Animal Caretaker

REPORTS TO: Animal Services Supervisor

FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt

CLASSIFICATION: Personnel System

• Requires satisfactory completion of a six-month probationary period

PAY GRADE: 107

SAFETY SENSITIVE: Yes

• Subject to random drug testing per the Athens-Clarke County Drug and Alcohol Ordinance

Purpose of Job

The purpose of this job is to process impounded or surrendered animals. Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, monitor and assist in maintaining animal health, assist in maintenance of the kennel facility, keep inventory of feed and other animal care supplies, supervise community service workers, and perform other duties as assigned.

Job Related Requirements

WORK SCHEDULE: Sunday

• Thursday, 9:00 a.m.

• 5:00 p.m. Work days may vary and include weekends.

May be required to work on religious holidays.

Regular and predictable attendance is required.

Must work cooperatively with others.

When requirements include vehicle operation, responsible for the safety, readiness and operation of the vehicle and must abide by ACC's safe driving policy.High school diploma or equivalent required; or any combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.

Must possess a valid driver's license.

Criminal background must indicate eligibility for the supervision of inmates.

Must obtain security training for the supervision of inmate workers as set forth by the Georgia Department of Corrections Standard Operating Procedures within six months of date of hire or first available opportunity.The following duties are normal for this job. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Processes impounded or surrendered animals, including vaccinations, photographing, ID tagging, filling out a kennel sheet, completing an animal impound form, placing the animal in the kennel and making a data base entry describing the animal.

Monitors animal health, including performing basic animal husbandry and first-aid procedures as well as identifying common animal diseases.

Assists the Animal Services Supervisor in maintaining a sanitary and clean kennel by ensuring that proper sanitizing procedures are used by inmates and volunteers, assisting customers in the kennel, and handling animals in the kennel as needed to maintain safety.

Cross checks the lost and found database, newspapers, and other sources against animals in the shelter in order to reunite lost animals with their owners.

Keeps inventory and advises when to reorder feed, vaccinations, sanitation supplies, and other kennel supplies.

Supervises inmate labor.

Supervises and assigns work to Community Service Workers.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of the policies, procedures, and activities of the Animal Services Department as they relate to the position of Animal Caretaker.

Knowledge of the terminology used within the Department.

Knowledge of basic animal husbandry and first-aid procedures.

Knowledge of and ability to use computer and database software.

Ability to communicate effectively with supervisors and other staff members.

Ability to use independent judgment in routine and non-routine situations.

Ability to plan, organize, and prioritize daily assignments and work activities.

Ability to comprehend and apply regulations and procedures of the department.

Ability to identify common animal diseases.

(ADA) MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS OR STANDARDS REQUIRED TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Must be physically able to operate a variety of machinery and equipment including a motor vehicle, computer, animal traps, restraint poles, transport vehicles, bolt cutters, snake tongs, muzzles, animal stretcher and dart gun.

This position requires: climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motion. Must be able to exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently. Physical demand requirements are at levels of those of medium work.

DATA CONCEPTION: Requires the ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable functional, structural, or compositional characteristics (whether similar to or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people, animals, or things.

INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION: Requires the ability to speak and/or signal people and/or animals to convey or exchange information. Includes receiving assignments from co-workers, assistants, or supervisors.

LANGUAGE ABILITY: Requires the ability to reach a variety of forms, informational documentation, directions, methods, or procedures.

Requires the ability to complete reports, forms, etc., using prescribed formats and conforming to all rules of punctuation, grammar, diction, and style. Requires the ability to speak to people with poise, voice control, and confidence.

INTELLIGENCE: Requires the ability to learn and understand basic principles and techniques; to acquire and be able to expound on knowledge of topics related to primary occupation; and to make independent judgment in the absence of management.

VERBAL APTITUDE: Requires the ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, and to follow oral and written instructions.

Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently in a variety of administrative, technical, or professional languages including veterinary.

NUMERICAL APTITUDE: Requires the ability to utilize mathematical formulas; add and subtract totals; and multiply and divide.

FORM/SPATIAL APTITUDE: Requires the ability to inspect items for proper length, width, and shape, visually with various animal control devices and office equipment.

MOTOR COORDINATION: Requires the ability to coordinate hands and eyes in using animal control or office equipment or in performing tasks.

MANUAL DEXTERITY: Requires the ability to handle a variety of items such as animal control devices and office equipment.

Must have the ability to use one hand for twisting or turning motion while coordinating other hand with different activities. Must have minimal levels of eye/hand/foot coordination.

COLOR DISCRIMINATION: May require the ability to differentiate between colors and shades of color.

INTERPERSONAL TEMPERAMENT: Requires the ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions.

Must be adaptable to performing under moderate stress when confronted with an emergency. Must be adaptable to managing conflict on a routine basis. Must be adaptable to coping with the grief associated with animal euthanasia.

PHYSICAL COMMUNICATION: Requires the ability to talk and/or hear: (Talking - expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words). (Hearing - perceiving nature of sounds by ear).

ACCGov is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information.

ACCGov is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, contact Leah Jagatic, HR Coordinator, Human Resources, 762-400-6370 or leah.jagatic@accgov.com.