Animal Caretaker
: Job Details :

Position Reports To: Animal Control Director, Shelter Supervisor

Executive Summary: Under supervision performs a variety of responsible duties in the care and treatment of animals in the Rock Island County Animal Care & Control Shelter. Individual receives continuing assignments from the supervisor, generally indicating the work to be done, limitations, quality and quantity expected; deadlines and priority of assignments.

Organizational Relationships: Assists the general public on the adoption process.

Position Responsibilities:

• Must be capable of regular and predictable attendance at a specified location in order to perform assigned tasks.
• Provides care for the shelters' animals by feeding and providing water for each animal in accordance with their dietary requirements and posted feeding procedures.
• Develops a general knowledge of animals' behavior, temperament, and personality traits.
• Develops a basic knowledge of the medical conditions of the shelter's animals to recognize early symptoms of potential medical problems.
• Maintains respective animals areas' overall cleanliness to maintain a clean and sterile environment in accordance with the Illinois Department of Agriculture standards.
• Stocks needed supplies in respective areas, food, cleaning supplies and medical items.
• Develops a general knowledge of continued grooming care for the shelter's animals.
• Maintains the laundry requirements for respective areas ensuring that all animals' articles, bedding and cleaning items are washed and disinfected daily.
• Disposes of waste items in accordance with procedures.
• Performs additional duties related to the welfare and care of the animals as directed by the Shelter Supervisor or Operations Coordinator.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Accountability: Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships within the department.

Mental and Physical Requirements: This work may require the following: Climbing, bending, stooping, kneeling, twisting, reaching, sitting, standing, walking, lifting, finger dexterity, grasping, repetitive motions, talking, hearing and visual acuity. The work may be performed both indoors and outdoors. Noise level in the work environment may be unusually loud. Task may involve the handling of animals that may have a variety of behavior issues and varied strength levels. Ability to occasionally lift or carry very heavy items (100 lbs. or more).

Environmental: Task may require frequent exposure to adverse or unpleasant conditions.

Minimum Qualification Requirements:

Experience:

Basic understanding of animal care and related safety precautions.

Knowledge of department practice, policies and procedures.

Education:

Associate Degree in Animal Related Field (Desired)

High School Diploma or GED (Required)