Animal Handler

Position Summary

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.

Essential and Supplemental Functions

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Absorb and assist clients in reclaiming animals.
• 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.
• Respond promptly and courteously to questions and inquiries; educate the general public and rescue groups about City ordinances and regulations.
• Work with volunteers as assigned.
• 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.
• Remove, or assist in the removal of, deceased animals from public areas as needed.
• Assist in the performance of the humane animal euthanasia procedures; ensure safe humane handling of animals during procedure.

Minimum Education, Experience And Additional Requirements

• 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. Click here for information on how to schedule a Workkeys® assessment. 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

Additional Requirements

• 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.
• 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.