Companion Animal Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Employment Status : Full-time (40 hrs. weekly)

Location : Salem, Oregon

Schedule : 4 days / 10 hour shifts / 1 weekend day will be required (Saturday or Sunday)

Compensation : $20.00 hourly

Benefits : Health Insurance : Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO, Paid Federal Holiday, 401k

Who We Are :

The Asher House is a registered non-profit sanctuary in Salem, Oregon. We rescue animals that have been discarded or unwanted, providing them with a life of comfort, love and adventure.

For over two years, their Founder, Lee Asher, traveled across 49 states to promote dog adoption and spotlight various shelters and rescues.

After his Pitbull Stella passed away, Lee was determined to fulfill his lifelong dream of creating a sanctuary, where animals could feel treasured, protected, and free.

In late 2020, Lee discovered a large parcel of property which was the perfect setting to turn his vision into a reality! We are here to help people have better days and get animals adopted.

The Asher House is on a mission to make the world a better place, one rescue animal at a time!

Job Description :

As a Companion Animal Technician, you will play a crucial role in the care and well-being of animals, and their behavioral health and enrichment.

Your responsibilities will include being able to assess, monitor, and enhance the behavioral aspects of companion animals under your care, as well as providing daily care for the animals.

Working closely with a team of animal care professionals, you will implement behavior management plans and enrichment activities to ensure the physical and mental health of the animals and be responsible for the general caretaking of the animals.

This position requires much of the time to be spent outdoors and the desire to be part of a team setting.

Note : Please read the full job description and required qualifications. Only candidates that meet all criteria will be considered for the position.

Responsibilities :

• Daily care includes :
• Feeding, watering, medicating, exercising, and providing daily enrichment
• Clean and sanitize animal housing areas.
• Monitor animal health for signs of illness, or unusual behavior. Make notation and report any problems regarding health and behavior of the animals to the appropriate staff to ensure the necessary medical appointments and follow ups are made.
• Including animals that may be isolated or quarantined.
• Follow proper protocols and procedures to ensure the safety and highest quality of care for the animals, including animals that may be in insolation and quarantine.
• Prompt communication around animal supply levels / inventory and work with staff to ensure that the necessary amount and type of equipment / supplies are always organized and maintained on the premises.
• Assist in loading and unloading animal supplies at the sanctuary.
• Ensure animals are always supervised.
• Monitor play groups and ensure dogs are safely playing and engaging with one another.
• Ensure animals are in secured areas of the sanctuary when visitors arrive to the property for the sake of safety to both animals and people.
• Provide overnight care when necessary.
• Keep supplies organized and areas throughout the house organized and free from clutter.
• Meet with outside contractors coming to the property to do various work on the property / house.
• Ensure proper supplies are on hand, and if additional supplies are needed work with appropriate staff for reordering.
• Act as a responsible and compassionate representative of The Asher House at all times.
• Behavior Assessment :
• Conduct thorough behavioral assessments of animals to identify specific needs, challenges, and opportunities for enrichment.
• Develop a comprehensive understanding of each animal's behavioral profile.
• Enrichment Planning and Implementation :
• Design and implement behavior enrichment programs tailored to the individual needs and species-specific behaviors of animals.
• Create and introduce a variety of stimulating activities, toys, and environmental enhancements to promote natural behaviors.
• Training and Positive Reinforcement :
• Utilize positive reinforcement techniques to train animals in cooperation with veterinary procedures, handling, and basic commands.
• Collaborate with staff to address and modify undesirable behaviors through positive reinforcement and behavior modification plans.
• Documentation and Reporting :
• Maintain detailed records of behavioral observations, interventions, and progress for each animal.
• Generate regular reports to communicate behavioral changes, challenges, and improvements to relevant team members.
• Collaboration and Communication :
• Work closely with staff members to develop and implement cohesive care plans.
• Provide training and guidance to animal care staff regarding behavioral management techniques.
• Stay current on industry trends, advancements in behavioral science, and best practices in animal welfare.
• Other job duties as assigned.

Qualifications :

• 3-5 years' experience working with companion animals, preferably in a shelter, sanctuary, or similar setting. (REQUIRED)
• Strong knowledge of animal behavior and positive reinforcement techniques.
• Excellent observational and analytical skills.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Physical fitness and agility to work in various environments and handle animals safely.

The Asher House is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, disability, as well as any other characteristic protected by federal, provincial, or local law.

origin, disability, as well as any other characteristic protected by federal, provincial, or local law.