Animal Caretaker

Reports To: Animal Services Supervisor

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Classification: Personnel System – Requires satisfactory completion of a six‑month probationary period.

Pay Grade: 107

Safety Sensitive: Yes – Subject to random drug testing per the Athens‑Clarke County Drug and Alcohol Ordinance.

The purpose of this job is to process impounded or surrendered animals. Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, monitoring and assisting in maintaining animal health, assisting in maintenance of the kennel facility, keeping inventory of feed and other animal care supplies, supervising community service workers, and performing other duties as assigned.

Work Schedule: Full‑time, flexible days. Weekends required. May be required to work on religious holidays. Regular and predictable attendance is required. Must work cooperatively with others.

When responsibilities include vehicle operation, the employee is responsible for the safety, readiness, and operation of the vehicle and must abide by ACC's safe driving policy. High school diploma or equivalent required; or any combination of education, training, and experience that provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job. Must possess a valid driver's license. Criminal background must indicate eligibility for the supervision of inmates.

Must obtain security training for the supervision of inmate workers as set forth by the Georgia Department of Corrections Standard Operating Procedures within six months of date of hire or first available opportunity.

• Process impounded or surrendered animals, including vaccination, photographing, , filling out kennel sheets, completing animal impound forms, placing animals in the kennel, and making database entries describing the animal.
• Monitor animal health, performing basic animal husbandry and first‑aid procedures as well as identifying common animal diseases.
• Assist the Animal Services Supervisor in maintaining a sanitary and clean kennel by ensuring proper sanitizing procedures are used by inmates and volunteers, assisting customers in the kennel, and handling animals in the kennel as needed to maintain safety.
• Cross‑check the lost and found database, newspapers, and other sources against animals in the shelter to reunite lost animals with their owners.
• Keep inventory and advise when to reorder feed, vaccinations, sanitation supplies, and other kennel supplies.
• Perform humane euthanasia of animals as needed and in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Transport animals to and from veterinary clinics and other animal welfare agencies.
• Supervise inmate labor.
• Supervise and assign work to Community Service Workers.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Knowledge of the policies, procedures, and activities of the Animal Services Department as they relate to the position of Animal Caretaker.
• Knowledge of terminology used within the Department.
• Knowledge of basic animal husbandry and first‑aid procedures.
• Knowledge of and ability to use computer and database software.
• Ability to communicate effectively with supervisors and other staff members.
• Ability to use independent judgment in routine and non‑routine situations.
• Ability to plan, organize, and prioritize daily assignments and work activities.
• Ability to comprehend and apply regulations and procedures of the department.
• Ability to identify common animal diseases.

Physical Requirements: Must be physically able to operate a variety of machinery and equipment including a motor vehicle, computer, animal traps, restraint poles, transport vehicles, bolt cutters, snake tongs, muzzles, animal stretcher, and dart gun. This position requires climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motion. Must be able to exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently.

Physical demand requirements are at medium work levels.

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