Kennel Technician

Class Title: Kennel Technician – Humane Society of Chilton County
Pay: $8.50 Hourly
Weekly Hours: 25-32

Job Summary

This is entry level routine work in the care, monitoring, control and recordkeeping of animals brought into the HSCC.

Essential Job Functions

• Feeds, waters, and grooms impounded animals; cleans and disinfects cages, floors, and walls of kennels.
• Monitors animals for illness, disease, and/or injury and reports same to supervisor.
• Maintains shelter grounds.
• Assists with intakes of felines and canines.
• Ensures animals are properly tagged and penned.
• Assists in the administration of medications and vaccinations.
• Disposes of the bodies of dead animals.
• Interacts with the public to provide adoption of available pets and to ensure the return of animals to the proper owners.
• Uses appropriate tools to handle animals in a manner that protects the safety of the employee, animal, coworkers, and the public.
• Transports animals to the veterinarian.
• Drives a shelter vehicle to pick up food and supplies.
• Works weekends on a rotational basis as assigned.

Education and Experience

1. Possess a valid driver’s license and meet all requirements of the Transport Vehicle Policy in order to drive shelter van.
2. Experience working with animals is a plus; however, is not a requirement.

Other Characteristics

1. Willingness to work overtime and non-standard hours as required.
2. Be willing and available to attend training related to job.
3. Injuries from animals pose a work hazard for employees in this class. 

Specific Skills

1. Compassion and empathy for animal and human clients.
2. Strong interpersonal and verbal and written communication skills.
3. Maturity, good judgement and professionalism.
4. Ability to work individually and on a team, multi-task and self-start.
5. Ability to remain calm and empathic in stressful situations.

Physical Requirements

1. Handle and restrain animals weighing up to 150 lbs.
2. Lift 50 lbs. to waist height.
3. Frequent standing, walking, bending, lifting, stooping, carrying and reaching.
4. Must have no allergies or physical inabilities to care for felines.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

1. Some knowledge of the care and feeding of animals.
2. Some knowledge of the laws, ordinances and regulations governing the custody and disposition of animals.
3. Some knowledge of safety practices and procedures in dealing with animals.
4. Some knowledge of the tools and techniques employed in animal euthanasia.
5. Some knowledge of computers and job-related software programs, or the ability to readily acquire such knowledge.
6. Ability to read, interpret and explain ordinances and regulations pertaining to the custody, care and disposition of animals.
7. Ability to perform strenuous tasks such as lifting, carrying, walking, and squatting.
8. Ability to observe and record inventory levels.
9. Ability to order materials for appropriate inventory levels.
10. Ability to work in varying weather conditions, to include heat and cold temperatures.
11. Ability to work with animal odors and disinfectants.
12. Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
13. Ability to safely operate a motor vehicle and travel to locations within the community. 
14. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with public officials, employees and the public.
15. Physical and mental ability to write and type.

Working Conditions

1. Work is performed inside and outside.
2. Exposure to unpleasant odors and noises.
3. Exposure to bites, scratches and animal wastes.
4. Possible exposure to contagious diseases.

At Will Employment

There is no minimum period of employment guaranteed or implied by acceptance of an employment offer. It is the policy of the HSCC that employment is at will, which means that employment is for no specific term and that employment may be terminated by the employee or the HSCC at any time without cause.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The HSCC is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, disability, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. We assure you that your opportunity for employment with the HSCC depends solely on your qualifications.

Note

Statements included in this description are intended to reflect in general the duties and responsibilities of this classification and are not to be interpreted as being all inclusive. The employee may be assigned other duties that are not specifically included.
 

If you are interested in this position please fill out the job application below: