Animal Care Specialist I/II - Extra-Help Animal Care Specialist I/II

Examples of Duties

• Receives, unloads, processes and impounds animals from the general public and Animal Service Officers.
• Separate all newly received animals for observation, treatment, and segregation.
• Assess animal's condition.
• Administer vaccination for common diseases.
• Scan for microchip identification device.
• Assign the animal a unique tracking number and collar.
• Accurately fills out appropriate forms.
• Place the animal in the kennel or arranges for it to be examined by a veterinarian if needed.
• May assist Shelter Veterinarian in surgical suite and clean maintain and sterilize surgical instruments and equipment as required.
• Performs general, continuous clean up and maintenance of the assigned service area and grounds by washing with prescribed cleaning material or chemicals utilizing proper safety practices and equipment.
• Operates small trucks and stock trailers used in transporting animals, equipment, and supplies.
• Examines animals to determine age/sex, behavioral characteristics, and overall condition.
• Maintains inventory of food, tools, and other related supplies.
• Conducts informational tours, educational tours for interested groups visiting the facility.
• Conducts animal adoption interviews with potential adopters.
• Administers vaccines and other prescribed medications to animals in our care.
• Implant microchip identification devices.
• Assists the Animal Control Supervisor and/or Animal Care Specialist II in performing humane euthanasia.
• Performs Humane Euthanasia (ACS II).
• May assist Shelter Veterinarian in surgical suite and clean maintain and sterilize surgical instruments and equipment as required.
• May direct and oversee the activities of volunteers, community service, work-in-lieu, welfare-to-work or work experience participants.

  Minimum Qualifications

  • Animal Care Specialist I: Some experience in the feeding, care and maintenance of domestic companion animals and/or livestock. High school graduation or equivalent. Valid California Driver's License free of repetitive moving violations and preventable accidents. Possession of valid California Euthanasia by Injection certificate.
  • Animal Care Specialist II: Minimum of one (1) year experience comparable to an Animal Care Specialist I in Merced County. Valid California Driver's License free of repetitive moving violations and preventable accidents. Possession of valid California Euthanasia by Injection certificate.

  Essential Functions

  • Communicate effectively with others in person, in writing, or using various types of communication devices.
  • Safely use animal handling equipment and small hand tools for repair of equipment and facility maintenance.
  • Provide customer service in a courteous and professional manner.
  • Analyze data, interpret policies, procedures and regulations, develop appropriate conclusions, and prepare reports.
  • Meet deadlines under stressful conditions.
  • Resolve conflicts and respond appropriately to complaints.
  • Maintain confidential information in accordance with legal standards and/or County regulations.
  • Conduct field activities on uneven surfaces under various environmental conditions.
  • Physically restrain animals.
  • Drive a light truck safely and in accordance with traffic laws.
  • Occasional use of computers and various office equipment.
  • Sitting or standing for extended periods, walking for extended periods over uneven terrain or surfaces.
  • Occasional climbing stairs or ladders.
  • Driving, pushing/pulling and bending/squatting.
  • Frequent lifting and carrying of 5 to 50 pounds and occasional lifting and carrying of up to 75 pounds unassisted.
  • Constant use of overall visual capabilities.
  • Frequent use of color and depth perception, peripheral vision, hand/eye coordination, reading and/or close up work.
  • Constant concentration with frequent public contact.
  • Frequent euthanasia of both sick and healthy animals.
  • Occasional exposure to emergency situations, animal related trauma grief, or death.
  • Assignments require working weekends, overtime, holidays and early morning.
  • Use of various hand tools and powered maintenance equipment.
  • Frequent interaction with animals of various types and temperaments.
  • Exposure to outdoor conditions including heat/cold, dust, chemical residues, allergens, or odors; exposure to noise, indoor/outdoor industrial conditions including heat/cold, odors, chemicals and biohazards.
  • Regular attendance is an essential function.

  Knowledge

  • Varieties of dog breeds, cat breeds, and other domestic and wild animals.
  • Procedures in keeping kennels sanitary.
  • Proper materials and procedures used for cleaning purposes.
  • Proper euthanasia and disposal techniques for animals.
  • Proper care, handling and feeding for various dogs and animals and the common diseases of animals and their symptoms.
  • General maintenance equipment and techniques.
  • Basic animal handling techniques and basic behavioral characteristics of domestic pets, common wildlife and livestock.
  • Basic understanding of common domestic pet anatomy.
  • Basic understanding of state and local laws relating to the care and maintenance of domestic pets, livestock, wildlife and quarantining of suspected rabid animals.

  Ability

  • Care for various types of animals including those that are sick or injured, humanely and sympathetically.
  • Perform a variety of animal shelter maintenance activities using hand or power tools.
  • Handle animals properly without fear, safely and humanely.
  • Clean and sanitize assigned areas and equipment.
  • Administer medications and properly store, handle and log-controlled substances.
  • Use various types of office equipment including personal computers.
  • Perform injections on shelter animals including implanting microchip identification devices.
  • Understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
  • Keep clear and accurate records.
  • Work cooperatively with others.

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