Animal Care Associate

Position Summary This position is part of a union- represented bargaining unit. Union membership is mandatory as a condition of employment.

Position Summary This position is part of a union- represented bargaining unit. Union membership is mandatory as a condition of employment.

The Shelter Care Program is responsible for the direct animal care for all nine species of animal accepted for admission at Seattle Humane. This includes an astounding array of dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, hamsters, gerbils, rats, and mice. Each day the Shelter Care Team is responsible for feeding, cleaning, exercising, enriching, and medicating the animals in our care. In addition to the high level of care each animal receives, the Shelter Care Team also provides pathway planning for each animal’s journey, from intake to outcome, with an emphasis on minimizing length of stay and meeting each pet’s individual needs.

In order to accomplish these duties, Shelter Care is comprised of a team of compassionate and skilled staff and volunteers. While the work during the day can be challenging, the team supports a culture of leaving work at work when the scheduled day is over.

The Animal Care Associate (ACA) I position is responsible for providing direct care for the animals in the shelter building as well as supporting other shelter operations. ACA I is the entry position within the Animal Care Associates, with opportunities to advance to specialize within a species or as a trainer of staff and volunteers. A day in the life of an ACA includes cleaning, feeding, socializing, exercising, and medicating animals as directed.

In addition, ACAs are also responsible for cleaning and the restocking of animal areas. ACAs are assigned a daily circuit of work to complete individually or with the help of volunteers. When ACAs have completed their assignments, they are expected to assist fellow teammates. Successful candidates for this position can work alone and with others, enjoy problem-solving, and thrive in a fast-paced environment where change is constant and communication is crucial.

This position also requires applicants to appreciate working with both animals and people.

Key Or Essential Functions

• Responsible for direct animal care of all pets in the shelter; this includes feeding, cleaning, socialization, enrichment, exercise, and medicating as instructed
• Responsible for keeping animal areas and supplies clean, tidy, and restocked
• Enters observations and notes into pet database
• Monitors the animals for input and output as well as signs of stress and illness
• Carries out animal movement plans
• Communicates concerns with a supervisor promptly
• Offloads transfer animals
• Supports teammates in completion of their duties
• Provides basic grooming such as nail trims, baths, and brushing as needed
• Works closely with volunteers to complete care duties
• Actively participates in project and group meetings
• Follows all SOPs and processes
• Adheres to the Five Freedoms of Animal Welfare
• Focuses on disease prevention and safe working practices

Secondary Functions

• Maintains appropriate files and records. Adheres to the files and records retention policy and procedures.
• Supports other staff teams as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibility

• Staff:
  No staff supervision
• Volunteers:
  No volunteer supervision

Communications Daily communication with staff and volunteers across the organization in person, through email, written procedures, monitoring sheets, and/or through database.

Complexity Animal Care Associates are flexible and respond to a variety of tasks while managing multiple priorities daily. A high degree of independent judgment is required. Formal policies and procedures are followed or developed as needed. Needs high level of attention to detail and must be able to respond to unexpected questions, comments or requests from volunteers and other staff. Must be able to maintain concentration on a task or series of tasks while dealing with frequent interruptions.

Must be able to work well without direct supervision. Must be able to communicate effectively and display cultural competency with people of varying backgrounds. Requires good customer service skills. Must work well within a team setting.

Knowledge/Experience/Education Or Training

• Animal handling experience preferred.
• Experience working compassionately with people in high-stress situations preferred.
• Must have good communication skills.
• Must be able to write clearly and listen effectively.
• Basic knowledge or experience with computers is required.

Licenses/Certificates Required High school graduate or GED preferred.

Physical/Mental Requirements

• Must communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Must be willing to learn to administer medications.
• Requires the ability to solve problems and make clear decisions quickly.
• Must have good attention to detail.
• Must be able to concentrate and produce accurate work despite frequent interruptions.
• Must possess the ability to be sensitive to other…