Animal Care Technician

The Animal Care Technician is responsible for consistent, attentive care which keeps our animals in superior mental and physical health. This consists of keeping their environment safe, clean, and sanitized to the highest standards in our South Elgin shelter and providing them with positive interactions and enrichment. We seek out candidates that are confident, resourceful, supportive team members, and truly enjoy interacting with a wide variety of people as well as our animals.

Reports to: Animal Care Manager

Job Type: Part-time, Hourly, Non-exempt

Starting Pay: $13.00 per hour

Candidates with open availability are preferred. Please send a resume for consideration.

Duties and Responsibilities (including, but not limited to):

• Ensure on a daily basis that:

all animal areas are routinely cleaned, sanitized, and clutter-free to standards

all animals’ immediate needs are met; physical activity and provide enrichment

the highest quality animal care is being routinely provided while following all departmental policies and procedures

• Treat all animals with compassion at all times, regardless of the situation or circumstance; promote a humane and caring attitude toward animals.
• Utilize low-stress handling and positive reinforcement training only—no aversive training or handling methods on shelter animals will be tolerated.
  
• Actively monitor the physical health, mental well-being, and behavior of all shelter animals and report concerns to the Animal Care Manager in a timely manner. Ensure that all directions given concerning said issue(s) are carried out.
• Support and assist in training new Animal Care staff, interns, and volunteers on routine tasks explaining the importance of safety and sanitation protocols.
  
• Regularly relocate and store donations appropriately.
  
• Wash dirty laundry and dishes in a timely manner and disinfect all used cleaning supplies according to protocol after every shift; store clean items in designated areas.
  
• Assist Animal Care management as needed with the initial examination of all animals as they are received, including vaccinations, microchip, deworming, ear cleaning, etc., and any follow-up boosters, treatments, and re-checks.
  
• Exude a positive and professional demeanor; encourage and support animal care staff and volunteers in providing exemplary service to the public; lead by example.
  
• Knowledge of and support for Anderson’s mission/vision, and desire to advance the organization.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Occasional evening and holiday shifts may be required. Weekend shifts may be routine.

Knowledge and Skills:

While applicants who are proficient in the desired skills for this role and have open availability are preferred; candidates who may lack the skills, but demonstrate ambition, compassion, understanding of Anderson’s mission, and enthusiasm for our future will be given strong consideration.

• Previous kennel or animal care experience will be considered an asset. Must be able to work independently to accomplish tasks.
• Ability to keep calm and make concise, logical decisions at a time of increased stress.
  
• Ability to communicate clearly, concisely, and effectively, both verbally and in writing; ask appropriate questions for information gathering.
  
• A deep appreciation of the importance of respect for all life and a desire to model this behavior at all times when dealing with animals as well as other people.
  
• Knowledge of common animal behavior and medical concerns.
  
• Possession of a valid Illinois driver’s license, as a successful candidate may need to drive Anderson vehicles from time to time.

Working Conditions:

Work Environment: Exposure to animals; potential exposure to zoonotic diseases, animal bites, and scratches; exposure to high noise levels when in kennels; work may be performed outdoors with exposure to all weather conditions.

Physical Activities: Able to drive, stand, bend, squat, walk, and talk for up to eight hours a day; Able to lift up to 50 pounds with assistance; Able to work a flexible schedule with regular weekend and evening shifts. Must have the ability to input data, read computer screens and printed material, communicate effectively in-person, via phone, video conferencing and e-mail, and operate office equipment. Physical presence in the office is required for this position.

About Us:

Anderson Animal Shelter was incorporated in 1966 as the Humane Society of North Central Illinois. Over the years, the shelter has transitioned from a traditional community animal shelter to one of the most progressive humane societies of its kind. Anderson Animal Shelter collaborates with public and private organizations and individuals to shelter, care for, and promote the adoption of stray and unwanted companion animals. We advocate for the compassionate and humane treatment of these animals through direct care, humane education, and community outreach programs.