Kennel Attendant

Department: Police Department, Community Services Division

FLSA: Non-Exempt • Retirement: KPERS

About the role

The Kennel Attendant provides for the humane treatment and care of animals, mostly domestic, housed at the Animal Control Shelter.

Supervision

The Kennel Attendant works under the direct supervision of the Animal Control Supervisor and oversees volunteer workers, monitoring their daily activities and reporting any substandard performance to the supervisor.

Responsibilities

• Take in animals delivered to the shelter, adopt out animals per City policy, and release impounded animals claimed by owners who have met established requirements.
• Feed and water sheltered animals.
• Clean and disinfect kennels and outdoor yard area using appropriate tools and chemicals.
• Perform or assist in the euthanasia process as needed.
• Monitor inventory on hand and request additional supplies as necessary.
• Perform basic janitorial maintenance and cleaning of the Animal Control building.
• Perform routine or seasonal grounds maintenance.
• Work effectively with volunteer organizations and volunteers for the care and adoption of animals.
• Maintain and update social media sites/pages related to animal control functions.
• Complete and maintain reports and records required by the City of Leavenworth and the State of Kansas.
• Communicate with Animal Control Officers and police dispatch via 2-way radio to relay information regarding animal complaints and calls for service.
• Maintain and monitor a safety culture in accordance with City policy to minimize accidents, injuries, and property damage.
• Oversee the safety of assigned operations by instructing individuals in proper safety procedures and reporting violations to the supervisor.
• May perform or assist in accident investigations.
• May serve on various employee committees.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Must have graduated high school or have an equivalent GED certificate.
• Must possess, or obtain within 90 days of employment, a current, valid state driver’s license (and maintain it for the duration of employment) and meet insurability standards under the fleet insurance policy.
• Must maintain a residential phone.
• No felony convictions.
• Must satisfactorily complete a one-year probationary period.
• Must attend and pass a euthanasia certification course paid for by the City within the first year of employment.
• Ability to meet attendance requirements, including variable shifts, nights, and weekends.

Skills

• Ability to recognize and enforce violations of municipal ordinances or state laws pertaining to animal transfer and adoptions.
• Ability to provide credible testimony in a court of law regarding violations of criminal law and local ordinance.
• Pleasant and professional demeanor as the first point of contact for visitors to the shelter.
• Correct grammatical use of the English language in reports and other paperwork.
• Coherent verbal communication in English, both face-to-face and via two-way radio.
• Ability to file and retrieve documents alphabetically or numerically.
• Working knowledge of social media sites and posting methods.
• Ability to accurately count money and provide appropriate change during business transactions.

Tools and Equipment

• Power and yard equipment such as push lawnmower, weed trimmer, and high-pressure power washer.