Animal Care Assistant (Veterinary Services)

Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners•Fishers Farms, FL

About The Position

Performs duties involving the daily care of dogs and cats in care at Pet Resource Center (PRC). This entry-level full-time position is a unique and rewarding employment opportunity with Hillsborough County; however, the work can be both physically and emotionally demanding as well. As difficult as it can be, the days that are worth it make the challenging times more worth it; you are changing the lives of people and animals, every day.

Requirements

Knowledge of general maintenance and sanitation techniques used in animal shelters.
Knowledge of animal drug use regulations, euthanasia programs, and biohazardous waste disposal.
Some knowledge of animal anatomy and physiology.
Skill in administering animal medications and medical treatments.
Knowledge in identification of animal diseases and health requirements.
Ability to use animal handling equipment within a shelter environment, including specialized handling of dangerous or suspect rabid animals.
Graduation from high school or possession of GED Certificate; AND
One year of experience in animal care in a shelter environment, veterinary clinic, or animal care facility; OR
An equivalent combination of education, training and experience that would reasonably be expected to provide the job-related competencies noted above; AND
Possess a valid Florida Driver License (Class E); AND
Selected candidates must obtain Florida Animal Control Association (FACA) Euthanasia Certification within the first six months of employment.
Maintain the ability to pass the background checks required for the position.
Possess the necessary job-related license(s) or certification(s) that may include possession of a Florida Driver License (Class E).

Responsibilities

Interacting with customers to facilitate positive outcomes for animals.
Working outside in all seasons and weather conditions.
Treating every animal and person as an individual and without judgement.
Providing for the basic needs of the pets in the care and custody of PRC, assuring the Five Freedoms of Animal Welfare are maintained. Includes, but not limited to, feeding, cleaning, exercising, and providing enrichment.
Maintaining a judgement-free, empathetic, understanding of members in the community that may be experiencing challenges in their lives and with their animals.
Working well with a team, but also is confident and comfortable enough to work independently, including under pressure and changing conditions.
Working with both dogs and cats and their various behaviors in a shelter environment.
Understanding of, or open-minded to learn and embrace, the importance of sterilization, returning community cats home, behavioral euthanasia, and other emotionally charged topics.
Growing and expanding their knowledge and skills, understanding that animal welfare is an ever-changing field.
Communicating effectively, verbally and in writing, with members of the public, team members and management.
Working a varied, occasionally rotating, schedule that frequently includes weekends and holidays.
Providing daily observation and triage of pets in the care of PRC, recording changes as appropriate and reporting changes or concerns to a veterinary technician or veterinarian in a timely manner with accurate & complete observations noted in the shelter software system.
Performing euthanasia in accordance with the laws of the state of Florida. Responsible for accurate records, drawing and administration of drugs, and all other aspects from selection of the animal through death verification.
Maintaining inventories of food, cleaning materials and equipment. Providing food and water to animals. Cleaning animal kennels, cages, and shelter areas to provide a sanitary and disease-free environment.
Assisting veterinary staff with care and medical treatment of sick, injured, feral and abused animals.
Responding promptly to duties and responsibilities as assigned by the employee’s department, the County’s Office of Emergency Management, or County Administration in the event of an emergency or disaster.