Animal Care Associate I

Seattle Humane•Bellevue, WA

62d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is part of a union- represented bargaining unit. Union membership is mandatory as a condition of employment. The Shelter Care Program is responsible for the direct animal care for all nine species of animal accepted for admission at Seattle Humane. This includes an astounding array of dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, hamsters, gerbils, rats, and mice. Each day the Shelter Care Team is responsible for feeding, cleaning, exercising, enriching, and medicating the animals in our care. In addition to the high level of care each animal receives, the Shelter Care Team also provides pathway planning for each animal’s journey. This starts from intake to outcome with an emphasis on minimize length of stay and meeting each pet’s individual needs. In order to accomplish these duties, Shelter Care is comprised of a team of compassionate and skilled staff and volunteers. While the work during the day can be challenging, the team supports a culture of leaving work at work when the scheduled day is over. The Animal Care Associate (ACA) I position is responsible for providing direct care for the animals in the shelter building as well as supporting other shelter operations. ACA I is the entry position within the Animal Care Associates, with opportunities to advance to specialize within a species or as a trainer of staff and volunteers. A day in the life of an ACA includes cleaning, feeding, socializing, exercising, and medicating animals as directed. In addition, ACA are also responsible for cleaning and the restocking of animal areas. ACAs are assigned a daily circuit of work to complete individually or with the help of volunteers. When ACAs have completed their assignments, they are expected to assist fellow teammates. Successful candidates for this position can work alone and with others, enjoy problem-solving, and thrive in a fast-paced environment where change is constant and communication is crucial. This position also requires applicants to appreciate working with both animals and people.

Requirements

Must have good communication skills.
Must be able to write clearly and listen effectively.
Basic knowledge or experience with computers is required.
Must communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Must be willing to learn to administer medications.
Requires the ability to solve problems and make clear decisions quickly.
Must have good attention to detail.
Must be able to concentrate and produce accurate work despite frequent interruptions.
Must possess the ability to be sensitive to other opinions, perspectives or cultures.
Must be able to offer excellent customer service (internal and external)
Must exhibit initiative and motivation in performing all duties.
Must have good senses of hearing, vision, and smell (to distinguish between various odors).
Must be able to stand for long periods of time and must be able to walk quickly.
Must have good dexterity and reflexes especially when restraining or moving an animal.
Must be able to lift and carry at least 50 pounds with or without accommodation; crouch and bend at the waist and kneel; must be able to control dogs up to 200 pounds when on a leash.

Nice To Haves

Animal handling experience preferred.
Experience working compassionately with people in high-stress situations preferred.
High school graduate or GED preferred.

Responsibilities

Responsible for direct animal care of all pets in the shelter; this includes feeding, cleaning, socialization, enrichment, exercise, and medicating as instructed
Responsible for keeping animal areas and supplies clean, tidy, and restocked
Enters observations and notes into pet database
Monitors the animals for input and output as well as signs of stress and illness
Carries out animal movement plans
Communicates concerns with a supervisor promptly
Offloads transfer animals
Supports teammates in completion of their duties
Provides basic grooming such as nail trims, bathes, and brushing as needed
Works closely with volunteers to complete care duties
Actively participates in project and group meetings
Follows all SOPs and processes
Adheres to the Five Freedoms of Animal Welfare
Focuses on disease prevention and safe working practices