Animal Care attendant

To feed and care for impounded animals and clean kennels, equipment and other areas at the animal shelter.

Duties may include, but are not limited to the following: Feed, water and care for all impounded animals. Visually inspect animals for signs of illness or unusual behavior. Clean kennels, equipment, and other areas at the Animal Shelter. Disinfect facilities and equipment as necessary. Observe quarantined animals and assist in collecting rabies samples. Check impounded animals for microchips or license to locate owners. Segregate and isolate dangerous or ill animals. Maintain records and logs. Adopt out animals and answer inquires from the public. Assist in impounding and redeeming animals and maintaining related records. Perform related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• Common practices and methods used in caring for animals.
• Various breeds of dogs, cats and other domestic animals, including livestock.
• Practices, methods, and materials used in cleaning animal facilities.
• The habits and characteristics of small and large animals.
• The symptoms of common animal diseases.
• Occupational hazards and safety precautions of work around small and large animals.

Ability to:

• Read, write, and speak English at a level necessary for efficient job performance.
• Safely care for and physically control domestic and exotic animals and reptiles.
• Recognize symptoms of diseases in animals.
• Carry out oral and written instructions.
• Lift animals weighing approximately 50 pounds.
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with employees and the general public.
• Perform general duty labor for extended periods, sometimes under adverse weather conditions. 

Training and Experience:
Any combination of experience and education that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities would be qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be: 

Experience:
Six months of experience in the care and treatment of animals. 

Education:
Graduation from High School or possession of GED Certificate. 

License or Certificate:
Possession of an appropriate, valid California Driver's License may be required.             

Special Requirements:            
This position will require working Saturdays.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:
This classification is distinguished from the Animal Control Officer classification in that it is responsible for the animal care, maintenance, and cleaning activities.  

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED:
Immediate supervision is provided by the Animal Control Officer.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKER
In addition to our everyday duties, we have an added responsibility to help in a declared disaster. Under California law, all public employees are Disaster Service Workers and may be called upon in the event of a disaster. The roles and responsibilities for Disaster Service Workers are authorized by the California Emergency Services Act and are defined in the California Government Code 3100-3102; Labor Code 3211.92(b).