Animal Care Specialist

P/T Pack Services Assistant; 25-30 hrs (F/T offered after 90 day probationary period)
Non-Exempt

The Pack Services Assistant will assist the Pack Services Department in all areas of animal welfare which includes health, safety, behavior, and training. The PSA will assist with animal/human interaction which includes training of animals and volunteers, staff, program participants, guests and the general public to the safety and enrichment of all. The PSA will support the Director of Pack Services, Lead(s) of Animal Behavior and Health Assistant(s) with respect to deliverables, policies and procedures. This position will be under the direction of the PS Dept Leaders.

REQUIREMENTS:

Ideal minimum: Has experience with large canines for at least 1 year. Experience with exotic animals a plus. The Pack Services Assistant is a valued partner with Wolf Connection department Leaders nurturing the development, execution, outcome and quality of Wolf Connection’s mission.

Responsibilities:

· Assist pack care days and create and post pack care reports on Podio (in-house system) as needed

· Inspect enclosures for safety breaches and report required corrections to Manager of Pack Services

· Maintain handler status and fulfill obligations/duties of a handler as per protocols

· Assist with animal handling/training according the to the PS Dept protocols

· Collaborates with the PS Dept in the development of training and health procedures with regard to animal safety and progress; ensures all WC volunteers/staff follow and understand the instructions with willingness to communicate using different strategies

· Train Volunteers on gate mechanics, bowl prep and other duties as needed

· Support Volunteer tracking on Podio

· Identify/report/chart unusual changes in behavior

· Assist with all aspects of vet visits including transportation

· Collaborate with PS Dept on training objectives and health strategies of our animals

· Exercise animals and maintain exercise log

· Assist with Animal Control and USDA site visits as needed

· Assist with evacuation, first aid training and protocols as needed

· Help organize files, scan & upload to Podio

· Collaborates with Leads of Day and implements procedures to streamline the pack care process

· Help track inventory of food supply (meat & kibble)

· Awareness & support of all animal schedules including but not limited to: enrichment, Nylabones, brushing, seasonal changes, etc.

· Awareness of Wolf Connection Calendar of Events and potential guests/clients at the ranch

· Puts the safety of the animal first with best interest of the animal at heart and kind direction to guest/client

· Assist with onsite/offsite & zoom Programs, private events & events as needed

· Perform other duties as assigned

Statement of Skills, Knowledge & Abilities:

· Team player; collaborates with members of all departments

· Basic knowledge of Podio

· Punctual and reliable

· Receives feedback well and is open to learn and course correct

· Displays appropriate sense of urgency

· Exemplifies and emulates the ‘Program way of being’, ‘Wolf Principles’ & ‘Pillars’ in behavior

· Attention to detail

· Upholds confidentiality of all clients at the ranch; maintains professional boundaries

· Must have strong interpersonal, written and oral communication skills

· Passionate about the mission, vision of the organization and the primary role that Pack Services plays in that vision

· Excellent time management, including ability to prioritize appropriately, focus on most important projects and meet deadlines

Physical Requirements:

· Able to stand for long periods of time, outdoors, in varying extreme weather and temperatures

· Able to walk frequently and continuously stand, bend, twist at the neck and waist, reach with hands and arms, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl and continuously use hand strength to grasp tools or an animal while performing duties

· Adequate vision required; vision, depth perception and peripheral vision

· Adequate abilities of speaking/hearing; ability to give and receive information through speaking and listening with comprehension

· Possess the physical strength to safely handle WC animals

· Able to lift up to 50 -100 pounds

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $18.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Paid time off

Schedule:

• 4 hour shift
• 8 hour shift
• Holidays
• Overtime
• Weekend availability

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Palmdale, CA 93550: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Experience:

• Animal care: 1 year (Required)

Work Location: In person