Overview
Animal Handler Jobs in Albuquerque, NM at City of Albuquerque
Title: Animal Handler
Company: City of Albuquerque
Location: Albuquerque, NM
Position Summary
Humanely receive, inspect, feed, clean and care for animals housed at the City shelters; prepare and handle animals for impoundment; assist the general public and rescue groups in viewing and selecting adoptable animals; answer questions regarding City ordinances and regulations; assist in the safe and humane handling of animals during euthanasia procedures and perform a variety of tasks relative to the assigned area of responsibility.
This is a safety sensitive position subject to random drug/alcohol testing.
Job descriptions are intended to present a general list of tasks/duties performed by employees within this job classification. Job Descriptions are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.
Essential And Supplemental Functions
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Essential functions may include, but are not limited to the functions listed below. Must be able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation.
- Receive and impound animals; determine breed, sex and temperament to place animals in appropriate kennel area; generate accurate, required impound cards and forms; obtain as much information as possible about the animal from the person delivering the animal to the City kennel or animal control center.
- Humanely care for, delouse and feed animals; rinse, scrub and disinfect a variety of animal's enclosures including kennels, aviaries and aquariums, hallways, floors, walls and isolation/quarantine areas; operate kennel laundry; prepare food; clean water and food dishes and related kennel equipment and facilities.
- Transport, or assist in transporting, animals to various locations as needed using humane methods; drive and operate a variety of motor vehicles used for transporting animals.
- Assist clients in reclaiming animals.
- Assist the general public and rescue groups in viewing and selecting adoptable animals; provide general information on the proper care of and responsibilities for an adopted animal; counsel potential pet owners in selecting an animal of the appropriate size, breed and disposition.
- Respond promptly and courteously to questions and inquiries; educate the general public and rescue groups about City ordinances and regulations.
- Work with volunteers as assigned.
- Identify sick, injured or diseased animals; take precautions to prevent the spread of disease to other animals or humans; recommend veterinary care if needed; administer first aid when necessary or appropriate.
- Remove, or assist in the removal of, deceased animals from public areas as needed.
- Assist in the performance of the humane animal euthanasia procedures; ensure safe humane handling of animals during procedure.
SUPPLEMENTAL FUNCTIONS:
- Serve as safety representative; receive reports on accidents and injuries, or unsafe conditions; make recommendations for improving safe operations.
- Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.
Minimum Education, Experience And Additional Requirements
Education directly related to the minimum requirements below may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.
High School diploma or GED or successful completion of two (2) WorkKeys® Skills Assessments (listed below); and
Two (2) years of animal care experience.
Skills
If applicant does not possess a valid High School diploma or GED, WorkKeys® skills assessments must be successfully completed by the prospective candidate in order to apply for this position. Click here for information on how to schedule a Workkeys® assessment. Workkeys®assessment scores needed for this position are as follows:
- Workplace documents with a minimum score of Level 4
- Graphic Literacy with a minimum score of Level 4
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
Possession of a valid New Mexico Driver's License, or the ability to obtain by date of hire.
Possession of a City Operator's Permit (COP) within 6 months from date of hire.
Working Conditions
Environmental
Animal shelter environment; exposure to a variety of domestic and wild animals, animal body fluids, waste and infectious materials; outdoor and or inclement weather conditions; may be exposed to hostile or abusive members of the public; exposure to noise. Must be able to work weekends, nights and holidays.
Physical
Essential and supplemental functions may require maintaining physical condition necessary for moderate to heavy lifting; bending, stooping, kneeling, crawling; sitting or standing for prolonged periods; operating motorized equipment and vehicles.
