Animal Intake Technician

Title:  Animal Intake Technician                         

Departments:  Assessment                                         

This position reports to:  Director, Animal Welfare

The schedule for this position is Wednesday through Sunday from 7:00am-4:00pm.                                                                         

Purpose of Position:  Triaging animals as they come into the shelter, administering initial vaccinations/medications, recording medical and behavioral observations, and reporting findings to the appropriate medical or behavior staff for further evaluation. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

This position description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees are required to follow any other job related duties assigned by their supervisor. This document does not create an employment contract implied or otherwise, and does not alter the “at‐will” relationship.

• Triage all animals that enter the shelter over the counter, through animal control, or through the afterhours drop off area. This includes dogs, cats, critters, wildlife, exotics, etc. 
• Administer initial vaccinations and medications according to the Nebraska Humane Society’s Standard Operating Procedures. 
• Record any medical or behavioral observations or concerns and report to the appropriate medical or behavior staff for further evaluation. 
• Accurately enter medications and vaccinations given at intake, as well as any owner information, etc. into the computer database. 
• Provide superior care for all animals, with a focus on basic necessities such as food, water, and living conditions. 
• Humane and safe animal handling according the Nebraska Humane Society’s Standard Operating Procedures. 
• Perform daily sanitation of intake kennels, as well as general cleaning of intake workspaces according to the Nebraska Humane Society’s Standard Operating Procedures.
• Carry out proper intake closing procedures as defined in the closing checklist sheet before the end of shift. 
• Perform humane euthanasia by injection. 
  1. Check and enter paperwork in preparation for euthanasia.
  2. Retrieve animals from public for euthanasia services.
  3. Assist with and/or perform daily euthanasia of a variety of species.
  4. Loading of deceased animals into the crematorium.
  5. Cleaning of the crematorium and cooler. 
• Other duties as assigned

Position Qualifications: Education, Experience, Certification, and Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

Required

• High school Diploma or GED.
• Previous experience in an animal welfare agency such as a vet office, animal shelter, etc. 
• Must be able to pass federal background check and be able to work around controlled substances
• Display affection and compassion for animals and concern for their welfare.
• Must adhere to highest ethical standards: possess trustworthiness, exercise maturity and sound judgment while maintaining a professional manner and personal appearance. 
• Be comfortable and skilled working with a culturally diverse staff and community.
• Must be considerate, respectful and display a helpful demeanor to all employees, volunteers, and customers.
• Must be able to work cordially, safely and efficiently in fast-paced, stressful conditions. 
• Must possess the ability to cope with loss of animal life from illness, injury and euthanasia.
• Must exhibit the organization core values of compassion for all animals, respect and dignity for all, strive for excellence, and teamwork. 
• Must be able to manage the emotional aspect of end of life services and humane euthanasia, and support employees in high-emotion circumstances.
• Ability to safely and humanely handle animals.
• Ability to respectfully give and receive feedback.
• Ability to work independently and part of a team. 
• Ability to work in close proximity of others. 
• Ability to work around all types of animals without allergic reaction.
• Ability to be self-directed and self-motivated.
• Ability to be flexible and resilient in ever changing conditions. 
• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills. 

Desired

• Previous experience using an animal sheltering computer program such as Chameleon. 
• Associate degree in a Science related field
• Certification in euthanasia by injection. 
• Familiarity with Microsoft operating systems and computer literate in Microsoft Office. 

Work Conditions:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions within the work environment.

• Minimum of scheduled hours per week; will routine exceed scheduled hours during a majority of the year. Rotating holiday work schedule required. Evening and weekend hours may be necessary in the event of an emergency, staffing shortages or a special event.
• The noise level in the office environment is usually quiet, though barking or whining of animals may be escalated at certain times in certain areas of the building.
• High exposure to animals whose reactions to the shelter environment cannot be predicted.
• Temperatures in the shelter environment are varied, though usually moderate, and dependent on the season. 
• Potential exposure to zoonotic diseases and hazardous chemicals.
• Ability to work around animals without severe allergic reactions.
• Use of all extremities
• Ability to lift a minimum of 50 pounds
• Good vision for detailed work
• Good coordination

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.