Animal Care Technician

Description

The SPCA of Tompkins County, located in Ithaca NY, was incorporated in 1902 in an effort to end cruelty and provide safe shelter to the unwanted, abandoned, and homeless animals of Tompkins County. The mission of the SPCA of Tompkins County is to protect companion animals. We are a no-kill shelter dedicated to preventing animal cruelty and overpopulation. We promote responsible pet stewardship by providing education, counseling and training to nurture and enhance the human-animal bond.

The Animal Care Technician (ACT) role is responsible for: (1) cleaning the shelter, most notably areas where animals reside; (2) providing food and water to the animals; (3) moving animals within the shelter; (4) monitoring the health (medical and behavioral) of the animals and reporting concerns; (5) assisting with the behavioral plans of individual animals as needed; and (6) providing daily enrichment to the animals.

Principle Duties

• Provide fundamental care to animals through cleaning, walking, feeding, exercising, and enriching. This includes cleaning and disinfecting animal spaces (rooms, runs, cages) and ensuring animals have what they need including (but not limited to) bedding, water, food, and enrichment.
• Handle animals of various and potentially unknown temperaments and assist with behavior programs as needed under guidance of behavior staff.
• Monitor animal behaviors including eating, drinking, elimination patterns, and behavior to identify potential problems and notify staff as needed.
• Provide daily animal movement throughout the shelter.
• Maintain a clean, sanitary, and orderly environment throughout the shelter. Clean and sanitize equipment such as kennels, dishes, toys, litterboxes, and leashes.
• Perform shelter tasks such as laundry, garbage, dish washing and other shelter duties.
• Learn and carry out responsibilities in accordance with the shelter’s protocols and procedures.
• Observe all safety rules and regulations.
• Perform other duties as requested.
• Promote a humane and caring attitude towards all animals and treat all animals properly and with compassion.
• Work courteously and cooperatively with all staff, volunteers, and members of the public to ensure that all procedures and policies are followed, and animals’ needs and comforts are met.

Requirements

Work Environment

• Work is performed in a shelter environment with regular exposure to high noise levels, chemical cleaning agents, animal dander, wet floors, the natural elements (when working outdoors), potentially aggressive and dangerous animals, and animal bites and scratches.

Physical Demands

• The ability to lift at least 50 lbs. is required to move equipment, supplies, and sometimes animals. Daily walking, standing, bending, kneeling, twisting, pushing/pulling, scrubbing, and reaching. Allergic conditions, which would be aggravated when handling or working with animals or cleaning agents, may be a disqualification.

Education/Experience

• Knowledge of animal handling is preferred.
• Experience with large dogs and animals of various temperaments preferred.

Hours/Schedule

• Non-exempt position
• Part-time (P/T)
• First shift, 8:00 am – 2:00 pm
• Weekends and some major holidays required

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $17.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Paid time off

Schedule:

• Holidays
• Morning shift
• Weekends as needed

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Preferred)

Experience:

• Animal Handling: 1 year (Preferred)

Work Location: In person