Salary: $15.50 – $20.15 Hourly
Location : Brooksville, FL
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 14029
Department: Community Services
Division: Animal Services
Opening Date: 09/25/2023
Closing Date: 10/9/2023 11:59 PM Eastern
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: TEAM
Description
Work involves caring for impounded animals, ensuring that they receive humane medical treatment. Responsible for maintaining the kennel and feeding animals. Major duties include working closely with the staff Veterinarian ensuring his/her orders are carried out regarding care for cats, dogs, and other sheltered animals. occasionally assists in surgeries and post-operative observation. Most of the work occurs in the animal shelter, directly working with the animals and at times the staff veterinarian. Duties also include performing euthanasia on animals, security of drugs, laboratory work, and related clerical duties. This is a “hybrid” position designed to perform duties on an average day half the time as a kennel worker and half the time as a veterinary assistant. Shelter needs, staffing, etc. will change the time dedicated to each function as directed by management.
Examples of Duties
- Cares for impounded animals, including domestic animals, livestock, and exotic animals.
- Provides customer service to citizens visiting the animal shelter when applicable.
- Maintains kennels in the shelter on holidays and weekends.
- Washes/ folds towels and cleans/sanitizes all dishes and litter pans
- Cleans and sanitizes empty cat cages in the cat rooms.
- Makes continuous rounds during hours of operation keeping dog runs free of urine and stool.
- Re-stocks litter, dog and cat food, towels, etc.
- Conveys medical and behavioral concerns to vet staff /senior kennel staff
- Sweeps and mops floors
- Takes out the garbage.
- Administers medications, vaccinations, anesthesia (training and veterinarian supervision provided), and oral, intra-muscular, subcutaneous, and intravenous injections.
- Examines, evaluates, and vaccinates impounded animals, inspects kennel population daily for injuries or illness and reports suspect animals to the Veterinarian.
- Performs humane euthanasia on animals.
- Maintains accurate medical records of each animal.
- Fills in, when necessary, as a Veterinary Technician assisting with routine medical procedures.
- Performs related work as required.
- Regular attendance.
Typical Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
- Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of an acceptable equivalency diploma (GED).
- Minimum of 6 months experience working with animals in a municipal shelter environment.
- Experience may be waived for a candidate who holds a Certified Veterinary Assistant certificate.
Licenses, Certifications or Registrations
- Must possess and maintain a valid Florida Driver’s License and be insurable by the current insurance carrier.
- Satisfactorily complete the State required euthanasia certification course within one year of employment.
- Attend continuing education as required to maintain certification and as directed by management personnel.
- Satisfactorily complete other training as required by management.
Special Requirements
- County employees are required to report for work during a state of emergency and are subject to recall around the clock for emergency response operations which may include duties other than those specified in this job description.
- This position is subject to Rabies Pre-exposure Vaccine and Hepatitis B Vaccine
Required Competencies
- Knowledge of
- animal care
- safety and sanitation procedures
- establish and maintain working relationships with the public, volunteers, rescue groups and fellow employees.
- assist the Veterinarian during surgeries and medical procedures.
- work independently and carry out assignments from the Veterinarian.
- read for comprehension and write detailed reports and presentations.
- make mature and professional judgments.
Supplemental Information
Equipment Used
- Personal computer, medical equipment, electronic weight scale and other office equipment. Euthanasia equipment and chemicals, cleaning and disinfecting chemicals, animal handling equipment, automobile, pressure washer, basic tools, industrial back support, rubber boots, gloves, personal protective equipment.
Environmental Conditions
- Works in close contact with dogs, cats and other animals, some are which are aggressive or diseased.
- Work environmental includes strong animal urine and feces smells, and the presence of fleas, ticks and other parasites.
- Works within areas where animal euthanasia occurs, and deceased animals are stored.
Physical Demands
- Must be able to physically control highly active/aggressive animals, potentially weighing more than 80 pounds, using available equipment.
- Ability to lift to 50 pounds, bend, stretch, stoop, kneel, reach and climb frequently.
- Ability to communicate effectively using speaking, hearing, writing, and vision skills.
Hernando County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, gender, orientation, national origin, age, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, disability, or any other protected characteristic as defined by law.
Hernando County is a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to drug testing in accordance with Federal and Florida State Law.
Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must provide notification to the BOCC in advance to allow sufficient time to provide an accommodation.
Join our team!
Our benefits are designed to enhance your work and life balance, as well as the community we serve.
Hernando County offers a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees including health care, dental, vision, Florida Retirement System (FRS), voluntary deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, holidays, and paid time off plans.
To learn more details, visit our benefits page:
01
What is your highest level of education?
- High School Diploma or GED
- Associates
- Bachelors Degree
- Masters Degree
- Doctorate
- Technical School
02
Do you have a minimum of six (6) months experience working with animals in a municipal shelter environment?
- Yes
- No
03
Do you hold a Certified Veterinary Assistant certificate?
- Yes
- No
04
Are you familiar with the principles and objectives of Animal Services?
- Yes
- No
05
Do you possess State required euthanasia certification or have the ability to obtain within one year of employment?
- Yes
- No
06
Do you have knowledge of the safety and sanitation procedures concerning the equipment used for animal services?
- Yes
- No
07
Do you have the ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with the public, volunteers, rescue groups and co-workers?
- Yes
- No
08
Do you have the ability to assist the Veterinarian during surgeries and medical procedures?
- Yes
- No
09
Do you have the ability to work independently and carry out veterinary assignments from the Veterinarian?
- Yes
- No
10
Do you possess a valid Florida Driver’s License in good standing?
- Yes
- No
Required Question