Do you have a deep love for animals? Are you a team player, willing to work with others to achieve a common goal? Do you give attention to detail, especially when it comes to something in need of nurturing, love, and care? Then you may be an ideal candidate to be an animal care associate!
Animal Care Associates are the skeleton of the SPCA of Hancock County, being directly responsible for the care and management of the cats and dogs entrusted to us during their stay in between homes. People in this position are dedicated, going to work even when the elements are against them, because they know the animals are counting on them to be there. This is not a job for the faint of heart – sometimes, the work can be back-breaking and heartbreaking. But is it worth it? It is very possibly one of the most rewarding jobs you’ll ever experience, especially when you nurse a sick animal back to health and get it into a condition to find its perfect family and home.
Animal Care Associates are responsible for the following tasks:
- Feeding and medicating animals
- Daily cleaning and sanitizing of animal enclosures and housing as well as other areas of the facility
- Daily interaction with animals to provide enrichment and to supervise their health
- Administering basic medical procedures to animals while under supervision, i.e. vaccinating, deworming, and microchipping
- Providing needed grooming to animals, i.e. brushing, bathing, and nail trimming
- Maintaining electronic records of animals
- Maintaining effective communication with other staff about shelter animals
The ideal candidate for this position would be willing to work up to 40 hours a week, including potentially weekends and some holidays. Candidates with previous animal care experience or shelter work experience are preferred, but we are willing to train the right person who shows a desire to learn.
REQUIREMENTS for this position:
- Ability to work varied hours, including long days. The ideal candidate would be willing to work even up to 10 hours in a day (with breaks)
- Possess basic computer skills, such as using emails and opening software
- Must be able to lift 50 lbs, stand or walk for long periods of time, and be able to bend, kneel, or crouch repetitively
- Ability to work outside in all weather conditions
- The candidate must be comfortable working with cats and dogs of all breeds and sizes. This includes potentially injured, fearful, or fractious animals. This also includes working around strong smells and animal waste
- Ability to demonstrate compassion for others or at least check their feelings during high-emotional moments for other people, such as when a pet is being surrendered
PREFERRED additional skills:
- Adaptive, team spirit and willingness to learn new skills and roles
- Time management
- Previous professional animal care experience
- Previous customer service
We are searching for incredible people to join our team who are more interested in the outcome than the income. This position starts at $14 a/h. On-the-job training will be provided. All employees also accrue paid-time-off.
The SPCA of Hancock County provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment in all job classifications without regard to race, color, religion, age, mental disability, physical disability, medical condition, gender, sexual orientation, genetic information, ancestry, marital status, national origin, veteran status, and other classifications protected by applicable state and local non-discrimination laws.