Pound Master

Animal Care Assistant - Animal Services

Plays a direct role in achieving St Clair County's no-kill mission and goal by providing hands on care for the animals in the shelter, providing community service to our residents, and serving as ambassadors for county residents, volunteers, and the adopters who visit the facility. Contribute to the health, wellbeing, and general care of dogs and cats.

• Provides excellent customer service to visitors, volunteers, & adopters.
• Provides basic and routine care for the animals per department guidelines, including feeding, watering, and handling.
• Supports animals with medical issues, which may include zoonotic disease, by medicating, treating, preparing special diets, observing & reporting, and assisting in the maintenance of required records.
• Provides socialization, enrichment, and exercise for the animals as directed. These activities include but are not limited to dog walking, training, & playgroups.
• Identifies behavioral issues and shares observations with team members and leaders. Follows behavior or training plans developed for specific animals.
• Cleans work areas and preserves the physical appearance of buildings and grounds. Including but not limited to scooping, raking, sweeping, mopping & trash removal. Notes maintenance or repairs needed and reports as protocol.
• Follows policies, procedures, & task lists for daily lifesaving outcome assignments, including accurate and timely communications, work completion, data entry, & recordkeeping.
• Strictly adheres to established safety procedures to protect self, co-workers, and the general public.
• Attends job specific training classes as assigned by supervisor; this includes but is not limited to Defensive Dog Handling, Dogs Playing for Life & Fear Free Training.
• Participates in community outreach and education activities regarding animal services and compliance with county animal ordinances. Participate in appropriate public relations events, fundraisers, initiatives, and special programs created by the organization.
• Strong understanding of basic animal medical and behavioral needs. Responsible for ensuring all medical and behavioral needs of the animals are being addressed and met.
• Works emergency situations (including weather and other extreme conditions) as required.
• Performs other duties as requested.

• Able to prioritize tasks, deal effectively with competing and changing priorities, and meet deadlines. Accurate, detail-oriented, and organized. Able to resolve difficult situations and problems.
• Good knowledge and understanding of practices, policies, and procedures pertaining to the operation of an Animal Services Facility or small animal shelter/kennel environment.
• Good knowledge and understanding of practices and procedures in the safe handling of all types of animals under varying conditions.
• Good knowledge and understanding of regulatory compliance necessary to successfully perform job responsibilities.
• Good knowledge and understanding of all county computer systems and software applications required to perform job duties.
• Good verbal and written communication skills and interpersonal skills in order to interact professionally and effectively with staff, veterinary offices, the general public, and other stakeholders. Able to explain policies, practices, and procedures for clarity and understanding by direct reports and other stakeholders.

Indoor/Outdoor situation, varying weather conditions, including inclement weather. Regularly performs moderately strenuous work in varying and adverse weather conditions, including rain, extreme heat & humidity, & long exposure to sunlight. Daily exposure to dogs and cats of all sizes, temperaments, and medical status. High noise environment while performing certain duties. Be able to restrain, handle, and lift animals, up to 100 pounds with assistance.

Periodic high stress situations that may involve angry or frustrated citizens. Regularly required to drive County vehicles as part of the duties of the job. Not regularly required to work other than normal business hours, but to be available for your part-time staff on weekends/holidays.

This job description reflects the assignment of essential functions; it does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that might be assigned.