We are looking for motivated, animal-loving individuals to fill a kennel technician position at our quarantine facility and animal shelter.
We have a part-time, temporary position available. First shift only, but WILL include weekend shifts. The job is fast-paced and requires a reliable person with a keen attention to detail and commitment to following sanitation protocols. Experience is not required but is preferred.
Working with animals is rewarding, but is also far from being a glamorous job, to say the least. There are A LOT of bodily fluids involved...and a kennel tech's job is to clean up those fluids. This work is not for the faint of heart or those with a weak stomach.
The right candidate will have good time management skills, will be reliable about showing up to work everyday, will have the physical ability to meet the demands of the job (both strength and speed) as well as mental ability to follow instructions, and a basic knowledge of canine behaviors. Must be 18 years old to apply.
In addition to submitting your resume, please also submit your responses to the following questions.
Please be sure to answer all questions completely and submit them (can be through a message via indeed). Any applicants that have not submitted their answers to this questionnaire and their resume will not be considered for this position.
1. Caring for animals, young and old, healthy and ill, requires handling feces, urine, vomit, blood, etc.. How comfortable are you with handling/cleaning up/collecting samples of bodily fluids?
2. There is an elevated level of risk associated with working with animals. Not every animal that comes in to the shelter is a cuddly puppy or a purring kitten. Strays are often fearful and stressed when they arrive. This means that there is a strong possibility of them biting and scratching the person handling them. What are your thoughts/feelings on the likelihood of getting injured, bitten and scratched if you are hired?
3. The majority of the day for a kennel tech is spent cleaning. Whether it’s scrubbing the floors, cleaning the kennels, or washing food and water dishes, there is ALWAYS cleaning that needs done, and the chemicals we use are strong, in order to properly prevent the spread of disease between animals. Are you physically able to handle this?
4. There are times when a kennel technician has to interact with our donors, adopters and volunteers. This requires patience, kindness and professionalism at all time. How would you represent our organization when dealing with the public?
5. We are a young organization, especially in terms of operating a shelter. We are establishing our policies and protocols based on industry best practice, as well as trial and error, while we learn what works for us and maintains state regulation compliance. This means that our kennel techs will need to be flexible and understanding when we implement changes in how we operate. In what ways will you be an asset to our organization while we work out these kinks? What personality traits do you possess that will NOT helpful in this regard?
6. Describe yourself, as your supervisors and coworkers likely view you. Are you a team player? Do you get along well with others? How do you take directions, suggestions or evaluations of your performance?
7. Many of our animals will require medication administration at some point during their stay at the shelter. This can require calculating dosages, reading directions and labels and following explicit written or oral instructions. How confident are you in your ability to provide this care and why?
8. A shelter can be a NOISY environment! How much will the sounds, smells and other sensory triggers affect you?
9. We know that this work is not easy, nor is it for the faint of heart. Treating coworkers with dignity and respect and is a must. Interpersonal turmoil just makes a long day longer. It is imperative that this remain an inclusive and productive work environment. Behaviors that are toxic to the work environment will not be tolerated. Knowing this, do you feel you are a good fit for this organization?
10. Employees must be 18 years or older. What is your date of birth?
Job Types: Part-time, Temporary
Pay: $15.00 per hour
Expected hours: 10 – 20 per week
Benefits:
Shift:
Work setting:
Experience:
- Animal Shelter: 1 year (Preferred)
- Animal Handling: 1 year (Preferred)
Shift availability:
Work Location: In person