Animal Care Technician

About the role

Under the supervision of the Foster and Animal Care Manager, the Animal Care Technician (ACT)is responsible forproviding infrastructure support for PetsInNeed’s rescue and adoption efforts. This position will provide the daily care of animals in our care, including but not limited to,feeding, cleaning, medicating, exercising, and enriching the shelter animals’ lives, while following allproper handlingprotocols. This is afull timepositionlocatedin both Palo Alto and Redwood Citylocationsand travel between the two locations may berequired. The pay scale for this role is $22 per hour to $26 per hour, based upon experience.

What you'll do

• Provide daily care,feeding,exercise,andenrichmentfor PetsInNeed's shelter animals. Assistswith walking and rotating dogs from kennels throughout the day.  Mayparticipatein showing dogsand orcats to members of the publicorvolunteers, oncetrained tobehaviorally handle different “levels” of animals.

• Administers and dispenses animal medications(vaccinations and oral treatments)as prescribed bythe Medical Team.

• Prepares and provides edible enrichment for animals, including but not limited to stuffingkongsand handing out chews.  

• Clean andmaintainanimal living areas, animalbedding&furniture,all animal/shelter equipment,staff,andpublicareas.

• Observe shelter animals for any unusual symptoms that may be indicative of a medical or behavioral problem and report toproper channels.

• Transport animals asneeded.

• Cleans public areas as needed (i.e.restrooms)

• Crosstrain andassistatbothlocationswith animal care duties whenneeded.

• Always promote a humane and caring attitude toward all animals

• Follow established procedures governing safe work practices; to perform duties in a manner which assures the safety of the animals,oneself,andothers.

• Perform duties in a manner which encourages contributions and business for PetsInNeed

• Always treat people and animals with respect, contribute to effective teamwork, promote staff cooperation, and foster public relations beneficial to PetsInNeed

• Perform other duties asassignedby the manager.Describe the specific responsibilities and job functions of the role

Qualifications

• No allergicconditions thatwould be aggravated when animals are present in theworkplace. 

• This position is consideredmoderatelytohighlyphysical and requires standing, bending,liftingand walking. 

• Ability to lift and move objects and animals weighing up to 50 pounds for short distances and to humanely restrainanimals,when necessary 

• Ability to walkand handle largedogsup to 100 pounds,as well associalize withcats. 

• An understanding and willingness to work with potentially dangerous and/or fractious animals.  

COMMUNICATION REQUIREMENTS

• Must be able to effectively read, write, and express information verbally in English.

• Ability tocomprehendand follow written and/or verbal instructions.

• Communicate with the public and co-workers in a pleasant,courteous,and tactful mannerat all times.  

EXPERIENCE, ABILITIES AND QUALITIES REQUIRED

• Must have andmaintaina valid California driver's license witha good drivingrecord.

• Maturity, goodjudgment,and professional personal appearance.

• Be comfortable and skilled in working with a culturally diverse staff,volunteersand community.

• Affection for animals, concern for their welfare and a willingness to accommodate animals in the workplace.

• Relevant experiencerequired.

• Must understand and support PetsInNeed's No Kill mission.

• Must be able toworka flexible schedule including weekends,eveningsand holidays.  

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

At least ahigh schooldiploma orGEDisrequired; preference will be given to candidates that have some work experience in ananimal shelter and/or non-profit organization.  Describe the experience and attributes of the ideal candidate.