Animal Care Lead Technician

Overview

General Statement of Duties

An employee in this class performs a variety of duties associated with the care and maintenance of the animal shelter. The animal shelter is a busy, high pace environment with hands-on animal care in addition to providing excellent customer service to the general public. Responsibilities include processing incoming animals, data entry, animal examinations, vaccinations and treatments as determined by a veterinarian.

The employee keeps animal containment areas clean and sanitized; maintains the facility grounds; and ensures the safety and health of animals within the facility. The employee feeds and cares for the animals housed in the shelter and may euthanize animals on an as-needed basis. The employee maintains supplies, equipment, and necessary records. The employee is subject to hazards associated with animals and animal care, including working in both indoor and outdoor environments, in extreme cold weather, and exposure to various hazards such as atmospheric conditions, noise, vibration, vicious animals, and physical conditions.

Work is performed under the direct supervision of the Animal Services Director and is evaluated through observation and review of reports.

• Oversee the Animal Shelter and shelter staff.
• Perform animal care duties such as preparing food, feeding, and providing water; clean and disinfect kennels and cages; wash litter boxes, food pans and laundry; sweep and mop floors; pick up fecal material; wash and sweep debris from walls, beds, kick plates, and dog run areas.
• Work with the Animal Services Director to determine if animals can be placed for adoption; engage with the public on adoptions and redemptions; collaborate with animal rescues to maximize live outcomes for unadoptable animals with health or mild temperament issues.
• Monitor sick, quarantined, and injured animals and observe for unusual physical and behavioral conditions; segregate animals to minimize fights and control disease spread.
• Make euthanasia decisions for shelter animals and obtain approval from the Animal Services Director.
• Organize and assign duties to shelter staff; oversee the shelter volunteer program and volunteers; oversee the kitten foster program.
• Organize adoption events and other events held at the shelter.
• Schedule and organize the incineration of animal carcasses.
• Assist in preparing rabies specimens and ensure timely delivery to the laboratory for testing.
• Maintain shelter facility, clean windows and restrooms, perform minor repairs; check gates and locks for security and report safety or liability concerns.
• Maintain the inventory of facility supplies and appropriate records; answer general inquiries concerning adoption of pets and lost and found animals.
• Perform daily duties as an Animal Care Technician when needed and participate in ACT shift rotation.

High school diploma with some experience in caring for animals; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Must possess a valid North Carolina driver’s license. Ability to obtain North Carolina Euthanasia Certification (C.E.T). Ability to obtain Certified Rabies Vaccinator (C.R.V) certification. Must be able to attend state and national trainings held out of town where short time away from home may be necessary. Must be able to receive a series of rabies prophylactic vaccines.

Physical Requirements

Must be able to physically perform the basic life operational functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, sitting, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, and perform repetitive motions. Must be able to perform very heavy work exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally and 50 pounds of force frequently, and up to 25 pounds of force constantly.

Must possess the visual acuity to perform animal care work. May be required to wear specialized personal protective equipment. Work is generally in a moderately noisy location (e.g., business office, light traffic).