Animal Care Associate

Description

Purpose of Position: To provide the highest quality care for the animals we serve ensuring their health, wellbeing and appropriate handling. To provide assistance and adoption counseling to shelter patrons ensuring an exceptional patron experience.  This is accomplished through a shared schedule between the Animal Care and Adoptions department and is based on operational needs.

Responsibilities

• Deliver high level of customer service to patrons. 
• Greet, interact with, and provide information to patrons. 
• Meet with potential adopters to gather and give information to assist in the process of adopting an animal.  
• Review and complete adoption paperwork. 
• Perform data entry to update animal records. 
• Handle and move animals and facilitate the interaction between animals and patrons. 
• Clean and maintain adoption counsel rooms and areas.
• Thoroughly clean and sanitize animal kennels and other work areas.
• Provide care, health, and handling of the animals.
• Assist with monitoring kennel signage and room PPE requirements for appropriate and accurate usage.
• Assist with and coordinate contagion exposure management, contagion prevention, and grooming tasks as needed.
• Act as a resource for volunteers by answering questions, providing training and coaching in the moment, and addressing concerns.
• Interact with other departments and assist with additional services.
• Monitor food and maintain supplies.
• Perform or assist with maintenance of equipment.
• Thoroughly clean and sanitize animal kennels and other work areas.
• Perform data entry and documentation to update animal records.
• Contribute to and lead initiatives to improve processes and procedures.
• Adhere to all safety, training, and handling and transportation protocols in order to ensure that the Shelter environment is safe for animals, the public, volunteers and other employees.
• Wear required identification and use personal protective clothing and safety equipment as defined by policies and procedures. 
• Perform euthanasia and related tasks.

People Care

People are the key to fulfilling our mission. Making internal and external patrons and their needs a primary focus is expected in all situations. This position interacts with and collaborates with employees at all levels of the organization. Communication occurs through face to face, telephone, and electronic interactions and may also include contact with the general public and Humane Colorado business partners. Communication and contact must be clear, understandable, cooperative, professional and respectful in all circumstances. Employees are expected to actively support a positive team environment, directly address conflict, and appropriately express concerns.

Competencies

Competencies are work behaviors and expectations necessary for successful job performance. They encompass knowledge, skills, abilities, attitudes, and actions. Additional definitions for competencies may be obtained from Human Resources

Organizational Core Competencies

• Job Knowledge
• Productivity / Efficiency
• Quality / Excellence
• Adapting to Change
• Dependability and Integrity
• People Care

Position Core Competencies

• Accountability
• Attention to detail
• Analytical thinking
• Initiative 
• Time management
• Strong communication skills

Supervisory or Managerial Responsibility

• Volunteers

Travel

• This position may require travel to different work sites

Shift Details: Four ten hour shifts or five eight hour shifts 

Full-Time Benefits – Please visit our website for a comprehensive list of all offered benefits.

• Benefits (medical, dental, and vision)
• 401(k) with matching
• Flexible spending accounts
• Life and Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Sick Time
• Sabbatical
• Holiday Pay
• Employee discounts
• Discounted Pet Insurance
• and more!

Compensation: 

$20.60 - $21.52 per hour (starting pay commensurate with market, experience, and equity)

Requirements

Position Qualifications 

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Ability to work independently while following specific procedures and protocols
• Ability to follow timelines for projects, accomplish multiple tasks, and maintain flexibility in a dynamic work environment
• High level of personal responsibility, attention to detail, and punctuality
• Strong interpersonal communication skills and ability to effectively work in a team environment
• Strong customer service skills

Required

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent
• Work Experience: None
• Special Training, Certification or Licensure: None

Desired

• Experience working with and handling animals in a shelter or similar environment
• Ability to work in fast paced, high noise volume, and high stress work environments
• General knowledge of companion animal breeds and animal welfare
• Experience providing a high level of service to customers 
• Experience working with database programs or proficiency with Microsoft Office Programs
• If driving a company vehicle, valid driver’s license with insurable driving record

Work Conditions and Physical Requirements

Handle and restrain animals of various sizes, weights, and temperaments. Subject to animal bites or scratches. Work performed in high noise level areas. Exposure to cleaning chemicals, fumes, dust, animal dander, and feces. Physical efforts require constant bending, stooping, standing, and walking, Frequent lifting of animals and objects up to 50 lbs with reasonable accommodations and occasional lifting up to 75 lbs. with reasonable accommodation.  

Posting will remain open until filled, with a minimum posting period of 5 days.