Animal Caretaker I

We are pleased to offer the current job opportunity for an Animal Caretaker I position in the Animal Services Department.  DuPage County Animal Services is an immediate open admission shelter caring for more than 2,000 animals of varying species annually.  The Animal Caretaker I position is part of the larger Animal Care team.

DuPage County is an equal employer

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Responsibilities include:

• Provides care for dogs, cats and any other types of animals accepted into the shelter

• Prepares and administers diets, adding supplements

• Inoculates for airborne diseases

• Identifies and treats basic shelter illnesses

• Determines need for isolation of animals

• Administers medications in general

• Injects microchips

• Maintains inventory

• Performs formal behavior evaluations

• Provides input on potential animal outcomes - adoption, rescued, fostered or euthanized

• Assists the veterinarian with surgery preparation and post-operative care

• Operates autoclave machine to sterilize surgical instruments

• Observes and reports animals for abnormalities and illness

• Determines if animal is in emergency need of a veterinarian

• Cleans and disinfects cages and other animal enclosures, exam room, garage and office

• Answers questions from the public

• Facilitates the delivery of animal behavior programs

• Provides daily enrichment both in-kennel and out-of-kennel

• Provides adoption counseling and post-adopt follow up

• Facilitate canine play groups

• Training of shelter animals in order to increase adoptability and implement behavior modification where indicated

• Provides support and direction to volunteers

• Assists in creating marketing collateral for animal promotions

• Performs humane euthanasia and provides end of life comfort care

• Assists in maintaining records on each animal

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Completion of a High School Diploma or General Equivalency Diploma equivalent

• One (1) year of animal science or related course work

• Two (2) years of experience working in an animal shelter or veterinary hospital

• Credit to meet these qualifications will be granted to former interns of DCAS

• Ability to obtain certification as a Euthanasia Technician within one (1) year of hire

A pre-employment background check is required. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Heavy Work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body.  Use of arm and /or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than for medium work.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The work environment for this position regularly includes working with loud animals, on concrete floors and being exposed to unfavorable odors.  Will be subject to animal bites and/or scratches.