Animal Caretaker I-Shelter

Department:

POLICE

Compensation Grade:

G15

Compensation Range & Starting Salary:

Pay Range: $35,193.60- $54,849.60

Starting salary - Starting salary may be negotiable based on qualifications

Job Exempt (If No, Position is eligible for overtime):

No

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

About Us:

Recognized as one of America’s Best-In-State Employers for 2024, the City of Virginia Beach is proud to offer a diverse and dynamic work environment. Our workforce plays a crucial role in delivering exceptional government services to both our citizens and fellow City employees. Apply now to join an organization where you truly make a difference.

Job Duties and Preferred Qualifications:

We are very proud of our Animal Care and Adoption Center (341 South Birdneck Road).  We are an open admission facility, meaning that we accept all animals.  We work hard to reunite stray and lost animals with their owners.  When that is not possible, we strive to place animals in their forever home.  In some cases, we place animals with rescue or rehabilitation organizations.

Animal Caretaker Duties:  Individual will perform a variety of manual tasks required to maintain the proper standards of care for the animals housed at the shelter; follow shelter protocols and daily schedule for feeding, watering and exercising animals and sanitizing kennels/pens; assist citizens in a variety of interactions, including at reception desk, in shelter and at adoption events; assess and monitor overall animal health and behaviors, providing appropriate documentation; provide basic medical attention for animals such as changing bandages, administering medication or applying ointments; may provide assistance to the veterinarian in preparing animals for medical procedures and may assist in performing euthanasia.

Work Schedule:  The Animal Caretaker position currently has shift times of 9:00 am to 5:30 pm with a 30-minute (unpaid) lunch break.  Days off will be determined based on seniority and will most likely be weekdays, rather than the traditional Saturday/Sunday weekend.  

Career Progression Opportunities:  Animal Caretaker I is the entry level position.  Employees may advance to Animal Caretaker II and receive a 10% pay increase upon completing a minimum of two years of employment, obtaining euthanasia certification and taking on responsibility for one or more specialized tasks such as coordinating kennel supplies, vaccinating animals, researching or coordinating specialized animal care, coordinating animal cages at partner locations, etc.

As a City employee, you will enjoy a generous benefits package that includes paid time off, paid holidays, health, dental and vision insurance options, a wellness program, retirement, tuition reimbursement and more.

Preferences:  In addition to the minimum requirements, the ideal candidate for this position will have experience listed in the preferences below. Candidates with the preferred experience should ensure the information is provided in the application.

• Strong customer service experience
• Experience in a physically demanding work (manual labor) environment
• Animal handling experience to include volunteer work
• Work experience in a vet's office or animal hospital
• Collaborative work style
• One (1) year of experience caring for animals in a professional setting such as on a ranch, farm, veterinary hospital, doggy daycare or at a shelter/kennel/boarding establishment.

Special Requirements:

• All employees may be expected to work hours in excess of their normally scheduled hours in response to short-term department needs and/or City-wide emergencies.
• Must be able to work rotating shifts including weekends and holidays and be available to work overtime when required to meet operational needs.
• Alpha I Status: Positions within this class have been designated as Alpha I positions requiring employees to work during inclement weather, regardless of the City’s operational status.
• Successful completion of a police background investigation.
• Note: Work is physically demanding, requiring ability to lift fifty (50) lbs. and stamina in performing repetitive manual tasks associated with cleaning protocols throughout the duration of the shift.
• Applicants who apply to this posting will be considered for the current opening and any future Animal Caretaker vacancies for the next six months.

Disqualifiers:  The following is a list of "disqualifiers" or concerns that could result in you not being selected for employment. Please consider these factors before applying. This is not an exhaustive listing.

Criminal History:  Conviction of any felony or any crime involving moral turpitude (crimes contrary to justice, honesty, or good morals).  Conviction of any Class 1 or Class 2 misdemeanor, excluding traffic violations which are discussed separately, or the Virginia State Law equivalent within the last 5 years.

Traffic Violations:  Any conviction of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, refusal to take blood or breath test, eluding police, racing, or leaving the scene of an accident within the last 5 years. 

Drugs:  Any involvement in the sale of illegal drugs as an adult.   Any illegal use or possession of any illegal drug, including but not limited to heroin, cocaine, hallucinogens, or any derivative thereof (except marijuana) within the last five years.  Illegal possession of anabolic steroids within the last 36 months.  

Additional requirements:

• DMV Transcript: Yes
• CDL: No
• Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse: No
• CPS Check: No
• Physical: No
• Respirator: No
• Psychological Screening: No
• Polygraph: No
• At Will: No

Minimum Requirements:

Minimum Qualifications: An equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. Must have a current and valid driver’s license. Special Requirements: All employees may be expected to work hours in excess of their normally scheduled hours in response to short-term department needs and/or City-wide emergencies. Must be able to work rotating shifts including weekends and holidays and be available to work overtime when required to meet operational needs. This position is Alpha I Successful completion of a police background investigation. Note: Work is physically demanding, requiring ability to lift up to fifty (50) lbs. and stamina in performing repetitive manual tasks associated with cleaning protocols throughout the duration of the shift.

Skills:

Animal Care

Working Conditions:

Per HR Policy 6.19, Americans with Disabilities, the City follows the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in all hiring and employment decisions. The City shall not discriminate on the basis of disability in its hiring and employment practices. The City shall make reasonable accommodations for the known physical or mental limitations of a qualified applicant or employee with a disability upon request unless the accommodation would cause an undue hardship on the operation of the City’s business. 

The Working Conditions Summary is intended to provide a general overview of the environmental conditions inherent in the job setting, as well as the physical, mental, and sensory requirements necessary to perform the essential functions of the position in the noted job profile.  Please copy and paste the URL below into your web browser to view the Working Conditions Summary for this position.

https://workingcondition-summary-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/P3237.pdf

Official Job Descriptions:

To browse official job descriptions, please access this link - https://virginiabeach.gov/careers/job-descriptions-pay-plans?search=&group=E

VRS Contribution: All full-time employees are required to contribute 5% of annual salary toward their retirement account; in accordance with VRS retirement provisions. This will be handled through a pre-tax payroll deduction.

Drug Free Workplace: The City of Virginia Beach maintains a drug free workplace.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement: The City of Virginia Beach is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing a diverse and inclusive work environment. We do not discriminate against any applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status as defined by applicable law.