Shelter Technician

General Info

Job Title: Shelter Technician
Job Location: Stafford, VA 22554
Date Updated: August 2, 2021
Job Type: Full Time / Part Time
Compensation: $13 – $15 hourly starting wage, depending on experience

Job Description

Applicant will work under the general direction of the Executive Director, the Director of Operations and other shelter management.  Primary functions are to perform duties under limited supervision, including all necessary work to maintain general cleanliness, organization, repair, and sanitation of the entire shelter, with the focus being the overall health and well-being of the animals in our care.

Our Shelter Technicians are primarily responsible for animal care within our shelter. Everyday responsibilities include feeding, medicating, exercising, and socializing with shelter animals. A very significant portion of everyday tasks also involves sanitizing, disinfecting, scrubbing, and cleaning in a variety of contexts. Everyday responsibilities also include documentation of animal health conditions and distinguishing between minor health concerns and major health concerns.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• 18 years of age or older
• Minimum 6 months experience in the animal care field (volunteer experience is acceptable, if verifiable)
• No allergies to, or fear of, animals, birds, reptiles, etc.
• Ability to work days, evenings, weekends and holidays.
• Ability to lift 50+ pounds.
• Ability to work outside in extreme weather conditions.
• Clear criminal history.
• Valid driver’s license, proof of insurance and your own, reliable transportation.
• Be willing to submit to and pass drug screening.

Duties will include but are not limited to:

Animal Care

• Daily feeding and care of all custodial animals, to include scooping of litter boxes and walking dogs around the property multiple times a day, even in inclement weather. (Applicant must be physically able to complete all duties)
• Health care surveillance/maintenance of all animals, and the ability to recognize common ailments, parasites, symptoms and any medical or emotional decline, and react appropriately. Report daily regarding medical issues and overall health and welfare of all custodial animals.
• Consult with SPCA management and SPCA approved vets, regarding diagnosis and treatment of any medical conditions, and appropriate applications of shelter medicine protocol.
• Administration of medications as directed by SPCA approved vets, and SPCA management.
• Socialize animals throughout the course of the workday.
• Monitor the appetite, hydration, stools, and vomit of all animals and be willing to clean any animals and properly clean and sanitize any animal areas.
• Perform basic animal grooming to include, but not limited to combing fur, brushing teeth, removing mats, tangles, bathing, trimming nails, and other care needs.
• Cultivate and maintain a “Zen-like” shelter environment to decrease stress, minimize disease, and alleviate anxiety for all resident animals.

Cleanliness / Sanitation / Safety

• Follow and enforce all established SPCA policies and protocols.
• Clean and disinfect shelter and animal areas daily, with special emphasis placed on infectious disease control and proper disinfecting procedures.
• Assist in keeping shelter grounds in ideal condition for animal and volunteer needs.
• Ensure the safety of people and animals at the shelter and at special events.
• Safely and humanely handle all animals, and perform all related health care functions, for all species, including those with unknown temperaments, including potentially aggressive, wild, sick and/or injured animals.
• Take immediate action to address any safety concerns that could put a staff member, volunteer, client, visitor, animal, or the organization at risk.

Record Keeping / Technology

• Maintain all animal medical and treatment records accurately and in a timely fashion.
• Receive, track, inventory, and acknowledge all monetary, and “in-kind” donations of supplies and materials in accordance with SPCA policies.
• Accurately document daily feeding, exercise, medication, and general care of animals.
• Work with SPCA management to set, keep on hand, and monitor minimums for inventory purposes of all medications, food items, cleaning supplies, and all other items necessary for the safe and professional operation of the shelter.
• Must have working knowledge of basic internet technology (Gmail, Google Calendar, etc.)
• Be available by phone, text, and email for workday, after hours, and emergency communication. Smart phone required for access to SPCA-assigned email.

Volunteer Assistance

• Work with volunteers to care for all animals, and maintain the grounds and facility in a clean, neat, organized, professional and attractive manner.
• Work cooperatively with volunteers, mentoring, monitoring, and recognizing the talent and commitment they bring to the Stafford SPCA by the donation of their time, skills, energy, and effort.
• Supervise volunteers in identifying high priority tasks and following through to make sure all daily, weekly, and monthly tasks are completed.

People Care

• Provide information to the public and follow protocol to prevent the illegal and expensive abandonment of animals at the SPCA shelter location.
• Assist with “meet and greet” visits for potential adopters both at the shelter and at off-site adoption events, as assigned.
• Promote all SPCA donation and giving opportunities, as appropriate.
• Work closely, professionally, and cohesively with other staff for the health/well-being of the animals and the greater good of the SPCA mission.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to stand/walk/bend/lift for long periods of time.
• Ability to carry 50 lbs. or more.
• Frequent bending, reaching, kneeling, climbing stairs, walking, and standing while performing job functions.
• Ability to handle, control, and manage animals, some more than 100 pounds.
• Ability to work in and around bleach, ammonia, disinfectant, and other types of cleaners.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Exposure to unpleasant odors, allergens, loud noises, some chemicals, and occasionally unpleasant people.
• Environment can be dirty, wet, and humid in the summer, and cold, windy, and icy in the winter.
• Exposure to insects, pests, fleas, ticks, chiggers, and other potentially zoonotic diseases etc.
• Possibility of animal’s bites, scratches, etc.
• Tetanus and rabies (pre-exposure) inoculations are required or must be specifically declined.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Maintain infectious disease control and shelter discipline and be willing/able to research and expand knowledge on all aspects of shelter medicine.
• Strong personal and professional initiative and self-direction are REQUIRED. Must have a strong yet flexible personality, with the ability to work well under pressure and be able to multitask.
• Must be a team player, with an outgoing, “type A” personality.
• Must be patient (with staff, volunteers, animals, and the public). Must be comfortable and able to work with both animals and people.
• Must have more than just a love for animals.
• Must have a strong emotional ‘backbone’ to handle the ups and downs of the job, the occasional passing of animals, and the ability to put personal emotions on hold to handle the job in front of you.
• Must have good written and oral communication skills.
• Must be trustworthy with money, donations, collecting fees, and proper documentation.
• Ability and willingness to report for work even during extreme weather conditions.
• Represent the Stafford SPCA in a positive manner, by maintaining a neat, clean and professional personal appearance.
• A strong commitment to the mission of the Stafford SPCA in particular, and animal rescue in general.