The successful candidate will have a positive, team-minded attitude; strong communication skills (written and verbal) allowing for efficient communication with teammates and management; excellent observational skills; a strong work ethic with the ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities appropriately; and the flexibility required to work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
This position is physical and will keep you active; expect to be on your feet the majority of the day.
- Receives, screens, and assists customers in the pet adoption process, proper pet care, and owner responsibilities, including educating customers on various pet breeds, characteristics, licensing and County ordinance requirements; resolves customer complaints or concerns by exercising fair, independent judgment while following state statutes and local ordinances.
- Handles the physical intake and transfer of all animals including but not limited to fractious/feral animals while exercising proper safety techniques; cares for animals including cleaning, grooming and feeding; disinfects cages, toys, and bowls; works with fearful and aggressive animals; assesses animal behavior and temperament for adoption.
- Investigates pet owner information while verifying accuracy of data for each animal within the department database and schedules appointments for the sterilization of animals.
- Vaccinates stray and owned animals upon intake and performs testing for various zoonotic diseases when necessary; maintains knowledge of zoonotic diseases and observes animals for signs of illness or behavioral problems.
- Performs diagnostic testing including blood work, fecal examination, microchipping, and preventative medications; enters medical information into computer software; transports animals to clinics and rescues; performs euthanasia as part of disease and population control.
- Helps customers with lost pets; matches pets with potential adopters; maintains knowledge and recognition of animal breeds, age, and characteristic to determine proper intake of each animal; identifies behavioral and medical health concerns for stray and owned animals upon intake.
- Trains new staff for the department in job functions such as animal handling, vaccinating, and database use.
- Handles cash and performs data entry for the compliance of citations and advises customers on proper citation compliance procedures; organizes, stores, files, and copies pertinent documents for the entire database in the proper storage facility; issues pet licenses that arrive through the mail and to customers present at the shelter.
- Performs related work as assigned.
- Requires High School graduation or GED equivalent.
- Animal handling experience is preferred.
- Required possession of Florida State Certification in Euthanasia or be able to obtain within 6 months of hire date. The Animal Services department will train and certify on-site for this upon hire.
- Possession of a valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record is required.
- Position requires daily computer use.
- Ability to lift up to 80 pounds, bend, stoop, lift, and crawl as necessary for handling and transporting of animals, equipment and supplies.
- Hours will vary 7:00 am - 5:30 pm, rotating days off. This position will require working on holidays, emergencies and additional shifts as needed.