Animal Care Technician - Full Time - Pets In Need

Be a part of Pets In Need's mission. Each year, our team cares for and adopts out thousands of animals, provides essential pet services to our underserved neighbors, and cultivates the next generation of animal advocates through education. You could be a part of this remarkable team. Pets In Need offers competitive pay commensurate with experience and with Bay Area industry standards. In addition to carrying an important and fulfilling role in the Bay Area pet community, Pets In Need employees receive extensive benefits. Benefits include paid vacation and sick time; 11 paid holidays; medical, dental, and vision insurance; retirement plan; life insurance; discounted veterinary care; a dog-friendly workplace; and continuing education reimbursement.

MISSION AND VISION

Our mission is to provide animals with loving care and lasting homes, to partner with communities striving to do the same, and to advance our no-kill legacy. Our vision is for animals to live in welcoming communities where they and their human companions are treated with care and compassion.

SUMMARY

Under the supervision of the Shelter Operations Manager and the Animal Care Manager, the Animal Care Technician is responsible for providing infrastructure support for Pets In Need's rescue and adoption efforts. This position will provide the daily care of Pets In Need's animals, including but not limited to, feeding, cleaning, medicating, exercising, and enriching the shelter animals' lives while following all proper handling protocols.

This is a full-time position primarily located in Palo Alto, California, working 40 hours per week. Travel between Redwood City and Palo Alto may be required. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Provides daily care and feedings for Pets In Need's shelter animals. Assists with walking and rotating dogs from kennels throughout the day.
• Prepares and provides edible enrichment for animals, including but not limited to stuffing kongs, and handing out chews.
• Observes shelter animals for any unusual symptoms that may be indicative of a medical or behavioral issue and reports to the Shelter Operations Manager.
• Cleans and maintains animal living areas, kitchens, bedding, cat furniture, and all animal/shelter equipment.
• Speaks to the public about personalities and traits to assist with adoptions, as needed.
• Cleans public areas and medicates animals, as needed. Transfers animals between shelters, as required.
• Promotes a humane and caring attitude toward all animals.
• Follows established procedures governing safe work practices, performs duties in a manner which assures the safety of the animals, staff and visitors.
• Perform duties in a manner which encourages contributions and business for Pets In Need.
• Perform other duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the education, knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• A High School diploma or GED and one-year relevant experience, or a combination of education and experience.
• Always treat people and animals with respect, contribute to effective teamwork, promote staff cooperation, and foster public relations beneficial to Pets In Need.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to comprehend and follow written and/or verbal instructions.
• Communicate with the public and co-workers in a pleasant, courteous, and tactful manner.
• Must be comfortable and skilled in working with a culturally diverse staff, volunteers, and community.
• Affection for animals, concern for their welfare and a willingness to accommodate animals in the workplace.
• Must understand and support Pets In Need's No Kill mission.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• This position is considered moderately to highly physical and requires a lot of standing, bending, lifting, and walking.
• Must be able to bend, twist, stoop, push and pull, ascend/descend stairs, reach and lift overhead 20 lbs., climb on ladders, and lift up to 50lbs.
• Comfortable handling and managing large dogs up to 100 lbs.
• Ability to see, hear, and speak.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Shifts are at our Palo Alto location. 
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule including weekends, evenings, and holidays.
• Working with potentially dangerous and fractious animals.

 COMPENSATION

$22.00 - $26.00 depending on qualifications and experience

This description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions, it does not proscribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.

Consistent with its obligations under the law, Pets In Need will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of his or her job.