Animal Care Technician

Company: Animal Welfare League of Alexandria
Location: Alexandria
Posted on: June 25, 2022

Job Description:

DEPARTMENT: Animal Care FLSA STATUS: Non-ExemptJOB SUMMARY: Responsible for daily cleaning, feeding, and enrichment of the animals. Staff will also be expected to assist staff and the public with handling animals, and keep the non-administrative areas of the shelter clean. Weekend work will be required; Saturday or Sunday availability is required. As the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria operates a City-owned facility, the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria follows the City of Alexandria's COVID-19 vaccine policy for staff. All employees will be required to provide proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test. New hires who are unvaccinated or choose not to disclose their vaccination status will be required to be tested weekly for COVID-19. RequirementsESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB INCLUDE: Animal Care:Ensure that all animal areas are clean, sanitary and comfortableClean animal enclosures every morningFeed, water, and groom animals on a daily basis, while monitoring the physical condition and behavior of each animalProvide affection and socialization to all animals on a regular basis, including walking dogs as neededAfter appropriate training, assist with the examination and vaccination of animals entering the shelterAfter appropriate training, assist with the evaluation of the medical status of an animal to determine whether it is stable and can remain in the shelterParticipate in dog playgroups as neededAssist in keeping the office areas where animals are housed neat and cleanCommunicate regularly with supervisors and coworkers to ensure that they are aware of any issues pertinent to their areas of responsibilityParticipate in staff meetings to share ideas and suggestions for improving animal care and the quality of the organization as a whole Administrative:Ensure that paperwork and records are maintained accurately and that database information is updatedLearn and use the descriptive identification used by AWLA, and develop a current working knowledge of all American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized breeds and other commonly seen dog breeds, as well as commonly seen cat breedsDevelop a basic working knowledge of the AWLA's procedures, guidelines, and protocols for the safe handling of animalsLegal and statistical reporting procedures, and veterinary protocolsFederal and Commonwealth of Virginia substance regulations, and Commonwealth of Virginia and municipal animal regulationsUnderstand and comprehend AWLA's Animal Care Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)Assist on an as needed basis with AWLA inventory and report necessary product ordersAssist with the intake exams of stray, injured and owner-relinquished animalsAccurately complete all animal intake paperworkMaintain accurate animal intake information in databaseRetrieve general voicemail messages and respond to calls and/or forward them to the appropriate departmentPOSITION SPECIFICATIONS:Required:High school diploma or equivalentProven ability to handle multiple tasks in a busy workplace environmentAbility to accurately perform basic mathematical calculationUnderstanding of humane care and treatment of animalsValid Driver's LicenseFluent in EnglishPreferredExperience in animal careSpanish language skillsShelter experienceWORKING CONDITIONS:Indoors in a high noise, air-conditioned/heated building, outdoors at shelter in various weather conditions, or on-location for various activitiesEquipment use:Includes use of PC, laser printer, copy machine, fax machine, telephone, power washer, industrial dish washing machine, laundry machine, dryer, and cleaning suppliesWork hours: Work hours will varyEarly morning, evening, weekend and holiday hours will be requiredSchedule will be four 10 hour days - Sunday thru Wednesday or Wednesday thru SaturdayMENTAL, PHYSICAL AND COMMUNCATION DEMANDS:Regular exposure to animals, cleaning chemicals, fumes, dust, animal feces, bites, scratchesThe employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds; 100lbs with assistanceThe employee must frequently bend, grip and be flexible to do soSpecific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focusAbility to work around pet dander, dust and other allergens without issueRegularly required to stand and walkStrong data entry skills and the ability to maintain accurate records in a database, currently ChameleonRequires working alone or with minimal supervision - must be self-motivatedRequires patience and tact when working with difficult, emotional, or angry peopleMust have the ability to effectively communicate; verbally and written, over the phone and intercom, with a wide variety of both internal and external individuals, including the Directors, Managers, Coordinators, the staff, a volunteer workforce, partner organizations, and private citizensRequires treating people and animals in a pleasant, courteous and professional mannerAdherence to AWLA's policies and philosophiesMust be willing to receive Rabies vaccine and/or titers test upon request This position description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related duties required by their supervisor. This document does not create an employment contract implied or otherwise, other than an "at-will" relationship.COMPENSATION:The pay for the Animal Care Technician position starts at $15 per hour. In addition the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria offers an excellent benefits package including health care, dental, and vision coverage, a retirement plan, paid time off and additional employee benefits. The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, disability, gender identity, results of genetic testing, service in the military, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions. Equal employment opportunity applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leave of absence, compensation and training. As the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria operates a City-owned facility, the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria follows the City of Alexandria's COVID-19 vaccine policy for staff. All employees will be required to provide proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test. New hires who are unvaccinated or choose not to disclose their vaccination status will be required to be tested weekly for COVID-19.

Keywords: Animal Welfare League of Alexandria, Alexandria , Animal Care Technician, Professions , Alexandria, Virginia