JOB DESCRIPTION - ANIMAL CARETAKER

Department: Shelter

Reports To: Animal Caretaker Supervisor

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Employment Status: Full-Time or Part-Time (as applicable) Resumes can be sent to sm@cnyspca.org

$16/hour

POSITION SUMMARY

The Animal Caretaker is responsible for providing daily care, cleaning, enrichment, and observation for animals housed within the shelter. This position supports the organization's mission by ensuring animals receive compassionate, humane care while maintaining a clean, safe, and healthy shelter environment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Animal Care

· Feed and provide fresh water to animals according to established schedules and individual care plans.

· Provide exercise, enrichment, socialization, and compassionate handling.

· Monitor animal comfort and maintain appropriate housing conditions.

· Assist in preparing animals for adoption and transfer programs.

Cleanliness and Sanitation

· Clean and sanitize kennels, cages, litter boxes, dishes, bedding, laundry, and animal housing areas.

· Maintain indoor and outdoor animal care areas in a clean, organized, and safe condition.

· Follow shelter sanitation and disease prevention protocols.

Animal Observation and Reporting

· Observe animals daily for signs of illness, injury, stress, behavioral changes, or other concerns.

· Accurately document and promptly report observations.

Safe and Humane Animal Handling

· Safely and humanely handle animals of varying sizes, breeds, temperaments, and medical conditions.

· Follow all shelter handling protocols and safety procedures.

Shelter Operations Support

· Restock supplies and maintain inventory in animal care areas.

· Assist with shelter events, intake procedures, and animal transfers as needed.

Customer Service

· Interact professionally and courteously with visitors, adopters, volunteers, and members of the public.

Teamwork and Communication

· Work collaboratively with staff and volunteers.

· Communicate effectively regarding animal care needs, operational concerns, and safety issues.

Safety and Compliance

· Follow all shelter policies, procedures, and animal welfare standards.

· Comply with safety regulations and training requirements.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

· High school diploma or equivalent preferred.

· Experience working with animals is preferred but not required.

· Strong observation, communication, and interpersonal skills.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

· Ability to stand, walk, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, and lift throughout the workday.

· Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds independently and heavier loads with assistance.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This position operates in a fast-paced animal shelter environment and may involve exposure to noise, animal dander, odors, cleaning chemicals, and varying weather conditions.

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS

Performance will be evaluated based on Animal Care, Cleanliness and Sanitation, Animal Observation and Reporting, Safe and Humane Handling, Shelter Operations Support, Customer Service, Teamwork and Communication, Reliability and Work Habits, Safety and Protocol Compliance, and Mission Alignment.

ADA STATEMENT

The organization is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to qualified individuals with disabilities. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position, provided such accommodations do not create an undue hardship for the organization.

DISCLAIMER

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by individuals assigned to this position. Management reserves the right to modify, assign, or remove duties and responsibilities as organizational needs change.

EMPLOYEE ACKNOWLEDGMENT

I acknowledge that I have received and reviewed this job description. I understand the essential functions, responsibilities, and expectations of this position.