Job Title: Kennel/Cattery Technician
Reports to: Kennel Manager
Direct Reports: None
Full time/part time, hourly position.
Summary: Kennel Technician is responsible for the general health and wellness of all dogs and cats at the shelter, providing a friendly, informative presence for visitors, and upholding the values and mission of the shelter.
Specific duties of Kennel Technicians include, but are not limited to:
- Cleaning and care of animals
- Complete walkthrough before cleaning designated areas to look for sick/injured animals
- Assist with morning cleaning of kennel area, interior rooms, and cat and and kitten cottages
- Always be aware of and use the most up to date, approved cleaning protocols
- Ensure all animals have clean housing, appropriate bedding and fresh water at all times
- Ensure all animals are fed according to the feeding protocols
- Maintain cleanliness of grounds and playpen areas
- Perform poop runs throughout the day to maintain the cleanliness of kennels
- Complete tasks on daily and weekly checklists
- Assist Kennel Manager and Behavior Coordinators with movement of animals to create combinations, and move animals to appropriate locations
- Complete a daily end of day walk-through to check water levels, ensure free fed animals have food, and to ensure all animals are healthy and alert
- Answer calls from the office
- Maintain shelter tools and equipment
- Maintain cleanliness and condition of shelter equipment
- Report broken tools/equipment to the Kennel Manager
- Report supplies needed to the Kennel Manager
- Assist with kennel enrichment each day
- Ensure housebroken and crate rest dogs are receiving walks each day
- Customer Interactions/Adoption Counseling
- Assist visitors; must have a friendly, helpful demeanor at all times when interacting with visitors, even under pressure
- Help visitors select animals for adoptions, foster, etc.
- Supervise meet and greets and counsel visitors
- Work with office staff to ensure all dogs have up-to-date kennel cards and appropriate signage
- Always uphold the shelter’s values and mission statement during interactions with the public and one another
- Remember that volunteers donate their time, talent, and energy and are not compensated monetarily for their contributions
- Make a commitment to train volunteers: orient them to assigned area, assign work, answer questions, and assist with their needs
- Greet all volunteers that you see, and thank them for their help. Make them feel like they’re part of the team
- Be mindful of your communication around volunteers; keep internal conversations internal, and only involve volunteers in the conversation when appropriate
- Build relationships with volunteers. Volunteers with an emotional connection will continue to volunteer with us
- Provide feedback to volunteers when they do something well
- Offer encouragement, training, and constructive correction if you volunteers break protocol. Feedback should be non-confrontational and specific
- Request volunteer assistance when you need it by asking volunteers
- Request volunteer assistance ahead of time by contacting the Volunteer Coordinator
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time
Pay: From $11.00 per hour
Expected hours: 30 – 40 per week
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Disability insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
- Day shift
- Rotating weekends
Education:
- High school or equivalent (Preferred)
Work Location: In person