Animal Care Attendant III

Job Title: Animal Care Attendant III

Department: Animal Care

Reports To: Animal Care Supervisors / Sr. Animal Welfare Manager

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt, Full-time

Salary Range (A3): Hiring Range: $19.50 - $22.00 per hour; Salary Range: $19.50 - $25.30 per hour

Overview:

The Sacramento SPCA is a vibrant, well-established and respected non-profit animal welfare organization. Through our nationally-ranked high-volume spay and neuter clinic (we are ranked as one of the top 10 clinics in the country!), successful adoption program, behavior and training programs and commitment to excellent animal care, the Sacramento SPCA is giving more than shelter and saving animals one life at a time. 

General Summary:

The Animal Care Attendant III serves as the Lead Animal Care Attendant. This position has a high level of responsibility within the Animal Care Department. In addition to performing advanced journey-level work in the department, this position will work aside other Animal Care Attendants to complete daily goals. This role requires an individual who is detailed-oriented, has advanced decision-making abilities, and can handle high-level responsibilities that affect the lives of the animals at the Sacramento SPCA. The Animal Care Attendant III will be a self-starter and able to understand the importance of each task and direction to ensure that the animals at the Sacramento SPCA receive the best care. The candidate must be experienced and knowledgeable in all areas of animal welfare, including animal behavior, health, and animal maintenance. The successful incumbent will serve as a leader and model the successful performance of all Animal Care duties along with the core values of the Sacramento SPCA.

Essential Job Functions:

• Performs all tasks of Animal Care Attendant I and II with proficiency and accuracy.
• Able to deliver excellent customer service and accurate information to the public, volunteers, and co-workers in a positive, courteous, truthful, and tactful manner.
• Responsible for examining, vaccinating, and administering flea prevention to all internal animals received at the Sacramento SPCA, which includes properly completing necessary paperwork.
• Administers vaccinations, treatments, medicates and completes preliminary physical examinations designated by the Shelter Medical Team.
• Assigned to train new and current staff and volunteers on areas of Animal Care under the direction of the Animal Care Supervisor.
• Performs, or assists with, the euthanasia of animals by established laws and Sacramento SPCA policy; disposes of the euthanized animal by established Sacramento SPCA procedure; maintains daily records and ensure all cabinets containing DEA controlled substances are kept locked and secured at all times.
• May be asked to assist in the behavior evaluations of internal dogs under the direction of the Animal Behavior Department.
• Cleans and disinfects animal cages, hallways, floors, walls, and isolation/quarantine areas throughout the shelter.
• Responsible for feeding, watering, walking and exercising all shelter animals daily.
• Responsible for daily and periodic checks regarding animal health, safety, cleanliness and overall well-being and reporting any significant problems immediately to his/her supervisor or Shelter Medical Team.
• Maintain the laundry and cleaning of dishes throughout the shelter.
• Will assist in managing volunteers assigned to the Animal Care Department including training, assistance, and oversight.
• Must be committed to a high standard of safety and be willing and able to comply with all safety laws and all of the employer’s safety policies and rules and must be willing to report safety violations and potential safety violations to appropriate supervisory or management personnel.

Additional Duties and Responsibilities:

• Responsible for the opening and closing of the shelter daily.
• Leads by example in achieving the organization's goals of delivering excellent customer service and making meaningful relationships.
• Treats all animals humanely, with compassion and concern, both on and off the job, and transmits these values to others.
• Continues developing shelter education and knowledge and successfully educate the public about animal welfare both at the shelter and in the community.
• Assists with tours, lectures, public education programs, fundraising activities, and special events as needed.
• Displays constant professionalism and models the standard of conduct for all employees.
• Attends monthly department meetings and attends continuing education training sessions.
• Ability to recognize opportunities to assist other staff members in their growth and advancement in the organization.
• Works with Spay and Neuter Clinic in maintaining a regular and accurate alteration schedule.
• Works well as part of a team and serve as role model for volunteers within the animal care department.
• May be asked to fulfill the roles of the Animal Care Supervisors if supervisors are not available. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Basic animal care knowledge of domestic animals including breeds, behavior, appropriate care and housing, common health problems, disease symptoms and handling techniques.
• Ability to read and comprehend instructions, short correspondence, and memos.
• Basic computer skills using standard office programs such as Word or similar programs.
• Ability to write reports and correspondence.
• Ability to effectively present information in one on one and small group situations to customers, volunteers, and other employees of the organization.
• Valid California Driver’s license with a clean driving record for at least one year before receiving an application.

Education and Experience:

• High school graduate or GED equivalent.
• Associate's degree in a related field is preferred. Relevant experience may be substituted for education.
• One year related animal care experience in an animal shelter or veterinary hospital is required.
• Required to have a California State Euthanasia Certification or ability to obtain within six months of employment.

Physical Requirements:

• Any allergic condition that would be aggravated from exposure or through contact with animals or chemicals used to sanitize facilities, vehicles or equipment, may be a disqualification.
• Must stand, sit, walk, bend and stoop frequently to perform duties. Must have the ability to perform prolonged strenuous physical activity, including lifting and carrying objects weighing up to 50 pounds alone or up to 100 pounds with the help of fellow employees for short distances.
• At times must chase or run after animals that have escaped confinement.

Working Conditions:

• You may be exposed to hostile or abusive members of the public. Must be able to deal with an often emotion-charged public and carry a fast-paced and changing workload which at times can be stressful.
• By nature of the industry, there may be occasional exposure to dead, injured, sick, unruly, vicious, and dangerous animals in addition to exposure to parasites and infectious diseases.
• Must be available and willing to work weekends, holidays, approved overtime, and attend mandatory training and meetings as the employer determines are necessary or desirable to meet its business needs.

Note: The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees, but are not a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Either employer or employee may terminate the employment relationship at any time with or without notice and with or without cause.