Student - Darbster Kitty Kennel Technician (Work-Study Only)

Southern New Hampshire University is a team of innovators. World changers. Individuals who believe in progress with purpose. Since 1932, our people-centered strategy has defined us — and helped us grow a team that now serves over 180,000 learners worldwide.

Our mission to transform lives is made possible by talented people who bring diverse industry experience, backgrounds and skills to the university. And today, we're ready to expand our reach. All we need is you.

The opportunity

Southern New Hampshire University is seeking a student employee to fill the role of Kennel Technician for our partner organization, Darbster Kitty in Manchester, NH. The Kennel Technician supports the daily care, health, cleanliness, and well-being of cats at Darbster
Kitty. Students will gain hands-on animal care experience while maintaining a clean and safe rescue environment, documenting feline care, and working collaboratively with staff and veterinary personnel.

Job Responsibilities

• Clean cat condos and cages
• Feed and care for cats at the rescue
• Assist vet techs with medical care, which may potentially mean medicating cats (depending on level of comfort with this process)
• Cleaning the facility (cleaning dirty crates, emptying trash, laundry, mopping floors)
• Document care by entering notes for each feline into the database.
• Assist with customer service and answering phones (for afternoon students)

Minimum Qualifications

• Current enrollment in classes as part of a SNHU degree program
• Work study part of financial aid package
• Students with work study may be prioritized
• Reliable transportation
• Reliable and punctual with the ability to maintain a consistent work schedule.
• Able to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Comfortable working around cats with varying personalities, behaviors, and medical needs.
• Willing to learn feline behavior, basic medical care, sanitation procedures, and disease prevention practices.
• Able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Comfortable performing routine cleaning and sanitation tasks.
• Able to communicate professionally with staff, volunteers, and members of the public.
• Physical Requirements: Ability to stand and walk for extended periods; frequently bend, kneel, reach, and perform repetitive cleaning tasks; and safely lift and carry up to 40 pounds.
• Must be able to safely handle cats and animal carriers and work in an active animal-care environment.

Learning Outcomes (NACE Competencies)

• Professionalism & Teamwork: Students will develop reliability, accountability, workplace communication, and teamwork while participating in the daily operation of an animal rescue.
• Communication: Students will strengthen professional communication skills by documenting animal care, communicating observations to staff, and interacting appropriately with members of the public.
• Critical Thinking: Students will develop observational and problem-solving skills by recognizing changes in feline behavior or condition and appropriately communicating concerns to trained staff.
• Career & Self-Development: Students will gain hands-on exposure to animal welfare, shelter operations, feline behavior, sanitation, and veterinary support, helping them explore careers in animal care and related fields.

Work Schedule

16-20 hours per week, flexible 4, 6 or 8 hour shifts with a focus on earlier shifts

We believe real innovation comes from inclusion - where different experiences, perspectives and talents are celebrated. So if you're wondering whether SNHU is right for you, take the leap and apply. You might be just the person we're looking for.

Compensation

The hourly pay range for this position is $13.00 - $15.00. Actual offer will be based on skills, qualifications, experience and internal equity, in addition to relevant business considerations.