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Job Title : F ull time : Transport Assistant / Animal Care Technician
Department : Transport and Animal Care
Reports to : A ssistant Director of Operations , Length of Stay Programs Lead and the Animal Care / Behavior Manager
FLSA Status : Non – exempt
Prepared Date : / /
Hourly Rate of Pay : $
Schedule : hours a week , Sunday-Thursday from : am till pm h ou rs a week are dedicated to transport and hours a week are dedicated to animal care
Transport is scheduled on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday, with the ability to flex the day if needed
Position Summary :
The main purpose of the T ransport Assistant is to work with other shelters to transport dogs and cats to the MDSPCA The t ransport team work s with our contact s at the other shelter s to find pets who match our adoption guidelines
Transport involves understanding dog and cat body language and behavior as well as basic medical knowledge The Transport Assistant will be expected to review medical notes and behaviorally eval uate the pets prior to transport
On-the-job training in understanding medical terminology, animal behavior and handling will be provided, but some experience with dogs and cats is required
The main purpose of the Animal Care position is to provide quality care for the animals, maintain the cleanliness of the shelter facility, and to serve the public in a professional, expedient, and courteous manner
Essential Duties and Responsibilities :
- Pe r form and exceed in all areas you hold responsibilities too
- U phold our core values
- C ommunicate with other shelters and arrange transports along with the L ength of Stay Programs L ead
- Obtain information from shelter about behavior / health that also includes history on each pet prior to transport
- Communicate to shelter staff about transports coming in , through TEAMS
- Update v ehicle s cheduling c alendar and s chedule for p ets
- Schedule and confirm transport
- Input pertinent info rmation into the Shelter Luv data base , as pets are transferred into our shelter
- P er form brief behavior and medical evaluations for dogs and cats
- Ensure that all supplies are stocked for the van
- Clean van after each transport
- Transport pets to Neighborhood Veterinary C are c linic , the Pet ER and BARCS for rabies testing
- Driving transport van
- P er form thorough daily cleaning, as assigned, each morning before kennel opens to the public
- U se cleaning chemicals as directed to reduce disease transmission
- Maintain sanitary conditions, food, and water supply for animals
- Scoop and mop dog run throughout the day, scoop cat litter boxes, maintain clean food / water bowls, clean up spilled food on floors, etc
- Provide customer assistance and be available to answer questions from the public concerning animals in the facility animals to visitors if requested in get-acquainted room or outside if appropriate
- Maintain daily feeding / observation charts
- Replenish supplies
- Provide all animals with enrichment
- Operate laundry and dishwashing equipment
- Observe animals, document and route health and behavior concerns to the appropriate department
- Check and maintain dog fun run areas (setting hose, cleaning, dumping, or filling pools in summer, etc)
- Be kind to the animals and show consideration to reduce animal stress
- Follow all safety guidelines, including PPEs to ensure a safe environment
- Assist other team members with their assignments
- Help train new staff and volunteers
- Perform other duties as assigned, which may include but are not limited to :
- Assist in exam room if trained and approved
- Perform euthanasia, if trained and certified
- Perform dog and cat behavior assessments if trained and needed
- Complete all tasks as assigned by management and Length of Stay Lead
Complete all tasks as assigned by management and Length of Stay Lead
Qualifications :
- High school diploma or GED
- Interest in animal welfare
- Safe driving record and situationally aware of surroundings
- Computer literacy required
- Effective written and verbal communication skills for in-person and telephone contacts
- Reliable and detail oriented
- Ability to multi-task and stay calm under pressure
- Demonstrate initiative and good judgment
- Excellent customer service skills, with ability to deal tactfully and effectively with partnering shelters and public
- Basic knowledge of animal s , animal health, animal handling and humane care
- Basic animal handling experience with knowledge of canine and feline behavior
- Some familiarity with animal restraint techniques and medical terminology
- Ability to handle animals of various sizes and activity levels safely, compassionately, and effectively
- Willingness to use force free positive reinforcement methods, including appropriate use of food and humane products
- Ability to accept decisions about animal placement into program or humane euthanasia
- Commitment to and enthusiasm for the mission, programs, and services of the Maryland SPCA
Working Conditions :
- Work is performed in a n animal shelter and within multiple other shelters
- Exposure to disinfecting solutions when cleaning with exposure to unpleasant odors and high noise levels when in kennel area
- Exposure to various weather conditions when working outdoors
- Technician is regularly exposed to animals, animal waste, high noise, and potentially hazardous conditions, including the risk of animal bites
- Potential exposure to zoonotic diseases, sharp objects, hazardous chemicals, dangerous and fractious animals
Physical Demands :
- Frequent ly sitting, bending, stooping , walking and use of computer keyboard and telephone
- Ability to drive for several hours at a time through various roadways and traffic
- Handling unknown dogs of all sizes, energy levels, walking dogs of all strengths and sizes, sometimes having to pick them up to put into the van
- Handling unknown cats
- Ability to lift and / or carry up to pounds
- Standing and walking – or more hours per day with frequent bending, kneeling, stooping, and reaching
