Position Summary:
The main purpose of this position is to provide quality care for the animals, maintain the cleanliness of the shelter facility, and to serve the public in a professional, expedient, and courteous manner.
Schedule: Part-time/3 days a week hours
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Do thorough daily cleaning, as assigned, each morning before kennel opens to the public Mix and use cleaning chemicals as directed to reduce disease transmission Maintain sanitary conditions, food and water supply for animals Scoop and mop dog run throughout the day, scoop cat litter boxes, maintain clean food/water bowls, clean up spilled food on floors, etc. Provide customer assistance and be available to answer questions from the public concerning animals in the facility animals to visitors if requested in get-acquainted room or outside if appropriate Maintain daily feeding/observation charts Introduce replenish supplies Provide all animals with enrichment Operate laundry and dishwashing equipment Observe animals, document and route health and behavior concerns to the appropriate department Check and maintain dog fun run areas (setting hose, cleaning, dumping or filling pools in summer, etc.) Be kind to the animals and show consideration in order to reduce animal stress Follow all safety guidelines, including PPEs to ensure a safe environment Assist other staff with their assignments Help train new staff and volunteers Perform other duties as assigned, which may include but are not limited to: Assist in exam room if trained and approved Perform euthanasia, if trained and certified Perform dog and cat behavior assessments if trained and needed Handle aggressive animals, work with Do Not Enter plans and report new behaviors immediately to managers/leads on duty when needed Qualifications:
High school diploma or GED Interest in animal welfare Reliable and detailed oriented Demonstrated initiative and good judgment Basic animal handling experience with knowledge of canine and feline behavior Familiarity with animal restraint techniques and medical terminology Ability to handle animals of various sizes and activity levels safely, compassionately and effectively Excellent customer service skills, with ability to interact patiently and tactfully with a diverse customer base Experience in the use of positive reinforcement methods, including appropriate use of food and humane products Ability to accept decisions about animal placement into program or humane euthanasia Committed to and enthusiastic about the mission, programs and services of the Maryland SPCA New employees must show proof they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. The MD SPCA will consider reasonable accommodations on a case-by-case basis, for exceptions to this requirement in accordance with applicable law Physical Demands:
Ability to lift and/or carry up to 50 pounds Standing and walking 8 or more hours per day with frequent bending, kneeling, stooping and reaching Working Conditions:
Work is performed in a shelter setting Exposure to disinfecting solutions when cleaning, exposure to unpleasant odors and high noise levels when in kennel area Exposure to various weather conditions when working outdoors Potential exposure to zoonotic diseases, sharp objects, hazardous chemicals, dangerous and fractious animals Technician is regularly exposed to animals, animal waste, high noise and potentially hazardous conditions, including the risk of animal bites
