Position Summary :
The main purpose of this position is to provide quality care for the animals, maintain the cleanliness of the shelter facility, and to serve the public in a professional, expedient, and courteous manner.
Schedule : Part-time,3 days a week, 8 hour shifts
Essential Duties and Responsibilities :
- Do thorough daily cleaning, as assigned, each morning before kennel opens to the public
- Mix and use cleaning chemicals as directed to reduce disease transmission
- Maintain sanitary conditions, food and water supply for animals
- Scoop and mop dog run throughout the day, scoop cat litter boxes, maintain clean food / water bowls, clean up spilled food on floors, etc.
- Provide customer assistance and be available to answer questions from the public concerning animals in the facility animals to visitors if requested in get-acquainted room or outside if appropriate
- Maintain daily feeding / observation charts
- Introduce replenish supplies
- Provide all animals with enrichment
- Operate laundry and dishwashing equipment
- Observe animals, document and route health and behavior concerns to the appropriate department
- Check and maintain dog fun run areas (setting hose, cleaning, dumping or filling pools in summer, etc.)
- Be kind to the animals and show consideration in order to reduce animal stress
- Follow all safety guidelines, including PPEs to ensure a safe environment
- Assist other staff with their assignments
- Help train new staff and volunteers
- Perform other duties as assigned, which may include but are not limited to :
- Assist in exam room if trained and approved
- Perform euthanasia, if trained and certified
- Perform dog and cat behavior assessments if trained and needed
- Handle aggressive animals, work with Do Not Enter plans and report new behaviors immediately to managers / leads on duty when needed
Qualifications :
- High school diploma or GED
- Interest in animal welfare
- Reliable and detailed oriented
- Demonstrated initiative and good judgment
- Basic animal handling experience with knowledge of canine and feline behavior
- Familiarity with animal restraint techniques and medical terminology
- Ability to handle animals of various sizes and activity levels safely, compassionately and effectively
- Excellent customer service skills, with ability to interact patiently and tactfully with a diverse customer base
- Experience in the use of positive reinforcement methods, including appropriate use of food and humane products
- Ability to accept decisions about animal placement into program or humane euthanasia
- Committed to and enthusiastic about the mission, programs and services of the Maryland SPCA
- New employees must show proof they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. The MD SPCA will consider reasonable accommodations on a case-by-case basis, for exceptions to this requirement in accordance with applicable law
Physical Demands :
- Ability to lift and / or carry up to 50 pounds
- Standing and walking 8 or more hours per day with frequent bending, kneeling, stooping and reaching
Working Conditions :
- Work is performed in a shelter setting
- Exposure to disinfecting solutions when cleaning, exposure to unpleasant odors and high noise levels when in kennel area
- Exposure to various weather conditions when working outdoors
- Potential exposure to zoonotic diseases, sharp objects, hazardous chemicals, dangerous and fractious animals
- Technician is regularly exposed to animals, animal waste, high noise and potentially hazardous conditions, including the risk of animal bites
19 days ago