Animal Care Assistant (Veterinary Services)

Job Overview

Performs duties involving the daily care of dogs and cats in care at Pet Resource Center (PRC). This entry-level full-time position is a unique and rewarding employment opportunity with Hillsborough County; however, the work can be both physically and emotionally demanding as well.  As difficult as it can be, the days that are worth it make the challenging times more worth it; you are changing the lives of people and animals, every day. 

Starting Salary

$32,760 - $42,588

Benefits

Click HERE to view our Benefits at a glance

• Generous PTO & Holiday Plan
• Health Plans
• Health Savings Account
• Dental & Vision Plans
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) 
• Healthcare Flexible Spending Account
• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Cafeteria Benefit
• Life Insurance
• Short & Long-Term Disability Insurance

The Ideal Candidate:

• Enjoys interacting with customers to facilitate positive outcomes for animals.
• Is willing to work outside in all seasons and weather conditions. 
• Is eager to treat every animal and person as an individual and without judgement.
• Is able to provide for the basic needs of the pets in the care and custody of PRC, assuring the Five Freedoms of Animal Welfare are maintained. Includes, but not limited to, feeding, cleaning, exercising, and providing enrichment.
• Maintains a judgement-free, empathetic, understanding of members in the community that may be experiencing challenges in their lives and with their animals.
• Works well with a team, but also is confident and comfortable enough to work independently, including under pressure and changing conditions.
• Able to work with both dogs and cats and their various behaviors in a shelter environment.
• Is understanding of, or open-minded to learn and embrace, the importance of sterilization, returning community cats home, behavioral euthanasia, and other emotionally charged topics.
• Is eager to always grow and expand their knowledge and skills, understanding that animal welfare is an ever-changing field.
• Is able to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing, with members of the public, team members and management.
• Is willing and able to work a varied, occasionally rotating, schedule that frequently includes weekends and holidays.
• Provides daily observation and triage of pets in the care of PRC, recording changes as appropriate and reporting changes or concerns to a veterinary technician or veterinarian in a timely manner with accurate & complete observations noted in the shelter software system.
• Performs euthanasia in accordance with the laws of the state of Florida.  Responsible for accurate records, drawing and administration of drugs, and all other aspects from selection of the animal through death verification. 
• Maintains inventories of food, cleaning materials and equipment.  Provides food and water to animals.  Cleans animal kennels, cages, and shelter areas to provide a sanitary and disease-free environment.
• May assist veterinary staff with care and medical treatment of sick, injured, feral and abused animals.

Core Competencies

• Customer Commitment - Proactively seeks to understand the needs of the customers and provide the highest standards of service.
• Dedication to Professionalism and Integrity - Demonstrates and promotes fair, honest, professional, and ethical behaviors that establishes trust throughout the organization and with the public we serve.
• Organizational Excellence - Takes ownership for excellence through one's personal effectiveness and dedication to the continuous improvement of our operations.
• Success through Teamwork - Collaborates and builds partnerships through trust and the open exchange of diverse ideas and perspectives to achieve organizational goals.

Job Specifications

• Knowledge of general maintenance and sanitation techniques used in animal shelters.  
• Knowledge of animal drug use regulations, euthanasia programs, and biohazardous waste disposal.
• Some knowledge of animal anatomy and physiology.
• Skill in administering animal medications and medical treatments.
• Knowledge in identification of animal diseases and health requirements.
• Ability to use animal handling equipment within a shelter environment, including specialized handling of dangerous or suspec