Deadline to Apply: Open Until Filled

This is skilled and semi-skilled work involving the care and assessment of animals in custody. An employee in this class is responsible for assisting in the operation of the animal shelter including routine handling of animals, standardized assessments, and post-adoption support for members of the community. Duties are performed under standard supervision.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Possession of a valid motor vehicle operator's license.
• Be available to work overtime as needed or required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be able to lift eighty (50) pounds or more to a height of four (4) feet or more.
• Must be able to work extended periods of time using regular or powered hand tools and hand tools such as hammers, wrenches, brooms and mops, hoses, etc.
• Must be able to work in confined spaces.
• Must be able to stand and/or walk for extended periods of time.
• Eye sight must be correctable to 20/20 vision.
• Hearing must be within a normal acceptable range of 20-25 with or without a hearing aid.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

• Provides both mental and physical enrichment to the dogs in KCAS’ care, including leading playgroups and behavioral assessments, providing behavioral and environmental enrichment, socialization, and behavior modification.
• Maintains accurate, objective, and thorough records.
• Maintains equipment, building, and grounds in a clean and orderly condition and reports needed repairs to the supervisor.
• Work collaboratively with leadership on creating and implementing enrichment strategy.
• Lead playgroups daily: learn safe management techniques for monitoring play sessions and coach Shelter Technicians through the process including safety tools and protocols.
• Work with shelter staff and volunteers to identify particular animals that may need ongoing behavioral support to ensure safety for staff, volunteers, and the public.
• Collaborate with and offer support to other departments to ensure animals’ success and team safety.
• Provide post-adoption support for Kenton County residents who are encountering difficult in-home behaviors from adopted dogs.
• Create and implement an assessment plan in collaboration with leadership to ensure all canines are assessed for behavior before being eligible for adoption.
• Clean up after animals as needed. This includes picking up after dogs during walks, spot cleaning kennels as needed, and cleaning of the play yard and all enrichment supplies.
• Remain proactive and enthusiastic on continuing education on animal behavior and industry best practices.
• Regularly document animals’ progression throughout the stay by keeping accurate written records to identify what was done each day for each animal and to monitor progress.
• Record training session in Shelter Buddy
• Update records as new information becomes available.
• Participate in regular team meetings to discuss animals’ behavioral status and overall prognosis in shelter and out.
• Uses suitable equipment and discretion to safely handle animals as needed.
• Assists in answering in-person and phone inquiries and solving problems as necessary.
• Assists with the intake of difficult animals, including administering vaccinations and other routine medical treatments.
• Assists the Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) with administering medications and performing blood-draws for difficult animals.
• May assist with euthanasia for incurable and unadoptable animals when all other resources have been utilized.
• Assist in shelter as available and as needed.
• Other tasks/duties as needed.

DESIRABLE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Ability to make sound judgments and work independently in a fast-paced environment with demonstrated ability to juggle competing tasks and demands.
• Ability to foster a cooperative, encouraging and positive work environment with staff and volunteers.
• Flexibility with daily tasks as well as hours depending on operational needs.
• Must be able to handle all types and breeds of dogs with varying behaviors and energy levels, including those showing fearful and aggressive behaviors.
• Basic knowledge of learning theory and positive reinforcement/reward-based training.
• Strong understanding of canine body language and behavior.
• Basic knowledge on how to utilize appropriate training tools to assist in behavior modification.
• Knowledge and use of exceptional customer service techniques.
• Knowledge of safe work practices and ability to apply them in work day situations.
• Ability to work effectively on a daily basis with limited supervision.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to comprehend basic written or verbal directives and perform directed tasks.
• Work efficiently in high demand, stressful situations.
• Ability to multitask effectively.
• Basic math, reading and writing skills.

DESIRABLE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

• Graduate of a standard high school or equivalent.
• Experience in canine handling, ideally in a shelter environment.

The above Job Description is intended to describe the general content of, and the requirements for, the performance of this job, including the essential functions. The description is not to be construed as an exhaustive, all inclusive statement of job duties, requirements, or responsibilities.