Part-Time Pet Care & Enrichment Specialist

About the role

Burlington Animal Services provides animal sheltering services for Alamance County and its municipalities. This position reports to the Operation Manager and is responsible for providing daily direct care and behavioral enrichment of pets at the Burlington Animal Services Pet Adoption & Resource Center.

Responsibilities

• Provide pets with prescribed activities to enhance their well-being.
• Clean and maintain animal enclosures, general facility areas, equipment, instruments, and toys.
• Observe and report changes in animal health or behavior to veterinary staff.
• Manage animals of varying dispositions during examinations, procedures, exercise, and enrichment.
• Assist veterinary staff with animal care and medical procedures.
• Administer prescribed vaccinations and medications.
• Feed animals according to feeding schedules and special diet requirements.
• Perform initial health and behavior evaluations of admitted animals to identify potential concerns.
• Aid visitors with pet admissions, lost pet recovery, pet help programs, and pet placement.
• Photograph admitted animals and scan for microchips to ensure proper identification.
• Collaborate with staff, volunteers, and placement partners through oral and written communication.
• Perform other related tasks as assigned to support animal care and facility operations.

Qualifications

• Expertise in Animal Welfare: Best Practices - In-depth knowledge of modern practices in animal sheltering, humane care, handling, welfare, behavior, enrichment, housing, and care.
• Regulatory Knowledge - Familiarity with laws, codes, and regulations related to animal welfare.
• Animal Care Skills - Animal Handling: Proficiency in caring for and handling animals, including administering medications, vaccinations, and providing behavioral enrichment.
• Stress Management - Ability to manage and respond to emotional stress in self and others while maintaining professional boundaries and prioritizing self-care.
• Communication and Collaboration - Professional Interaction: Strong skills in communicating effectively with co-workers and the public. Team Collaboration: Maintain positive, collaborative, and harmonious relationships with co-workers, volunteers, and others.
• Administrative and Technical Proficiency - Record Keeping: Competence in completing and maintaining digital files, records, and forms. Policy Adherence: Ability to read, interpret, and follow departmental rules, regulations, policies, and procedures. Technology Use: Knowledge and basic skills in email and modern office technology.
• Adaptability and Resilience - Flexibility: Adapt to changing priorities, assignments, and interruptions with ease. Resilience: Exhibit resilience in stressful situations and a willingness to embrace change.

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with an associate degree OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Valid Driver’s License.

Special Requirements

• Fear Free © Certification (within first 6 months of employment).

Supplemental Information

• Physical Requirements And Working Conditions: Handle animals that are sick or injured, frightened or dangerous, or who may display unpredictable behavior. Individuals must be able to lift up to 75 pounds. Stand, sit, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl to inspect and/or clean shelter enclosures. Must be able to lift, carry, and restrain animals and operate vehicles and equipment. Work requires exposure to potentially hazardous conditions such as aggressive animals and zoonotic diseases. Work in this position is primarily performed indoors.
• The City of Burlington does not offer benefits to part-time positions which require less than 1000 work hours per calendar year.