facility. Regular exposure to animal shelter conditions including odors, airborne particles, and animal fur/dander.
• Must be able to:
• Routinely lift 50 pounds and perform strenuous daily activity including, but not limited to lifting, carrying, reaching, stooping, squatting, cleaning, and bending.
• Extensive direct handling, carrying, and restraining of animals, both large and small.
• Work at a computer for extended periods of time with repetitive typing, sitting, arm, and hand motion.
• Work indoors and outdoors in a variety of weather conditions including extreme heat and cold.
• Carrying of supplies and equipment.
• Occasional running to apprehend loose animals evading capture.
• Able to tolerate loud animal noises and objectionable odors.
• Exposure to dogs, cats and other animals of all sizes, temperaments, and medical status.
• Regular movement about the campus to coordinate work.

**Inland Valley Humane Society & S.P.C.A. and San Gabriel Valley Humane Society Core Values**

 Pawsitive- Embracing optimism at all times with animals, ourselves, each other, and our community.

 Innovative- Leading the change our communities need with commitment to our mission.

Collaborative- Synergy and cooperation with partners and stakeholders to improve lifesaving.