CLASSIFICATION DETAILS
DEPARTMENT: Animal Control
HIRING AUTHORITY: Director
FLSA STATUS: Non-exempt
EMPLOYMENT RELATIONSHIP: Just cause subject to probationary period
CURRENT HOURS AND START TIME: Full-time (40 hours per week) position. The starting time for this position is currently 8:00 a.m. Weekend and holiday hours may be required.
JOB SUMMARY:
The Animal Control Division is seeking candidates that strive to enrich our team orientated department and high caliber of Kennel Attendants. Kennel Attendants are responsible to care for the animals held at the facility. The Animal Control Division is a fast paced and ever-changing environment and schedule changes may occur based on the facilities need and weekend events.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Cares for all animals held at the Animal Control facility.
Performs daily cleaning of kennels, cages, and public area, following proper disease control protocol to ensure a sterile environment.
Administers medications, vaccines and treatments as prescribed by the veterinarian.
Performs clinical laboratory procedures such as fecal flotation exams, heartworm checks, skin scraping, urinalysis and fungal cultures.
Draws blood for laboratory analysis and maintains files of lab test results and ensures all test results are documented.
Performs lab tests and monitors animals after surgeries and other procedures.
Sterilizes surgical equipment as needed.
Observes and records behavior of animals held in quarantine.
Keeps management informed of animal behavior, health, or concerns of animals at the facility.
Examines animals for signs of illness and treats them according to established procedures.
Performs intake of animals into the facility and the release of animals from the facility.
Maintains records and charts for animals at the Animal Control Facility.
Records and documents information included but not limited to genealogy, diet, weight, medications, medical information, food intake and license number.
Cleans and maintains equipment and tools used at Animal Control.
Stocks all kennel/cleaning supplies as needed.
Receives incoming telephone calls, answers questions appropriate to skill level, relays messages to appropriate individuals and sells animal licenses.
Educates the public on proper animal care techniques.
Assists with general clerical responsibilities.
Euthanizes animals and prepares animal for rabies testing.
Performs general janitorial duties in the office, kennels and outside the Animal Control facility.
Performs related duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required Education and Experience
- Possession of a high school diploma or a certificate of successful completion of the General Educational Development Test
Preferred Education and Experience
- Previous Kennel Attendant or Veterinary Assistant experience
- An Associate degree in an animal care related field, such as, Animal Sciences, Veterinary Technology or a related discipline
Required Licenses or Certifications
- Obtain certification in performing euthanasia and tranquilization techniques within the probationary period
- Possession of a valid Michigan driver's license and an operable insured automobile for authorized travel
COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE OF JOB DUTIES
Knowledge of:
- Animal tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment
- Principles and processes for providing customer service including needs assessment and meeting quality standard for service
- Animal care, needs, behavior, animal handling and restraint technique
- Delivering post-operative instructions
- Local and state animal laws
- Handling and caring for animals
Skill in:
- Identifying aspects of animal behavior (aggressive, fearful, feral)
- Animal health and well-being
- Basic veterinary medical concepts, including but not limited to vaccine protocols
- Communicating basic veterinary concepts to owners and be able to repeat information relayed by a veterinarian
- Communicating with the public on a daily basis in a professional manner
- Local, state and federal animal laws and of court procedures
- Handling and caring for animals
- Animal euthanasia methods
- Tranquilization medications, methods and techniques
Ability to:
- Determine breeds, species, sex and age of animal
- Recognizes signs of animal illness, neglect, abuse and cruelty
- Restrain and capture animals and the ability to interpret animal body language
- Understand and follow written and oral instructions
- Adapt behavior or work methods in response to new information, changing conditions or unexpected situations
- Be able to work under stressful conditions and work efficiently and effectively under those conditions.
- Cope with death either due to surgical complication or euthanasia
- Rapidly and accurately process information
- Delegate tasks
- Work independently or as part of a team
- Make decisions
- Cope with frustrating situations and remain calm
- Exercise judgment and initiative in analyzing problems and recommending solutions
- Maintain composure under stressful situations
- Effectively speak, write and understand the English language
- Effectively speak, write and understand a language other than English is preferred
- Understand and carry out oral and written instructions
- Accurately organize and maintain paper documents and electronic files
- Maintain the confidentiality fo information
