Professional Responder – Animal Care & Handling

About the role

This is a contingent position and the person hired will be employed through a third-party staffing agency. The target hiring range for this role is $20-$25 per hour and may be modified in the future.

Responsibilities

• Provides safe and humane capture and containment of stray, abandoned, unattended, diseased, or injured animals.
• Ensures safety precautions for the public and animals when working in potentially dangerous situations with unfamiliar and unpredictable animals.
• Observes animal appearance and activity for general physical condition, obvious signs of illness and discontent in the shelter, field, or on transport.
• Performs necessary cleaning and maintenance of all equipment and tools used in job assignments.
• Understands and complies with relevant Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) pertaining to animal handling, care, and transport whether in a field or shelter setting.
• Maintains a safe, clean environment for team members to work and for animals to reside.
• Other duties as assigned by the current Field or Shelter Lead.
• Must follow all Responder Expectations, Policies and Code of Conduct.
• Duties may be performed in a kennel environment with regular exposure to high noise levels, chemical cleaning agents, animal dander and wet floors.
• Duties may involve exposure to the elements which include but not limited to: working in extreme temperatures (hot and cold) for long periods of time, exposure to potentially fractious animals (including the risk of animal bites and scratches) and exposure to zoonotic diseases (which can be transferred from animals to people).

Qualifications

• At least 1 year of animal handling experience with the ASPCA or another animal welfare organization is desired.
• Utilizes a holistic approach to problem solving.
• Ability to communicate calmly, clearly and effectively in high stress environments.
• Ability to organize and guide individuals.
• Flexibility to adjust to new conditions and challenges.
• Has practical, relevant experience in small and/or large animal handling.
• Can assess basic small and/or large animal behavior.
• Ensures appropriate daily care is being provided.
• Capable of safe and humane handling of fractious, dangerous or difficult-to-handle animals.
• Experience utilizing specialized animal rescue equipment preferred.
• Ability to bend, crouch, crawl, and kneel.
• Ability to repeatedly lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to understand and follow protocols on wearing and maintaining proper PPE.
• Demonstrates care and concern for the well-being of animals.