Animal Care Technician

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Do thorough daily cleaning, as assigned, each morning before kennel opens to the public
• Mix and use cleaning chemicals as directed to reduce disease transmission
• Maintain sanitary conditions, food and water supply for animals
• Scoop and mop dog run throughout the day, scoop cat litter boxes, maintain clean food/water bowls, clean up spilled food on floors, etc.
• Provide customer assistance and be available to answer questions from the public concerning animals in the facility
• Introduce and replenish supplies
• Provide all animals with enrichment
• Operate laundry and dishwashing equipment
• Observe animals, document and route health and behavior concerns to the appropriate department
• Check and maintain dog fun run areas (setting hose, cleaning, dumping or filling pools in summer, etc.)
• Be kind to the animals and show consideration in order to reduce animal stress
• Follow all safety guidelines, including PPEs to ensure a safe environment
• Absorb other staff with their assignments
• Assist in exam room if trained and approved
• Perform euthanasia, if trained and certified
• Perform dog and cat behavior assessments if trained and needed
• Handle aggressive animals, work with Do Not Enter plans and report new behaviors immediately to managers/leads on duty when needed

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED
• Interest in animal welfare
• Reliable and detailed oriented
• Demonstrated initiative and good judgment
• Basic animal handling experience with knowledge of canine and feline behavior
• Familiarity with animal restraint techniques and medical terminology
• Ability to handle animals of various sizes and activity levels safely, compassionately and effectively
• Excellent customer service skills, with ability to interact patiently and tactfully with a diverse customer base
• Experience in the use of positive reinforcement methods, including appropriate use of food and humane products
• Committed to and enthusiastic about the mission, programs and services of the Maryland SPCA

Physical Demands

• Ability to perform physical duties, including animal handling and occasional lifting and carrying up to 50 lbs.
• Extended periods of standing, walking, sitting, bending, stooping, and reaching.
• Work is performed in a shelter setting
• Exposure to disinfecting solutions when cleaning, exposure to unpleasant odors and high noise levels when in kennel area
• Exposure to various weather conditions when working outdoors
• Potential exposure to zoonotic diseases, sharp objects, hazardous chemicals, dangerous and fractious animals
• Techician is regularly exposed to animals, animal waste, high noise and potentially hazardous conditions, including the risk of animal bites