Animal Care Technician
Bloomington, IN
| Employer: | City of Bloomington |
| Category: | Veterinary Services |
| Job Type: | Full Time |
Description | |
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Maintains a healthy environment for shelter animals and monitors the health of animals. This job description is illustrative only and is not a comprehensive listing of all job functions performed. The following are essential duties for this position, performed with or without reasonable accommodation: Essential (primary) Examines and vaccinates all animals upon intake. Monitor animals for signs of ill health and disease. Performs diagnostic tests by drawing blood for use in test kits and by collecting and analyzing fecal samples under a microscope. Notifies supervisor of any observed illnesses, injuries, or other issues. At their direction, implements prescribed treatment, which could include administering antibiotics, dressing wounds, or giving subcutaneous fluids. Conducts temperament tests according to prescribed methods in order to evaluate animals and makes recommendations to supervisors related to the animals' suitability for adoption. Performs careful disinfection techniques and control of infectious diseases. Ensures all animals are provided with adequate food, water, bedding, and toys. Grooming, exercising and socializing with animals as needed and as time allows. Assists in finding suitable homes for animals by conducting adoption counseling to match proper lifestyle and facilities with most appropriate pet, by taking preadoption applications, and by conducting dog-to-dog introductions. Trains and directs work study employees and public restitution workers to conduct basic manual labor tasks. Assist in training and directing shelter volunteers. Performs euthanasia on animals, logs drug usage on state and federal required forms, and ensures proper disposal of remains. Promotes good relations between the department and area veterinarians, other shelters and humane associations, and the general public. Secondary (non-essential) Performs related duties as assigned.High school education or equivalent or a combination of education and experience that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of this position. Preferred experience equivalent to one year working in a related field, specifically handling animals, assessing canine and feline health and behavior, and performing direct customer service. Ability to properly and safely handle a variety of animals of different temperaments and in various conditions of health. Knowledge of basic animal health care and animal behavior. Demonstrates a commitment to animal welfare. Knowledge of safe and effective disinfection techniques and infectious disease control, as they apply to an animal shelter environment. Ability to achieve Euthanasia Certification within the first six (6) months in the position. Knowledge of applicable animal control ordinances. Ability to read and apply literature in the field of animal control and animal health care. Ability to use computer and software applications to maintain record keeping. Difficulty of Work Performs duties both indoors and out of doors in varied weather conditions, and is exposed to hazards associated with the handling of frightened, vicious, and/or diseased animals. Subject to threat of exposure to rabies, virus, and to toxic substances, such as disinfectants, pesticides, and corrosive cleaners. Occasionally exposed to emotional individuals in stressful situations. Performs duties which include the lifting and carrying of large dogs and other animals in the performance of animal care and handling. Must lift and carry large bags of food and litter from storage barns to various locations inside the building. Physical effort is frequently exerted for sustained periods of time. Personal Work Relationships Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, including co-workers, City and other government officials, pet owners, community groups, and the general public. | |