Animal Care Specialist (Kennels)

General Description

Performs a variety of animal control and care work in the kennels of the Animal Care and Adoption Division. Works under close to general supervision according to set procedures.

Minimum Education And Experience Requirements

• Requires six (6) months of experience in the professional care and handling of animals, and customer service.

Special Certifications and Licenses

• None.

Knowledge

• Knowledge of general animal care/health principals and practices.

Additional Information

• This position is a safety-sensitive position. Candidates selected for employment will be subject to pre-employment verifications to include but not limited to; post-offer physical examination/drug test and clearance of the Department of Children and Families Affidavit of Good Moral Character.

SCOPE OF WORK

• Receive dogs and cats brought to the shelter.
• Weighs, examines, and observes animals to detect signs of illness, disease, or injury.
• Places animals in kennels and maintains impounding records using the computer system.
• Cleans and sanitizes assigned kennel areas; organizes and disinfects equipment; laundry.
• Prepares food and feed animals according to schedules and feeding instructions.
• Provides drinking water for animals in the animal shelter.
• Reports any medical issues to clinic staff and may assist with the application or administration of monthly preventative parasiticides, routine vaccinations and/or oral medications.
• Performs daily census rounds and updates animal records as needed.
• Ensures disease management best practices are followed to prevent cross-contamination.
• Responds to questions and inquiries from citizens regarding the care of animals.
• Provides assistance to citizens visiting the shelter for adoption, redemption, and surrender of dogs and cats.
• Observation and interaction with animals at shelter in accordance with established guidelines and protocols to gather behavioral information and provide quality care.
• Maintains shelter records and notes medical/behavioral problems of animals using the computer system.
• Notifies supervisor of supply or equipment needs.
• Performs related work as required.

Physical Demands

• Physical demands refer to the requirements for physical exertion and coordination of limb and body movement. Performs medium work that involves walking, standing, stooping, stretching, or lifting all of the time and also involves exerting between 20 and 50 pounds of force on a regular and recurring basis or exceptional skill, adeptness, and speed in the use of fingers, hands, or limbs in tasks involving very close tolerances or limits of accuracy.

Unavoidable Hazards (Work Environment)

• Involves routine and frequent exposureto disease/pathogens, dog and cat allergens, potentially aggressive animals and periods of mental stress.

Competencies

• Decision Quality: Makes good and timely decisions that keep the organization moving forward.
• Action Oriented: Takes on new opportunities and tough challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy, and enthusiasm. Identifies what needs to be done and acts quickly. Shows optimism and enthusiasm that affects others positively. Works independently but knows when to ask for help.
• Communicates Effectively: Develops and delivers multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences. Listens attentively and takes an interest. Keeps others well informed; conveys information clearly, concisely, and professionally when speaking or writing.
• Courage: Steps up to address difficult issues, saying what needs to be said. Discusses tough issues with a frank and forthcoming approach; faces adversity and accepts challenges. When confronted, takes ownership and responds appropriately.
• Manages Ambiguity: Operates effectively, even when things are not certain or the way forward is not clear. Learns about changing priorities and responds appropriately. Connects with appropriate individuals to gain direction. Takes steps forward, even when details are unknown.
• Being Resilient: Rebounds from setbacks and adversity when facing difficult situations. Exhibits great composure during crisis situations and helps foster resilience and determination throughout the organization. Is a role model for dealing with hardships, and helps the organization learn and grow from the experiences.

Special Information

• Knowledge of general animal care/health principals and practices.

American With Disabilities Act (ADA) Compliance

• Broward County is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to inclusion. Broward County is committed to providing equal opportunity and reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities.

Tuitions Reimbursement

• Up to 2K annually.

Emergency Management Responsibilities

• Note: During emergency conditions, all County employees are automatically considered emergency service workers. County employees are subject to being called to work in the event of a disaster, such as a hurricane, or other emergency situation and are expected to perform emergency service duties, as assigned.

County Core Values

• Collaborates: Building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.
• Customer focus: Building strong customer relationships and delivering customer-centric solutions.
• Instills trust: Gaining the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity.
• Values differences: Recognizing the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to an organization.

Emergency Management Responsibilities

• Note: During emergency conditions, all County employees are automatically considered emergency service workers. County employees are subject to being called to work in the event of a disaster, such as a hurricane, or other emergency situation and are expected to perform emergency service duties, as assigned.

County-wide Employee Responsibilities

• All Broward County employees must serve the public and fellow employees with honesty and integrity in full accord with the letter and spirit of Broward County's Employee Code of Ethics, gift, and conflict of interest policies.
• All Broward County employees must establish and maintain effective working relationships with the general public, co-workers, elected and appointed officials and members of diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, political affiliation, familial status, sexual orientation, pregnancy, or gender identity and expression.