Animal Shelter Technician - City of Odessa

Department: Police Reports to: Animal Control Supervisor or Manager

Summary: Primary duties are to provide maintenance cleaning, feeding and general attention to the animals housed in the shelter. Performs vaccinations, microchipping and assists with Veterinary procedures as needed.

Essential Functions: Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Provides food, water, and general care of Shelter animals
• Cleans, disinfects, and removes all waste and dead animals from the Shelter, etc.
• Performs humane euthanasia as prescribed by law.
• Maintains kennel records as directed by Animal Control procedures manual.
• Report inventory levels of pertinent kennel supplies.
• Maintains the quarantine rooms as prescribed by law and local manual.
• Maintains kennel pesticide control by methods approved by Manager.
• Practices safety procedures at all times.
• Able to work well with livestock loading, unloading, feeding and water - horses, pigs, cows, goats, etc.
• Able to submit a specimen with paperwork to Austin lab for rabies analysis.
• Able to operate two two-way communications systems.
• Able to perform all clerical work involved in adoptions, reclaims, payment of money due from quarantine fees, and any other monies coming into the shelter as needed.
• Maintain equipment, buildings and shelter grounds.
• Maintain oneself in proper uniform and general appearance and behavior.
• Operates and maintains crematory.
• Supports the departmental operations with regular and timely attendance.
• Supports the relationship between the City of Odessa and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with visitors and City staff; maintains confidentiality of work-related issues and City information; performs other duties as required or assigned.

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education, Training and Experience Guidelines: Minimum of a high school diploma or GED required. Minimum of six (6) months heavy customer relations experience. Experience with animals and knowledge of their behavior preferred.

Knowledge of:

• Ability to read, write, understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to maintain records from which reports can be prepared by the Secretary.
• Ability to deal with the public tactfully and courteously and work harmoniously with other employees.
• Ability to humanely handle animals under various circumstances.
• Be able to lift medium and large size dogs.

License and certification requirements: Possess a valid Texas Driver License. Possess Euthanasia Certification from Texas Department of Health or obtain within 120 days after appointment.

Physical demands and working environment: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to operate equipment, handle or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, and sit. The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 70 pounds. Employee work on slippery and uneven surfaces and are exposed to loud noise, odors, and dirt. Employees are routinely exposed to dangerous, injured, or diseased, unruly, and vicious animals; fecal matter, blood and other hazards; and to various cleaning chemicals.

Special Requirements: Working hours for Shelter Technician may vary from the M-F 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. with Saturday, Sunday and Holiday duties. Must complete a 70 pound lift test as part of the pre-employment process. Pre-Rabies vaccinations are required once hired.