General Info

Job Title: Shelter Technician
Job Location: Stafford, VA 22554
Date Posted: February 21, 2012
Job Type: Full Time
Compensation: $8.00

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• 18 years of age or older
• No allergies to, or fear of, animals, birds, reptiles, etc.
• Associate’s Degree or higher
• Minimum 6 months experience in the field
• Ability to lift 50# +
• Ability to work outside in extreme weather conditions
• Clear criminal history
• Valid Driver’s license, proof of insurance and your own, reliable transportation.
• Be willing to submit to and pass drug screening.

Job Description
Applicant will work under the general direction of the Executive Director and the Director of Operations.  Primary functions are to perform duties under limited supervision, including all necessary work to maintain general cleanliness, organization, repair and sanitation of the entire shelter with the focus being the overall health and wellbeing of the animals in our care.  The work requires the ability to speak normally and to use normal or aided vision and hearing. Duties will include but are not limited to:
Animal Care

• Daily feeding and care of all custodial animals.
• Daily ‘roll call’ of animals
• Health care surveillance/maintenance of all animals, and the ability to recognize common ailments, parasites, symptoms and any medical or emotional decline and react appropriately.
• Consult with SPCA Management and SPCA approved Vets, regarding diagnosis and treatment of any medical conditions, and appropriate applications of shelter medicine protocol.
• Administration of medications as directed by SPCA approved Vets, the Executive Director and the Director of Operations.
• Report daily to the Executive Director and/or Director of Operations regarding medical issues and overall health and welfare of all custodial animals.
• Socialize animals throughout the course of the workday.
• Monitor the appetite, hydration, stools and vomit of all animals and be willing to clean any animals and properly clean and sanitize any animal areas.
• Conduct and participate in “Lost and Found” animal searches with ourLost & Found or Search & Rescue Team. Searches may require walking in the woods, rough terrain, inclement weather, and exposure to ticks, chiggers, poison ivy, wildlife and other hazards.
• Cultivate and maintain a ‘zen-like’ shelter environment to decrease stress, minimize disease, and alleviate anxiety for all resident animals.
• Perform basic animal grooming to include, but not limited to: combing fur, brushing teeth, removing mats, tangles, bathing, trimming nails, and other care needs.

Communication

• Be available by phone, text, and email for workday, after hours, and emergency communication.
• Communicate with SPCA approved Vets and coordinate transportation of animals to and from medical appointments.
• Report to, and participate in, all staff and volunteer meetings as required.

People Care

• Conduct general shelter orientations, dog walking / dog care orientations, and humane education training both at the shelter and within the general community.
• Provide information to the public, and follow protocol to prevent the illegal and expensive abandonment of animals at the SPCA shelter location.
• Supervise volunteers in identifying high priority tasks and following through to make sure all daily, weekly, and monthly tasks are completed.
• Assist with “meet and greet” visits for potential adopters both at the shelter and at off-site adoption events.
• Transport animals to potential adoptive homes to conduct home visits, home safety inspections, and when appropriate, complete adoption contracts.
• Promote all SPCA donation and giving opportunities as appropriate.
• Receive, track, inventory, and acknowledge all monetary donations, and “in-kind” donations of supplies and materials in accordance with SPCA policies.
• Work in cooperation with all other recognized shelters and rescue organizations: we are not the only rescue out there, and we cannot do everything alone. It takes the cooperation from each rescue to make a difference.
• Work closely, professionally, and cohesively with other staff for the health/well-being of the animals and the greater good of the SPCA mission.

Safety

• Follow and enforce all established SPCA policies and protocols.
• Ensure the safety of people and animals at the shelter and at special events.
• Safely and humanely handle all animals, and perform all related health care functions, for all species, including those with unknown temperaments, including potentially aggressive, wild, sick and/or injured animals.
• Take immediate action to address any safety concerns that could put a staff member, volunteer, client, visitor, animal or the organization at risk .

Volunteers

• Work with volunteers to care for all animals, and maintain the grounds and facility in a clean, neat, organized, professional and attractive manner.
• Work cooperatively with volunteers, mentoring, monitoring, and recognizing the talent and commitment they bring to the Stafford SPCA by the donation of their time, skills, energy and effort.

