Position Information

This internal recruitment is to fill full and/or part-time contractually unrepresented Animal Services Associate positions at the Chico Animal Shelter. The recruitment pool may also be utilized for limited-term/extra help recruiting, for additional assistance at the shelter.

Animal Services positions focus on animal care and shelter upkeep. Applicants must be comfortable and capable of working with a wide variety of domestic animals - mostly dogs and cats, but also occasionally livestock and exotics. Some experience working in a veterinary clinic or animal shelter is desirable. Completion of ROP Veterinary Assistant program a plus, as well as familiarity with the behavior and diseases of common domestic animals.

Job Description

DEFINITION

Under supervision, perform a combination of kennel and animal care work along with significant public interaction. Employees in this classification perform a variety of semi-skilled tasks in the routine operation of an animal shelter including kennel cleaning and sanitation, animal care including assisting with medical care; handling livestock and cleaning corrals; working with volunteers and rescue groups; data entry, filing, and record keeping; assisting the public with locating lost animals and adoptions; selling dog licenses; processing payments and paperwork for adoptions and owners reclaiming animals; assisting with euthanasia; to perform related work as required.

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only)

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations where appropriate so qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

Perform routine day-to-day tasks required for the general operations and maintenance of the animal shelter;
Clean and disinfect animal enclosures, cages, equipment, enclosures, walkways, and work areas, including vehicles, vehicle caging and other equipment;
Washes dishes and laundry;
Feeds and cares for a wide-variety of animals, typically dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, birds, and may include reptiles, wildlife and livestock;
Assists compassionate and humane euthanasia and disposal of animals according to department protocols;
Maintains detailed records and security of federally controlled drugs in compliance with applicable laws, rules and regulations;
Greets public and answers phones in a courteous and prompt manner;
Takes lost and found reports over the phone and in person;
Works with police officers, park rangers and other animal control agencies to facilitate the intake and release of found animals;
Determines jurisdiction in order to accept animals or sell dog licenses;
Sells dog licenses to City residents;
Directs members of the public to the correct agency/organization that can best serve their needs;
Provides information relating to shelter policies, procedures and practices;
Provides advice on appropriate choices for animal adoption and proper animal care;
Accepts relinquished or stray animals and places the animal in appropriate housing according to species and special requirements;
Safely handles and transports animals from the shelter to the veterinary hospital or another shelter, as needed;
Updates computer files when receiving, treating, moving or assessing disposition of animals;
Keeps accurate written and computer records and logs;
Bathes animals and performs related animal grooming and care; handles animals humanely and effectively under stressful situations;
Checks impounded animals for microchip to identify owner;
Releases impounded animals to owners;
Assists with vaccinations, intake exams and other medical procedures;
Provides special care when advised of animals requiring medication, treatment, and/or special needs;
Observes and monitors animal shelter population and reports behavior irregularities and/ or disease symptoms;
Identifies, segregates, and isolates dangerous and/or ill animals;
Performs a brief assessment of animal health and temperament on arrival;
Conducts a daily walk-through to assess animal safety and well-being;
Cleans and maintains building and grounds areas at the shelter, including janitorial work and grounds keeping;
Assists in opening and closing of facility;
Balances cash drawer and create daily deposit;
Assists in responding to disaster situations;
May perform animal behavior and kennel enrichment programs;
Operates office equipment;
Scans animal records and files/archives animal charts according to protocols;
Uses social media and email to match lost and found animals and contact possible owners;
Performs other duties, as assigned.

Qualifications

Knowledge of:

Basic practices and techniques for impounding and caring for a variety of animals, animal anatomy, breed identification, behavior and first aid treatment.

Ability to:

Perform heavy manual labor in varied assignments;
Understand and carry out oral and written instructions;
Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with co-workers;
Work with the public and remain courteous and professional in stressful situations;
Understand written and oral instructions, write clear and accurate notes;
Operate telephone, computer and copier; learn a variety of computer programs;
Complete register transactions on the computer and make change;
Read a map;
Learn to identify common breeds of dogs, cats, livestock and other exotic animals and reptiles;
Perform animal care and handling techniques, identify symptoms and behaviors associated with rabies and other common domestic animal diseases.

Education and Experience:

Education

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

High school graduation or equivalent.

Experience

Education, training, and/or experience should demonstrate possession of the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities.
Knowledge of animal husbandry and shelter practices is desired. Six (6) months of experience working with domestic animals in a veterinary hospital, humane society, or other animal facility is preferred.

Licenses and Certifications:

Possession of a valid California Driver License.
Ability to successfully complete formal training courses on job-related responsibilities including possession or ability to obtain a certificate of euthanasia as provided by the State of California within 6 months of employment.

Additional Information

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, talk and hear. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk on a variety of surfaces, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, squat, crouch or crawl; use hands to finger, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; taste and smell.

The employee must frequently lift, pull, push and or move more than 50 pounds; carry and restrain animals weighing up to and in excess of 50 pounds. Employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds with assistance. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision and peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

Various equipment and tools used in the operation of an animal shelter or animal capture; Requires frequent use of high pressure washer, steam cleaner, broom, mop, brushes, hose, ladder, scales, telephone, computer terminal, copy, scan and facsimile equipment, washing machine, dryer, lawn mower and garden implements, first aid equipment, motor vehicle, two-way radio, pager.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Work is predominantly performed in a kennel environment; exposure to excessive noise (barking dogs); animal waste and dead animals; dust; chemicals from cleaning agents/disinfectants; sewage and zoonotic diseases. Tasks require frequent exposure to adverse environmental conditions (extreme heat/cold, wet conditions), foul odors, dangerous animals, euthanasia equipment and chemicals, moving mechanical parts and traffic.

The City of Chico offers a wide range of employee benefits. Benefits are subject to negotiations with employee organizations and may vary with individual bargaining units. For a summary of benefits, please visit the City of Chico website at: City of Chico - Employee Benefits

Closing Date/Time: 9/5/2024 11:59 PM Pacific

City of Chico

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Animal Services Associate