Employment

Reports​ ​to​: Canine Specialist

Job​ ​Description​: The Kennel Technician is responsible for the health and well being of all shelter animals during shift hours. The primary focus is dogs, but this position will care for cats when necessary. This is a physically demanding job. The Adoption Counselor part of the position is responsible for finding safe, loving homes for dogs, cats, and other animals both at the shelter and at off-site adoption events. Additionally, the counselor will advise people who are having a problem with their pet or wish to surrender their animal to resolve the situation to keep the pet in the home.

Hours:​ ​20​ ​hours/week​ ​on​ ​average

• Thursday: 12:30 pm-4:30 pm

• Friday and Saturday: 8:30 am-4:30 pm

• Holidays: 8:30 am-12:30 pm & 5-6 pm

(New Year’s, Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas)

Job​ ​Duties:

• Clean kennels and dog yard, feed and water dogs following procedures as defined by the Canine Manger

• Assess the health of all dogs, looking for signs of ear mites, fleas, skin conditions, behavior issues, etc.

• Clean dog cages, feed and water dogs following procedures as defined by WCHS’s Shelter Operating Procedures

• Administer medications to animals as directed by our Veterinarian

• Enter data, i.e., medications administered, in the on-line animal database

• Communicate effectively with the Manager and Director of Operations regarding all shelter issues, especially animal health and well being

• Engage prospective adopters to find out what they are looking for in a pet

• Share in responsibility for keeping the facility clean

• Sweep and mop floors throughout the facility

• Manage laundry

• Restock supplies and report low inventory to supervisors

• Communicate effectively with other shelter staff, especially regarding animal health and well being

• Enter data, enter adoptions and intakes in PetPoint, the animal database

• Work with volunteers who assist in animal care and cleaning activities

• Counsel potential adopters on pets available for adoption, working to make appropriate matches, answer questions and convey information on cat care and what to expect when introducing a new cat to the household

• Interact with the public in a courteous and friendly manner

• Other tasks as necessary

• Technicians will be cross-trained so they are able to work with all animals in the shelter when necessary

Qualifications​ ​&​ ​Requirements​:

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs unassisted

• Clear ability to follow directions, stick to a precise cleaning protocol and administer medications accurately

• Thoroughness, attention to detail and a love of cleanliness

• Knowledge of or willingness to learn safe animal handling practices

• Calm personality that fosters good rapport with animals and ability to remain calm in situations that are stressful to animals

• Excellent people and communication skills

• Organized and efficient

• Allergic conditions, which would be aggravated when handling or working with animals, maybe a disqualification.

Please​ ​submit​ ​resume,​ ​cover​ ​letter​ ​and​ ​contact​ ​information​ ​for​ ​three​ ​references​ ​to:

Keri Roberts, Director of Operations: keri@windhamcountyhumane.org