Overview
Animal Care Specialist – Adoption Center – Full-Time Jobs in Birmingham, AL at Greater Birmingham Humane Society Inc
Animal Care Specialist
Snow Drive Facility – Adoption Center
POSITION SUMMARY
The Greater Birmingham Humane Society (“the GBHS”) is a progressive animal welfare shelter whose mission is to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome homeless, abused, neglected and abandoned animals. We are committed to an open admissions policy, animal rehabilitation and a low euthanasia rate. GBHS’ open intake and adoption philosophy is a key part of our progressive mission, enabling us to save and rehome thousands of animals each year.
The Animal Care Specialist will be responsible for providing and ensuring proper care to dogs, cats, and other animals at the shelter.
PRIMARY RELATIONSHIPS
Reports to Shelter Management and serves as a member of the animal care team.
Interacts daily with veterinary assistants, adoption counselors, foster coordinator, transport coordinator, volunteers, the general public, and potential adopters.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Performs cleaning details as directed by immediate supervisor and animal welfare standards
Responsible for feeding, cleaning, and the treatment of animals including but not limited to walking, bathing, exercise, and behavior.
Assists with the loading and unloading of animals with the transport driver
Assists in cleaning, sanitizing, and storing of crates and equipment
Works compassionately with injured and mistreated animals
Ensures the comfort and cleanliness of all animals on the adoption floor
Ensures animal areas are clean and orderly and stocked with food, litter, newspaper and other essential items
Understands basic animal infectious disease and willingness to prevent contagious spread
Ensures animal areas are clean and orderly and stocked with food, litter, newspaper and other essential items
Documents behavior observations as needed and report them to manager
Documents medical observations to clinic staff immediately
Responsible for maintaining up to date identification cards and neck bands for all animals
Assists in maintaining overall facility cleaning standards
Assists with laundry tasks and general cleaning maintenance on a daily basis
Assists in enrichment and behavior as directed and show compassionate when working with all animals
Works collaboratively and communicates effectively with other members of the adoption team, as well as with other staff
Attends staff meetings and provide constructive feedback
Maintains personal appearance and uniform so as to appear professional at all times
Works closely with GBHS Volunteers in conjunction with the GBHS mission
Observes and follow strict nutrition and medical guidelines per veterinarian as directed
Provides basic customer assistance and relations when needed
Provides general information to visiting patrons. For ex. Donors, school tours, general public
Performs such other duties as required by Manager
Follows all GBHS policies and protocols
Performs other duties as assigned
QUALIFICATIONS
A passion for the mission of GBHS and a sense of humor are required
High school diploma or GED equivalent
Must have reliable transportation to and from work, punctual attendance is required
Experience working with animals in veterinary, boarding, or a shelter environment preferred
Knowledge of animal handling and communication preferred
Working weekends may be required
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
Ability to work well in a team environment including a positive attitude and ability to get along with others
Education Requirements
Minimum of high school education or GED equivalent; customer service experience and a basic understanding of animal welfare; intermediate computer skills; meets minimum general requirements for GBHS employment as set forth in GBHS employee handbook.
Physical Requirements
Ability to perform physical work involving standing for long periods, carrying animal crates, bending, scrubbing, mopping, walking quickly, reaching, squatting and other such assigned duties with ease and in a timely fashion. Ability to lift and carry a minimum of 50 pounds or up to 75lbs with reasonable accommodation; ability to work weekends and evenings as necessary; meets minimum general requirements for GBHS employment as set forth in GBHS employee handbook.
Work Environment
This work is performed in a high noise level area. Exposure to industrial cleaning chemicals, fumes, dust, animal feces, zoonotic (human to animal) diseases, bites and scratches. Weekend shifts may be required. Safety procedures must be adhered to at all times. Must be able to work with and around animals of all types (cats, dogs, rabbits, birds, etc.). Exposure to conditions such as animal feces, urine, etc. and foul odors. May be exposed to animal dander, parasites and infectious diseases than can be carried and transmitted by animals. Must be able to work in an environment that provides humane euthanasia to animals.
The GBHS is an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy of GBHS to provide EEO to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.
Title: Animal Care Specialist – Adoption Center – Full-Time
Company: Greater Birmingham Humane Society Inc
Location: Birmingham, AL
