Animal Handler

Animal Caretaker

Humanely receive, inspect, feed, clean and care for animals housed at the City shelters; prepare and handle animals for impoundment; assist the general public and rescue groups in viewing and selecting adoptable animals; answer questions regarding City ordinances and regulations; assist in the safe and humane handling of animals during euthanasia procedures and perform a variety of tasks relative to the assigned area of responsibility. This is a safety sensitive position subject to random drug/alcohol testing. Job descriptions are intended to present a general listof tasks/duties performed by employees within this job classification. Job Descriptions are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

Essential and Supplemental Functions

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Essential functions may include, but are not limited to the functions listed below. Must be able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation.

1. Receive and impound animals; determine breed, sex and temperament to place animals in appropriate kennel area; generate accurate, required impound cards and forms; obtain as much information as possible about the animal from the person delivering the animal to the City kennel or animal control center.
2. Humanely care for, delouse and feed animals; rinse, scrub and disinfect a variety of animal's enclosures including kennels, aviaries and aquariums, hallways, floors, walls and isolation/quarantine areas; operate kennel laundry; prepare food; clean water and food dishes and related kennel equipment and facilities.
3. Transport, or assist in transporting, animals to various locations as needed using humane methods; drive and operate a variety of motor vehicles used for transporting animals.
4. Assist clients in reclaiming animals.
5. Assist the general public and rescue groups in viewing and selecting adoptable animals; provide general information on the proper care of and responsibilities for an adopted animal; counsel potential pet owners in selecting an animal of the appropriate size, breed and disposition.
6. Respond promptly and courteously to questions and inquiries; educate the general public and rescue groups about City ordinances and regulations.
7. Work with volunteers as assigned.
8. Identify sick, injured or diseased animals; take precautions to prevent the spread of disease to other animals or humans; recommend veterinary care if needed; administer first aid when necessary or appropriate.
9. Remove, or assist in the removal of, deceased animals from public areas as needed.
10. Assist in the performance of the humane animal euthanasia procedures; ensure safe humane handling of animals during procedure.

1. Serve as safety representative; receive reports on accidents and injuries, or unsafe conditions; make recommendations for improving safe operations.
2. Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

Minimum Education, Experience And Additional Requirements

Education directly related to the minimum requirements below may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis. High School diploma or GED or successful completion of two (2) WorkKeys® Skills Assessments (listed below); and Two (2) years of animal care experience. If applicant does not possess a valid High School diploma or GED, WorkKeys® skills assessments must be successfully completed by the prospective candidate in order to apply for this position. Workkeys® assessment scores needed for this position are as follows:

• Workplace documents with a minimum score of Level 4
• Graphic Literacy with a minimum score of Level 4

Possession of a valid New Mexico Driver's License, or the ability to obtain by date of hire. Possession of a City Operator's Permit (COP) within 6 months from date of hire.

Working Conditions

Environmental: Animal shelter environment; exposure to a variety of domestic and wild animals, animal body fluids, waste and infectious materials; outdoor and or inclement weather conditions; may be exposed to hostile or abusive members of the public; exposure to noise. Must be able to work weekends, nights and holidays. Physical: Essential and supplemental functions may require maintaining physical condition necessary for moderate to heavy lifting; bending, stooping, kneeling, crawling; sitting or standing for prolonged periods; operating motorized equipment and vehicles.