Animal Care Associate

Job Details

Job Location

Oakland Adoption Center - Oakland, CA

Position Type

Full Time

Salary Range

$19.50 - $20.00 Hourly

Description

The Animal Care Associate (ACA) is responsible for providing excellent care for the dogs and cats in our shelter and excellent customer service for our clients. Responsibilities include but are not limited to, thorough cleaning of animal enclosures, work areas and public spaces, preparing and distributing animal diets, and ongoing monitoring of the health and behavior of dogs and cats in our care.

Qualifications

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Perform routine, daily animal husbandry (diet preparation, feeding, cleaning, housebreaking, basic enrichment, etc.) for all shelter animals.

Ensure that the general upkeep of all animal and shelter workspaces are maintained, including but not limited to: cleaning litter boxes, animal crates, washing dishes, laundry, maintaining food storage, and outdoor dog areas.

Perform daily housekeeping of public areas, including but not limited to: washing windows, dusting, sweeping and mopping.

Observe and document dog and cat behavior and health concerns and report to appropriate staff.

Maintain animal records (paper and electronic) in an organized, systematic manner.

Assist with taking photos of the adoptable animals and writing individual profiles which are viewable on our website.

Acknowledge and greet clients, volunteers, and foster parents in a professional, friendly, and timely fashion.

Train and work closely with volunteers.

Maintain regular and predictable attendance and punctuality.

Assists with other duties as needed.

Qualifications

High school graduate or equivalent.

Experience working in an animal shelter or veterinary clinic.

Ability to multi-task and thrive in an active, dynamic environment.

Animal care knowledge of domestic animals including breeds, behavior, appropriate care and housing, common health problems, disease symptoms, and handling techniques.

Competent animal handler.

Reliable transportation required. A valid CA driver's license and evidence of insurability desired.

Treats all animals humanely, with compassion and concern, both on and off the job.

Competent in Microsoft Office applications; familiarity with Shelter Buddy shelter software program advantageous.

Multilingual fluency advantageous.

Pre-employment background check and drug screening clearance required.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in an animal shelter environment at the Oakland facility with exposure to seasonal outdoor conditions.

Must be competent handling dogs and cats of all sizes, ages and temperaments.

Weekend work required; must be available to work evenings and holidays as needed.

Animal contacts and related injuries, including bites and scratches, may occur. May occasionally handle sick, injured, or deceased pets.

Noise exposure varies and often includes uncontrolled barking and other animal vocalizations.

Animal waste contact, smells and visual exposure are prevalent.

Occasional lifting up to 75 lbs. with reasonable accommodation.

Frequent walking, bending and stooping in kennel and adoption areas.

Eligible and approved drivers may transfer animals between all East Bay SPCA campuses and offsite locations (fleet vehicle provided or mileage reimbursementif using personal vehicle).