Address
Form of workPosition: Canine Specialist
Department: Canine Operations
Reports to: Manager of Canine Care
Category: Non-exempt; $15/hour
Supervises: Volunteers supporting the department
Job Purpose:
The Canine Specialist at KC Pet Project is responsible for the wellness care of canines at the shelter including the completion of daily tasks such as feeding, cleaning, walking, socialization and more. In addition to daily care, this position is responsible for matchmaking dogs with adopters. The ideal candidate will have experience with animal care and training, providing excellent customer service, progressive matchmaking, and working well within a team of staff and volunteers.
Daily Duties and Responsibilities:
- Represent KC Pet Project in a professional, polite, and enthusiastic manner.
- Provide for the basic needs of the pets in the care and custody of KC Pet Project. Includes but not limited to feeding, cleaning of kennels, floors, and other areas, walking, enrichment, and socialization.
- Ensure adherence to KC Pet Project’s training philosophy and policies and procedures to promote safe handling practices.
- Provide daily observation of pets in the care of KC Pet Project, effectively communicate changes or concerns to a veterinary team or behavior team in a timely manner with accurate and complete observations noted in the shelter software system.
- Provide excellent customer service, including but not limited to interactions with potential adopters, facilitating meet-and-greet session, explaining any history we have on the animal, conducting dog to dog introductions, and dealing tactfully and effectively with the public.
- Must be able to engage politely and meaningfully with volunteers and to ensure a positive and welcoming environment. Willingness to teach and to mentor volunteers to ensure their success in meeting the department’s needs.
- Adheres to all KCPP organizational and departmental policies and procedures, and to all local and state requirements, including but not limited to OSHA, Department of Agriculture, Animal Services Division, etc.
- Communicates regularly with their manager about departmental issues and actively contributes to problem solving.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Performance Factors and Necessary Skills:
- Must be able to work in a high volume, fast paced, high stress environment.
- Self-motivated, great attitude, team-oriented a must.
- Working knowledge of dog handling and behavior, including pets with challenging temperaments and with severe health conditions.
- Ability to handle pets safely and with kindness always, without exception.
- Excellent time management ability; able to juggle multiple deadlines and contradictory projects.
- Strong organizational and analytical skills; being able to make decisions in an environment of competing priorities that are in the best interest of the animal and the organization.
- Be an example of punctuality and report to work on time.
- Basic Computer Literacy (Microsoft Office, ability to learn PetPoint Database system, etc.)
Working Conditions:
Potential exposure to zoonotic diseases, high noise levels, extreme temperatures, hazardous chemicals, and sharp objects. Able to lift up to 50 lb., long periods of standing, bending, stooping, reaching, animal handling, and restraint in an animal shelter-type setting. Exposure to animals of all sizes and temperament.
Qualifications/Educational Background:
- High School or equivalent.
- Experience working in an animal shelter or rescue organization if preferred.
- Any combination of training and experience which demonstrates successful animal handling, sanitation practices, customer service, and/or the knowledge and skills necessary for this position.
- Full time, 40 hours a week, including one weekend day. Some holidays are required.
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
