Animal Care Specialist

Position Information

The purpose of this classification is to perform manual and semi-skilled work involving the care for animals and maintenance of the shelter facility in support of the County's animal shelter operations. This class is distinguished from the Veterinary Technician in that incumbents provide more direct and intensive care of the animals in addition to maintaining the shelter.

Job Summary

The following duties are normal for this position.The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification.Other duties may be required and assigned.

Maintains the welfare of the animals by performing daily cleaning and disinfection of all animal areas and related animal equipment in accordance with the shelter's standard operating procedures.

Observes all animals for signs of illness or injury and reports any changes to the Veterinary Technician, the Veterinarian or the Shelter Manager.

Provides fresh food daily to all animals housed at the facility and according to feeding schedule and dietary needs.

Provides general care to animals by vaccinating, bathing, groom, exercising, treating for fleas/ticks as needed; assists with more intensive care by supporting the Veterinarian, the Veterinary Technician during examinations.

Assists with the euthanasia of animals and handles proper disposal; transports live animals as needed.

Makes minor repairs to equipment and facility and reports any problems to the Veterinary Technician or Shelter Manager.

Assists with animal adoptions; supervises introduction of potential adoptions, enters animal records into the assigned computer system, takes pictures for animal records and updates the computer system as necessary; prepares and/or processes a variety of documentation such as microchip forms and animal cage cards.

Interacts and communicates comfortably with various groups and individuals such as Veterinary Technician, Animal Shelter Manager and the general public; coordinates work activities with other team members to ensure smooth operation of the facility.

Operates vehicle, and a variety of equipment such as washer, dryer, computer, printer, scanner, laminator, fax machine, etc.; uses specialized tools such as squeegee, scrub brushes, microchip scanner, scooper, syringes, needles, catch pole, leashes, etc.; utilizes variety of supplies such as paper, stainless steel food pans, stainless steel buckets, cleaning chemicals, pet food, general office supplies, etc.

Operates a personal computer to enter, retrieve, review or modify data, utilizing Animal Shelter Software and Microsoft Word, internet, e-mail or other software; and operates general office or other equipment as necessary to complete essential functions.

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS

This classification is designated as a safety sensitive position which is subject to random drug and alcohol testing and any other drug testing methods as stated in policies adopted by Forsyth County concerning drug and alcohol.

Performs other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

High School Diploma or GED; supplemented by one (1) year of experience in a Veterinary Hospital, animal shelter, kennel or similar environment; or any combination of education and experience which provides the skills and abilities for this job. Required to possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver's license.