Animal Services Technician (Kennel Worker)

Job description

Position Description

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described. Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were actually written out in this job description.

Job Title: Animal Services Technician

Department: Public Works

Pay Grade: 104

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

JOB SUMMARY

This position performs and provides leadership in and participates in the activities and operations of the Animal Services Department, including maintaining daily shelter operations, caring for impounded animals and providing assistance to field officers; and performs related technical and clerical work as required. The incumbent works within a general outline of work to be performed, and develops work methods and sequences under general supervision.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Greets and assists customers and other department visitors;
• Answers the telephone; provides accurate information and/or forwards calls to appropriate staff person; takes messages as necessary;
• Performs other routine clerical duties as required, including but not limited to preparing forms, reports and correspondence, entering and retrieving computer data, copying and filing documents, etc.;
• Receives complaints of dogs, cats or other animals creating nuisances and notifies appropriate City personnel for investigation and response; Receives and responds to public inquiries and complaints in areas of responsibility;
• Communicates with animal control officers via two-way radio, providing information and assistance as requested;
• Receives and processes animals brought to the shelter for impoundment; conducts daily inventory of animals;
• Provides basic animal care, including bathing, feeding, and observing animal behavior;
• Provides public education regarding animal control; explains ordinances related to the care and keeping of animals;

• Redeems animals to proper owners;
• Processes animals for adoption;
• Collects, receipts and records various fees and fines; prepares daily deposits;
• Assists in coordinating department activities with the Department of Health and Environmental Control and other agencies as appropriate;
• Maintains assigned equipment; participates in the daily maintenance of facility;
• Maintains records of daily work activities;
• Assists in euthanasia of animals as necessary; prepares related paperwork;
• Attends training, meetings, workshops, etc., as necessary to maintain job knowledge, skills and required certifications; and
• Assists in daily cleaning operations of all work areas as assigned;
• Assists the Veterinarian in providing medical care for animals, including but not limited to performing various diagnostic tests on animals, preparing animals for surgery, caring for animals after surgery, removing staples / stitches from surgery sites, preparing and administering medications, administering vaccinations and other shots, deworming animals, etc.;
• Maintains accurate records of medical care provided for each animal;
• Maintains assigned equipment; participates in the daily maintenance of facility;
• Conducts inventory and restocks supplies as needed;

· Prepares examination and procedure rooms for use;

· Maintains accurate records of medical care provided for each animal;

• Performs other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM WORK:

• High school diploma or GED;
• One (1) year of relevant prior experience;
• Valid South Carolina Class “D” Driver’s License;
• S.C. Humane Euthanasia Certification.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

· Knowledge of addition and subtraction, multiplication and division, and/or calculating ratios, rates and percentages;

· Ability to compute or perform arithmetic operations using data or information;

· Ability to speak or signal to people to convey or exchange information of a general nature;

· Ability to handle or use machines, tools or equipment requiring brief instruction or experience, such as computers for data entry, fax machines, copiers, telephones or similar equipment; may service office machines, including adding paper and changing toner;

· Ability to perform skilled work involving rules/systems with almost constant problem-solving;

· Ability to read routine sentences, instructions, regulations, procedures or work orders; writing routine sentences and completing routine job forms and incident reports; speaking routine sentences using proper grammar;

· Ability to perform clerical, manual or technical tasks prescribed by standard practices but which may require computation, the use of several procedures, and the use of independent judgments with obvious choices; requires normal attention for accurate results; and

· Ability to guide others, requiring few decisions affecting co-workers, customers and others who depend on the service or product; works in a somewhat fluid environment with rules and procedures but with many variations from the routine.

· Ability to provide information, guidance or assistance to people to directly facilitate task accomplishment; may give directions or assignments to helpers or assistants;

· Ability to handle or use machines requiring moderate instruction and experience such as computers and software programs, animal restraints, medical equipment and instruments, etc.;

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The work is considered medium-to-heavy in nature and involves walking, standing, stooping, lifting, climbing, pushing or raising objects and also involves exerting between 20 and 50 pounds of force on a recurring basis and 50 to 100 pounds of force on an occasional basis. The work requires the following physical abilities to perform the essential job functions: balancing, climbing, crawling, crouching, fingering, handling, hearing, kneeling, lifting, mental acuity, pulling, pushing, reaching, repetitive motion, speaking, standing, stooping, talking, visual acuity, and walking.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work environment may involve exposure to bright/dim light, animals/wildlife, fumes and/or noxious odors, disease/pathogens, toxic/caustic chemicals; and is dynamic that requires to sensitivity to change and responsiveness to changing goals, priorities, and needs.

The City of Columbia has the right to revise this position description at any time, and does not represent in any way a contract of employment.

Job Type: Full-time

Salary: $33,710.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $16.20 per hour

Expected hours: No less than 40 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Weekends as needed

Ability to Relocate:

• Columbia, SC 29209: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person