Animal Caretaker

COMPANY: Humane Society of Pinellas
JOB TITLE:                           Animal Caretaker
REPORTS TO: Animal Care Supervisor
LOCATION: Clearwater, FL 33759
EMPLOYMENT TYPE: FULL-TIME
STATUS: Hourly; Non-Exempt
HOURS:                                FULL TIME - 40hrs/week 
SCHEDULE: Tues-Sat
Tues- 10-630
Wed- 8-4:30
Thurs- 8-4:30
Fri- 10-6:30
Sat- 10-6:30
****AT LEAST ONE WEEKEND DAY REQUIRED*****
COMPENSATION: $15-16.50/hr Based on experience

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check and drug screening.

SUMMARY: The Animal Caretaker is responsible for the physical, emotional and behavioral needs of all animals at the Humane Society of Pinellas. The Animal Caretaker must objectively communicate medical and behavioral observations to the appropriate department, be respectful of the HSP facility and animals, while also understanding the animals in their care are adjusting to a shelter environment. The Animal Caretaker is responsible for helping alleviate the stress of this adjustment period through proper cleaning protocols, low-stress handling, and enriching the lives of newly admitted pets.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES :

• Provide exceptional customer service to the public, volunteers, and other staff members at all times.
• Follow established cleaning, feeding and animal handling procedures.
• Follow established safety procedures for all aspects of the shelter, with special emphasis on animal handling and cleaning chemicals.
• Report concerns about animal behavior and health to the Animal Care Supervisor.
• Report safety and maintenance issues to the Lead Animal Caretaker.
• Cross train to gain familiarity and comfort following procedures and policies in all kennel areas (dogs, cats, and small wonders).
• Attend all dog walking trainings conducted by the Behavior Department in order to follow established protocols and successfully move through the levels (Blue, Green and Purple).
• Use proper walking equipment while handling dogs and assist volunteers in appropriate protocols.
• Greet all customers upon arrival and direct them towards the appropriate department or area of interest.
• Encourage adopters and visitors to participate in the Society’s services, such as behavior counseling, etc.
• Maintain all work areas in a neat and aesthetically pleasing manner, with an emphasis on safety, cleanliness, and sanitation.
• Participate in staff and department meetings and training opportunities.
• Be prepared to assist in any disaster affecting HSP.
• Honor confidentiality of shelter business.
• Stay up to date with all procedure and policy changes.
• Follow and promote to the public all HSP policies and philosophies.
• Handle animals humanely and safely at all times.
• Demonstrate a high quality of work standards and work ethics.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the supervisor, veterinarian, and Director of Operations.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED :

• Boarding kennel, doggie daycare or shelter experience preferred.
• Familiarity with Shelterluv Animal Management Software a plus.
• Experience with medical and behavioral needs of companion animals a plus.

SKILLS REQUIRED :

• Comfort handling all companion animals, including but not limited to dogs, cats, rabbits, ferrets, rodents, and birds
• Ability to communicate, both verbally and in writing, effectively with staff, volunteers, and HSP clients
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills
• Demonstrated knowledge of Excel, Outlook, and Word
• Multitasking and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines

BEHAVIORS REQUIRED :

• Customer-service orientation
• Highly motivated and energetic, ability to show initiative and work independently
• Ability to willingly attend and participate in training sessions
• Ability to be discreet and handle highly sensitive/confidential information in a responsible manner
• Ability to handle diverse, simultaneous tasks, meet deadlines, and attend to follow through
• A positive outlook and vision
• Must stand by the service we deliver
• Lifelong learner who enjoys improving knowledge
• Strong professionalism both in appearance and presentation

PHYSICAL DEMANDS :
M oderate physical activity performing potentially -strenuous activities to include:

• Sitting, standing, and/or walking for an extended period of time
• Lifting 40 lbs. or more
• Working outdoors in all forms of weather, including heat, cold, humidity, sun, or rain
• Working in a well-lighted, heated, and/or air-conditioned indoor office setting with adequate ventilation
• Using close/distant/peripheral and depth perception

No job description or policy of the Humane Society of Pinellas may be interpreted to allow any employee, volunteer, or representative to violate local, state, or federal law.