Facility Care

• Assist in loading/unloading shelter supplies, stock shelves; maintain inventory and storage in an organized manner.
• Work with Director of Operations to set, and keep on hand, and monitor minimums for inventory purposes of all medications, food items, office supplies, cleaning supplies, and all other items necessary for the safe and professional operation of the shelter.
• Empty shelter trash daily, and coordinate the ‘dump runs’ to the county land fill on a regular basis (weekly at least).
• Be willing and able perform and supervise daily ‘poop patrol’ on SPCA grounds.
• Maintain the lobby and all work stations in a clean, professional, orderly and organized fashion.
• Maintain all equipment in proper working condition, and report any equipment, facility, supply, or other needs at once to Executive Director or Director of Operations.
• Maintain signage in and around the facility to provide clear direction to volunteers and visitors.

Record Keeping

• Maintain all animal medical and treatment records accurately and in a timely fashion.
• Be a team player with a long term vision for the SPCA.
• Receive, track, inventory, and acknowledge all monetary, and ”in-kind” donations of supplies and materials in accordance with SPCA policies.
• Accurately document daily feeding, exercise, medication, and general care of animals.
• Maintain, update and improve the SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) manual for our new and growing SPCA.
• Update, edit and correct animals’ Petfinder, AdoptAPet and other adoption biographies online.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Maintain infectious disease control and shelter discipline, and be willing/able to research and expand knowledge on all aspects of shelter medicine.
• Strong personal and professional initiative and self-direction are REQUIRED.
• Must be a team player, with an outgoing, “type A” personality.
• Must be patient (with staff, volunteers, animals and the general public).
• Must have more than “just a love for animals”.
• Must be willing to get your hands dirty, to move mountains, and be a key element in advancing the first No-Kill Companion Animal Rescue facility to Stafford County.
• Must have excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Office and basic photo editing skills.
• Must be able to work independently, and follow through on projects with strong attention to detail and organization skills.
• Must have a strong yet flexible personality, with the ability to work well under pressure and be able to multitask.
• Must be comfortable and able to work with both animals and people.
• Must have a general understanding of animal illnesses, diseases, transmission and treatment.
• Must understand that parts of the job include risk of animal bites, scratches, etc.
• Must be trustworthy with money, donations, collecting fees, and proper documentation.
• Must have a strong emotional ‘backbone’ to handle the ups and downs of the job, the passing of animals, and the ability to put personal emotions on hold, to handle the job in front of you.
• Problem solving skills and outside of the box thinking.
• Knowledge of animal breeds and behavior helpful.
• Willingness to travel.
• Willingness to adapt and be open to growth and change.
• Attend training, seminars and conferences to expand professional knowledge and experience in the field.
• Ability to work days, evenings, weekends and holidays. Overtime must be approved by Executive Director and/or Director of Operations in advance.
• Ability and willingness to report for work even during extreme weather conditions.
• Represent the Stafford SPCA in a positive manner, by professional maintaining a fit, neat, clean and professional personal appearance.
• A strong commitment to the mission of the Stafford SPCA in particular, and animal rescue in general.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to stand/walk/bend/lift for long periods of time.
• Ability to carry 50 lbs. or more.
• Frequent bending, reaching, kneeling, climbing stairs, walking and standing while performing job functions.
• Ability to handle, control, and manage animals some in excess of 100 pounds.
• Ability to work in and around Lysol type, bleach, ammonia, and other types of cleaners & disinfectants.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Environment can be dirty, wet, and humid in the summer, and cold, windy and icy in the winter.
• Exposure to unpleasant odors, allergens, loud noises, some chemicals and occasionally unpleasant people. We deal with both the best and the worst of humanity.
• Exposure to insects, pests, fleas, ticks, chiggers, and other potentially zoonotic diseases etc.
• Possibility of animals bites, scratches, etc..
• Tetanus and rabies (pre-exposure) inoculations are required, or must be specifically declined.