Job Abstract

DEPARTMENT: Animal Care

FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt

JOB SUMMARY: Responsible for daily cleaning, feeding, and provision of any medical treatments to the animals in our care. Employees will also be expected to assist staff and the public with handling animals, and keep the non-administrative areas of the shelter clean. Employees will also be trained in the adoptions functions of the shelter, and will be expected to assist at the front desk if the need arises. Weekend work will be required; Saturday or Sunday availability is required.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB INCLUDE:

Animal Care:

1. Ensure that all animal areas are clean, sanitary and comfortable
2. Clean animal enclosures every morning
3. Feed, water, groom, and medicate animals on a daily basis, while monitoring the physical condition and behavior of each animal
4. Provide affection and socialization to all animals on a regular basis, including walking dogs as needed
5. Examine and vaccinate animals entering the shelter
6. Accurately evaluate the medical status of an animal to determine whether it is stable and can remain in the shelter
7. Administer emergency first aid to sick or injured animals
8. Humanely euthanize animals when necessary
9. Participate in dog playgroups as needed
10. Assist in keeping the office areas where animals are housed neat and clean
11. Communicate regularly with supervisors and coworkers to ensure that they are aware of any issues pertinent to their areas of responsibility
12. Participate in staff meetings to share ideas and suggestions for improving animal care and the quality of the organization as a whole

Administrative:

1. Ensure that paperwork and records are maintained accurately and that database information is updated
2. Learn and use the descriptive identification used by AWLA, and develop a current working knowledge of all American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized breeds and other commonly seen dog breeds, as well as commonly seen cat breeds
3. Develop a basic working knowledge of the AWLA’s procedures, guidelines, and protocols for the safe handling of animals
4. Legal and statistical reporting procedures, and veterinary protocols
5. Federal and Commonwealth of Virginia substance regulations, and Commonwealth of Virginia and municipal animal regulations
6. Understand and comprehend AWLA’s Animal Care Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
7. Assist on an as needed basis with AWLA inventory and report necessary product orders
8. Perform intake exams of stray, injured and owner-relinquished animals
9. Accurately complete all animal intake paperwork
10. Maintain accurate animal intake information in database
11. Retrieve general voicemail messages and respond to calls and/or forward them to the appropriate department

Adoption Counseling:

1. Explain AWLA adoption policies and procedures to potential adopters
2. Use customer service skills to facilitate potential applications in a positive manner in support of AWLA mission and objectives
3. Conduct adoption and behavior consultations
4. Ensure that all adoption related literature is assembled prior to the adoption consultation
5. Review all pertinent information on the application with the potential adopter privately
6. Conduct all post-consultation activities prior to the adoption
7. Maintain a complete and accurate file regarding all actions associated with the adoption
8. Ensure that the completed adoption contract is at the shelter prior to the adopter's scheduled pick-up time
9. Advise shelter personnel of the pick-up time as well as any required pre-adoption medical procedures
10. Arrange transfer of veterinary records from the previous owner to the new adopter if appropriate
11. Conduct all final adoption processes
12. Ensure that all required actions are completed prior to releasing the animal to its new home
13. Conduct consultations for owner surrendered animals
14. Document a complete personality profile of the animal
15. Discuss the adoption potential of the animal and gather detailed information on the history of the surrendered animal

Financial:

1. Accept monetary and in-kind donations from the public, thank the donor and forward notices of donation to the Development Assistant
2. Accurately process cash, check and credit card transactions, adhering to League accounting policies
3. Assist clients with retail item purchases, maintain inventory and ensure displays are stocked and orderly

POSITION SPECIFICATIONS:

1. Required:
2. High school diploma or equivalent
3. Proven ability to handle multiple tasks in a busy workplace environment
4. Ability to accurately perform basic mathematical calculation
5. Understanding of humane care and treatment of animals
6. Ability to obtain certification as a euthanasia technician within the first twelve months of employment
7. Valid Driver’s License
8. Fluent in English
9. Preferred
10. Experience in animal care
11. Spanish language skills
12. Shelter experience

WORKING CONDITIONS:

1. Indoors in a high noise, air-conditioned/heated building, outdoors at shelter in various weather conditions, or on-location for various activities
2. Equipment use:

Includes use of PC, laser printer, copy machine, fax machine, telephone, power washer, industrial dish washing machine, laundry machine, dryer, and cleaning supplies

1. Work hours:
2. Work hours will vary
3. Early morning, evening, weekend and holiday hours will be required

MENTAL, PHYSICAL AND COMMUNCATION DEMANDS:

1. Regular exposure to animals, cleaning chemicals, fumes, dust, animal feces, bites, scratches
2. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 100 pounds
3. The employee must frequently bend, grip and be flexible to do so
4. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus
5. Ability to work around pet dander, dust and other allergens without issue
6. Regularly required to stand and walk
7. Strong data entry skills and the ability to maintain accurate records in a database, currently Chameleon
8. Requires working alone or with minimal supervision - must be self-motivated
9. Requires patience and tact when working with difficult, emotional, or angry people
10. Must have the ability to effectively communicate; verbally and written, over the phone and intercom, with a wide variety of both internal and external individuals, including the Directors, Managers, Coordinators, the staff, a volunteer workforce, partner organizations, and private citizens
11. Requires treating people and animals in a pleasant, courteous and professional manner
12. Adherence to AWLA’s policies and philosophies
13. Must be willing to receive Rabies vaccine and/or titers test upon request

This position description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related duties required by their supervisor. This document does not create an employment contract implied or otherwise, other than an “at-will” relationship.

COMPENSATION:

The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria offers an excellent benefits package and competitive compensation. The AWLA provides health care, dental, and vision coverage, a retirement plan, and additional employee benefits. Starting pay is $15 per hour increasing to $17 per hour after a probationary period. Starting pay will be commensurate with experience.

AWLA is committed to the principles of equal employment. We are committed to complying with all federal, state, and local laws providing equal employment opportunities, and all other employment laws and regulations. It is our intent to maintain a work environment that is free of harassment, discrimination, or retaliation based on the following protected classes: age (40 and older), race (including traits historically associated with race, which includes hair texture, hair type, and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists), color, ethnic or national origin, ancestry, religion (including any outward expression of religious faith, which includes adherence to religious dressing and grooming practices and carrying or displaying religious items or symbols), sex, sexual orientation (including transgender status, gender identity or expression), pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation, and related medical conditions), physical or mental disability, genetic information (including testing and characteristics), marital status, military status (including status as a uniformed service member, a veteran, or dependent of a service member), or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws. The Company is dedicated to the fulfillment of this policy in regard to all aspects of employment, including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, placement, transfer, training, promotion, rates of pay, and other compensation, termination, and all other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment.