Animal Care Attendant

Job Summary

Under the general direction of the Supervisor, the successful candidate will ensure a high standard of animal husbandry, including cleaning, feeding, and medicating as well as assessment and enrichment

Duties and Responsibilities

• Ensure a high standard of cleaning and disinfection of indoor kennels and outdoor runs, cages, floors, feed bowls, euthanasia chambers, etc., utilizing hoses, brushes, shovels and potentially hazardous chemicals. 
• Feed, handle, medicate and enrich a variety of animals appropriate to the species. 
• Animal intake and processing including enclosure set up appropriate to the size and species, data entry in the digital database, confirming breeds, colours, distinguishing markings and identification such as tags, tattoos, microchip scanning, kennel labelling and animal health tracking documents.
• Administer medication (pills, vaccines, ointments, drops, etc.) as directed and under the supervision of the Supervisor of Animal Care. 
• Record and report any health problems to the Supervisor of Animal Care or their designate. 
• Quarantine and observe animals suspected of having rabies or other zoonotic diseases of public health concern.  
• Handle wild, sick, injured, vicious and dangerous animals using protective equipment supplied.
• Assist with euthanasia on domestic and wild animals using prescribed method.  
• Perform minor maintenance of the building and equipment and report any deficiencies to the Supervisor of Animal Care or Supervisor of Shelter Administration. 
• Foster/volunteer screening including, face time home inspection.  Provide oversight of Foster/volunteers.
• Plan and participate in Animal exercise, enrichment and individual behavioural programs.
• Place weekly food and shelter supply order under the direction of the Supervisors.
• Coordinate 3rd party vendors for aftercare of deceased animals. 
• Transportation of domestic/wildlife to veterinarians, animal rescue agencies, Trap and Release programs, wildlife rehabilitators and other animal related transportation when required.
• Provide back up support to Shelter Administration staff as required including licensing, adoptions and fielding calls from the public.
• Ensure security of the building when working shifts.
• Communicate in a professional manner in person and writing
• Participate in staff training programs as required.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Skills and Qualifications

• Minimum grade 12 education along with an Animal Care Certificate, or related education and/or equivalent experience required 
• Fear Free sheltering certificate required
• Animal behavioural certification / experience required 
• Experience in Chameleon preferred 
• Full “G” drivers licence with a clear driving record is required
• Must be able to work varied shift schedules including evenings and weekends
• Must have an ability to meet and carry out physical requirements of the position 
• Possess excellent oral and written communication skills and be able to utilize tact and professional demeanour when dealing with customers 
• Must be able to work in a team and independently with minimal supervision 
• It will be necessary for the successful candidate to have received a complete rabies vaccination series and regular rabies titre to confirm immunity