Listing Summary

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This position’s main focus is the health and welfare of the animals while at the shelter, ensuring the humane treatment of animals in the county’s custody, and ensuring a clean and sanitary environment.  The hours may vary but will not exceed 28 hours per week.  This position offers competitive pay. Application and job description are available at the White County Administrative Office 1235 Helen Hwy Cleveland, GA 706-865-2235 or by accessing www.whitecountyga.gov. This position is open until filled. Applications are subject to open record law and successful applicant must have an acceptable driving record and be able to pass a background check / drug screen.  EOE

JOB TITLE:                Kennel Technician                                                                 

DEPARTMENT:        Public Safety – Animal Services Division, White County

JOB SUMMARY:

Responsible for the health and welfare of the animals in the County’s care. The Kennel Technician is responsible for cleaning, feeding, and watering of all animals at the Shelter. Works collaboratively with Animal Control Division Chief and other Animal Control personnel to achieve a clean and sanitary environment.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Possesses a desire to develop and maximize their potential for the good of the shelter.

• Provides accurate information and friendly service to the public.

• Keeps abreast of animal welfare issues, and the new techniques, procedures, and equipment in use at our facility.

• Assumes responsibility for the humane care and treatment of the animals in our care, monitor the shelter animals for signs of disease, and report to appropriate supervisory personnel.

• Maintains animal records as required and review records on a regular basis to ensure that accurate and timely information is available.

• Coordinates with rescue groups and organizations to identify animals for transfer and care.

• Selects animals for adoption and euthanasia, with assistance of the Animal Control Division Chief and or Veterinarian when required.

• Keeps the kennel area and office area clean, which includes dog rooms, cat rooms, treatment room, restrooms, closets, storage rooms and perform tasks such as sweeping, mopping, and emptying trash.

• Cleans, feeds, and waters all animals at the Shelter.

• Observes all safe handling and sanitation procedures.

• Performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION:

• Ability to acquire extensive knowledge of County and state codes, resolutions, ordinances, policies, and methods relative to animal control, and physical ability to enforce them, including ability to walk, run, bend, lift, drive a vehicle, and use required tools and equipment.

• Knowledge of terminology, principles and methods utilized in animal control and shelter operations.

• Ability to use independent judgment and discretion as necessary in routine and non-routine situations; ability to make calm and quick decisions in unique and emergency situations.

• Ability to communicate in a courteous manner in providing required assistance to the public.

• Ability to compile a variety of information in the preparation of reports.

• Knowledge of chemicals and drugs used in animal control to promote safe and efficient handling and use of such agents.

• Ability to prioritize work assignments and complete duties in a timely manner.

• Ability to learn and utilize new skills and information to improve job performance and efficiency

• Must have ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and the public.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS:  The Division Chief assigns work in terms of general instructions.  The Supervisor spot-checks completed work for compliance with procedures, accuracy, and the nature and propriety of the results.

GUIDELINES: Guidelines include relevant local, state, and federal policies and procedures, county ordinances, Georgia Department of Agriculture rules and regulations, and departmental policies and procedures. These guidelines are generally clear and specific but require some interpretation in application. 

COMPLEXITY:  Requires the ability to learn and understand relatively complex principles and techniques; to make independent judgments in absence of supervision; to acquire knowledge of topics related to primary occupation. The work consists of related duties in animal care and kenneling, and euthanasia.  The danger involved in working with wild, injured, sick/diseased animals contribute to the complexity of the work.

PERSONAL CONTACTS:  Contacts are typically with co-workers, law enforcement officers, Department of Natural Resources rangers and personnel, Department of Agriculture personnel, magistrate court judges, Environmental Health Department agents, and the public.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:  The work is typically performed while sitting, standing, walking, bending, crouching, or stooping.  The employee must frequently lift light and heavy objects, distinguish between shades of color, and use tools and equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:  The work is typically performed in an office, animal shelter, and outdoors.

SCOPE AND EFFECT:  purpose of this position is to supervise and maintain a safe, healthy facility for the animal we care for and the public that adopts from us. Successful performance helps ensure the safety of county citizens and other animals.

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY:  None.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Valid Georgia driver’s license required with acceptable driving record.

• Must be able to work in extreme weather conditions including smoke, dust, heat, cold, wetness, etc.

• Completion of a high school course of study or its recognized equivalent, supplemented by some training and experience in animal control and shelter operations; or

• Any combination of education, training and experience which provided the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities.

ADA COMPLIANCE

Physical Ability:  Essential functions continuously require the ability to remain in a stationary position (sitting/standing); maintain body equilibrium to prevent falling when walking, standing crouching, or navigating narrow, slippery, or erratically moving surfaces; repetitively use hands/arms/legs; grasp items; and move/transport items weighing up to 25lbs.  Incumbents constantly must think analytically; handle stress and emotion, concentrate on tasks, remember names and other details; examine and observe details; make decisions, and adjust to change.  Essential functions continuously require incumbents to work irregular hours (nights and or weekends); maintain stamina during workday; meet deadlines; operate equipment; staying organized; and using math/calculations.

Essential functions frequently require the ability to move oneself about the worksite by walking; bend body downward and forward by bending spine and legs twisting at the waist, hips, or knees; reach overhead; position oneself by crouching /kneeling; and push or pull items.

Essential functions occasionally require the ability to ascend and descend ladders, stairs, and ramps; move oneself by crawling on hands and knees; and move/transport items weighing between 26lbs and 100lbs.

Sensory Requirements:  Essential functions require the ability to use effective verbal and written communication; and use of hand/eye coordination and fine manipulation to use tools and equipment.

Environmental Factors:  Essential functions are continuously performed with exposure to risk of bodily injury from hazards including biological, chemical, and sharp objects/tools; fumes, gasses, odors, and dust; extreme noise; and wet, slippery floors and surfaces.  Incumbents continuously must be able to work with others.

Essential functions are frequently performed with exposure to dirt/mud and moving mechanical parts.

Essential functions are occasionally performed with exposure to adverse environmental conditions, including inclement weather or dry environments; extreme hot or cold temperatures; risk of bodily harm from hazards including electrical and heavy machinery; high heights/high places; and hot temperature devices including burners.  Incumbents occasionally must be able to work alone.

Incumbents regularly must be able to work around equipment/machinery; drive county vehicles and other equipment; and walk on uneven ground. 

 

This class specification should not be interpreted as all-inclusive.  It is intended to identify the major responsibilities and requirements of this job.  The incumbents may be requested to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification. 

White County, Georgia, is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.