KENNEL TECHNICIAN

About the role

This position provides routine care for animals in the shelter and supports Department operations through customer service and administrative tasks.

Responsibilities

• Cares for shelter animals: feeds, trains, and exercises animals; administers vaccines and medications; draws blood as needed; grooms pets by bathing, trimming nails, and treating for fleas; washes bedding and toys; checks for/reads microchips; performs temperament tests for adoption matches.
• Maintains animal control shelter: mixes cleaners to disinfect dog runs, cat cages, and small animal cages; scrubs equipment; cleans the yard, floors, treatment rooms, and reception area; removes trash and processes recycling; performs other maintenance duties.
• Performs intake of unwanted, lost, hurt, abandoned, or trapped animals: checks for microchips; assesses animal health; administers vaccinations and de-wormer; records vital statistics; obtains photos; prepares cage identification cards; assists with wildlife and rabies vector intake.
• Assists with routine medical care: administers medications and first aid; restrains animals; obtains blood, stool, and swab samples; assists with dental extractions, anesthesia induction, and microchip implantation; conducts fecal analysis; prepares medical records; administers euthanasia medications as directed.
• Supports animal adoptions: supervises introductions of potential adoptions; answers questions about responsible pet ownership; enters adoption records and fees into the computer system; processes adoption fees.
• Provides clerical support: prepares and processes adoption contracts, vaccine forms, microchip forms, and animal cage cards; enters animal records into the database; documents animal health and care; maintains euthanasia logs.
• Processes department documentation: reviews, completes, and forwards forms, reports, and correspondence; compiles data for department reports; maintains computerized and hardcopy records.
• Operates computers and office equipment: uses word processing, spreadsheet, database, internet, and email software; operates general office equipment.
• Communicates with supervisors, County employees, the public, and community groups to coordinate work and exchange information.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• One (1) year of related experience caring for animals, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Must possess and maintain a Euthanasia certification.

Skills

• Knowledge of local government operations, Animal Control programs, policies, and modern office practices.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and similar programs.
• Skill in using equipment related to essential job functions.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to interact courteously with employees and the public.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings.
• Ability to multi-task and meet deadlines.
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive matters.
• Ability to use computers for data entry, word processing, and accounting.
• Ability to operate office equipment such as copiers.

Physical Demands

• Heavy work: exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, up to 50 pounds frequently, and up to 20 pounds constantly.
• Requires mental acuity for decision-making, logical reasoning, and verbal expression.
• Close visual acuity required.

Work Environment

• Work is performed both indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• May require standing for extended periods.
• Exposure to adverse conditions: dirt, dust, pollen, odors, wetness, humidity, rain, heights, confined spaces, animal/wildlife attacks, animal/human bites, disease, or rude/irate customers.
• Noise level may range from moderate to loud.