Animal Services Recreation Assistant I

RECREATION ASSISTANT IDog Walker

City of Salina, Kansas

Parks & Recreation / Animal Services

Intermittent Part-Time
· Permanent

The Recreation Assistant I provides safe & engaging outdoor exercise for dogs of various breeds & sizes. This role requires monitoring the dogs’ well-being, adhering to walking schedules, & ensuring proper handling with attention to safety. Recreation Assistant I’s maintain clear communication with Animal Services staff, reporting any health concerns & providing updates on dog behavior. Additional responsibilities include picking up after dogs, following set walking routes, & maintaining compliance with local animal care regulations.

The position requires physical stamina, a positive attitude, & reliable availability for scheduled shifts.

Training for our Recreation Assistant I position is led by experienced Animal Services staff, providing hands‑on guidance in a supportive & friendly environment. This training ensures that our employees are confident in handling dogs safely, recognizing animal behaviors, & understanding Salina’s animal care regulations. New employees will learn effective communication skills to share valuable insights about the dogs’ health & behavior with the team.

By gaining these skills, new employees not only enhance their own expertise but also contribute to a safer, more enjoyable experience for Salina’s citizens & their pets.

• Walks dogs of all sizes & breeds, ensuring they get adequate exercise, socialization, & potty breaks.
• Makes sure that every dog receives a safe & enjoyable walk.
• Ensures the safety & well-being of the dogs at all times.
• May walk up to four (4) dogs at any one time.
• Checks to see that dogs are wearing collars with leashes.
• Makes sure that dogs are well‑fed & hydrated.
• Gives dogs treats to maintain their focus.
• Picks‑up after the dogs during walks & disposes of waste appropriately.
• Adheres to walking schedules & routes provided by management staff.
• Monitors the dogs for any signs of distress or health issues & reports them immediately to management.
• Maintains effective communication with Animal Services staff, providing updates & feedback on the dogs’ behaviors & activities.
• Adheres to all company policies & local regulations regarding dog walking & animal care.
• Knowledgeable of city ordinances & state laws regarding animal care.
• Fills out appropriate paperwork.
• Arrives on time & provides excellent service.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• High school diploma or G.E.D.

• One (1) year previous experience in dog walking or pet care is preferred but not required.
• Previous volunteer work in animal care.

• Ability to handle dogs of various sizes, breeds, & temperaments.
• Must be able to follow instructions.
• Maintains a high standard of customer service.
• Maintains positive & cooperative working relationships.
• Works outdoors in changing environmental conditions; must be able to work in temperatures which often exceeds 90 degrees.
• Communicates well with Animal Services patrons of various ages from diverse backgrounds.
• Demonstrates kindness to Animal Services patrons & presents professional attitude at all times.
• Must be able to communicate verbally & in writing.

• Must be eighteen (18) years of age or older.
• This is a non-driving position.
• Must pass a background check.
• Must have reliable transportation to-and-from work.
• Must be available to work shifts.
• Follows scheduling protocols & obtains monthly work schedule.
• Follows time & attendance guidelines.
• Adheres to payroll requirements.
• Attends required trainings & meetings.
• Reviews posted event calendars.
• Performs all job tasks according to rules, guidelines & expectations of Animal Services Manager.
• Responds in a timely manner to all forms of communication regarding City of Salina employment by way of phone calls, emails, texts, etc.

• Moderate, exerting up to 80 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.
• Must be physically fit & able to walk steadily for 20-30 minutes or for extended periods in various weather conditions.
• Must have the ability to physically handle both dogs & maintenance responsibilities.

• Works flexible hours, including mornings, evenings, & weekends.

• $13.40/hr.

Until filled

• Human Resources Department
• Office:
• Email: human.resources