Salary : $39,769.60 – $67,496.00 Annually
Location : Huntsville, AL
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 5462
Department: Animal Services
Opening Date: 10/13/2023
Closing Date: 10/27/2023 6:00 PM Central
Nature of Work
This involves the handling and accessing animals behavior, medical health exams, preventative healthcare, and medical treatment of sick, injured and diseased animals. Work also involves focusing on life-saving programs that directly save the lives of shelter pets, performing public relations, caring of animals, educational work in the community, coordinating volunteer programs, off-site adoptions, foster home programs and special events. Assignments are received from the Manager/Veterinarian of Animal Service in terms of goals, objectives, priorities, and deadlines. The employee plans and carries out the work in accordance with practices, policies, and procedures. Additional guidance is provided through Federal, State, and local laws, Animal Service Ordinance 95-693, Humane organizations guidelines, and Departmental and City policies and procedures. Work is reviewed through achievement of performance goals, reports, observations, conferences and performance evaluations. Employee may lead or guide volunteers and designated Animal Shelter Attendants in assigned work. Performs veterinary technician skills and acts as a public relations coordinator for Animal Service Center. Educates the public concerning functions on Animal Service laws, ordinances, stray and owner surrender animals, wildlife, adoptions, pet population, disposal and euthanasia of animals. Provides herd-health with diagnosis, treatment, medication, and follow-up for dogs, cats, and other animals including, but not limited to, birds, livestock, pocket pets, and reptiles. Provides proper dosage and administration of medications and anesthesia for animals: performs venipuncture on dogs and cats and other animals for diagnostic test and euthanasia as needed; performs dog behavior assessments correctly and safely. Trains and coordinates with employees to effectively communicate with pet owners to provide surrender prevention. Coordinates the Return to Field (RTF) Cat Program; coordinates care of all cats, including true feral cats, effectively and safely. Develops and/or promotes educational literature, flyers, information packets, web page, notices, programs for Animal Services; writes curriculum; produces videos, utilize social media resources, public service announcements, news/media release, and news interviews. Develops and promotes major community events to promote Animal Services. Works with media to provide animal care and welfare information to the community. Works with software programs and may generate reports for requested statistics. Advises or helps with animal related problems; helps coordinate and organize the foster home and surrender prevention programs; acts as an adoption counselor. Provides assistance and information to citizens about the education programs, volunteering, animal enrichment, fund raising, animal behavior, and assist with projects through various resources. Provides direction and work assignments to Animal Shelter Attendants, Field Officers, Clerks and volunteers designated for adoptions, special projects and events. Operates a television/VCR, computer, motor vehicle and standard office equipment while performing essential functions. Speaks to community groups and others; explains the Animal Services Departments function and the role of volunteer programs; promotes and coordinates the Animal Services Volunteer Program; arranges for required training and supervision of volunteers engaged in shelter activities; leads or guides volunteers in assigned work; coaches and/or counsels with volunteers. Arranges or transports animals from shelter to special events or adoptable locations. Coordinates shelter pet intake to provide scheduling of pre-adoption and post-adoption spayed/neutered surgeries. Requires regular and prompt attendance plus the ability to work well with others and work well as a team. Bathes and photographs animals. Performs related work as required.
Physical and Environmental Factors:
Work is performed both inside and outside in adverse weather conditions. Work exposes the employee to hazards associated with traffic and animals to include foul smells from animals. Work requires the physical ability to stand for extended periods; perform moderate to heavy lifting of animals or supplies; and the ability to bend while handling animals and distributing educational materials. Work also requires the ability to sit in confined seating while operating a motor vehicle or a keyboard and perform graphic design work.
Minimum Education, Training and Experience
High school diploma from a school accredited by a regional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or GED certificate issued by the appropriate state agency. At least 1 year of hands-on experience with domestic animals in a veterinary hospital, animal shelter, or animal shelter volunteer program. Twelve months experience in a lead worker or supervisory role in a private veterinary clinic or animal shelter environment involving veterinary medicine, or clinic manager, and communication or public relations skills desired. Knowledge of the operations of an animal control, humane society shelter, animal rescue organization or a veterinary hospital. Knowledge of proper euthanasia techniques. Knowledge of laws, ordinances, policies and procedures related to the animal health, care, and welfare industry. Knowledge and understanding of programs related to animal care and welfare. Knowledge of the methods and techniques of carrying out effective public relations and community action campaigns. Knowledge of animal behavior. Ability to learn the operations of the Animal Service Department. Ability to oversee and lead certified euthanasia technicians. Ability to communicate with pet owners regarding surrender prevention programs. Ability to express ideas clearly, both orally and in writing. Ability to develop and promote educational literature and programs for humane education programs. Ability to work with the media and speak on radio shows and coordinate interviews with the news media. Ability to advise or help on animal related problems; and act as an adoption counselor. Ability to operate a television/VCR, overhead projector, computer, printer, motor vehicles and standard office equipment while performing essential functions. Ability to speak to community groups and others. Ability to coordinate the Animal Services Volunteer and The Foster and Pet Surrender Programs. Ability to lead or guide volunteers in assigned work. Ability to interact with animals. Ability to handle irate, frustrated and angry citizens in a courteous and professional manner.
Necessary Special Requirements:
A valid driver’s license is required.
Desired Qualifications:
Alabama State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiner’s Euthanasia Technician Certification is desired.
Applicants May Obtain a Copy of the City of Huntsville’s EEOP Short Form Upon Request
The City of Huntsville offers a competitive benefits package for its regular, full-time employees, such as medical, dental, vision, life, accidental death & dismemberment, cancer, off-the-job accident, as well as annual leave, sick leave, holiday and retirement.
Below is a summary of the City’s benefit offerings:
The City of Huntsville offers a comprehensive benefit program to all full-time employees. For most benefits, a 30-day waiting period from date of eligibility will apply.
Medical Insurance
All eligible and ACA eligible employees may enroll in the City of Huntsville’s group health plans administered by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama; Blue Card PPO and High Deductible PPO. Benefits include medical/surgical, prescription coverage, and more.
Mental Health/Substance Abuse
A mental health benefit and substance abuse program is offered through Behavioral Health Systems, Incorporated (BHS). These benefits are included as part of the group health plan. Services may be accessed by contacting BHS. A designated Care Coordinator for the City of Huntsville can assist with referrals to network providers.
Dental Plan
The City offers a dental plan administered by Delta Dental Insurance Company to eligible full-time employees. This plan offers coverage for Preventive and Diagnostic Services, Basic and Major Services, and Orthodontic coverage (for dependent children under the age of 19.) A deductible of $50 per person/calendar year applies for Basic and Major Services. The deductible is waived for Diagnostic and Preventative services and a plan maximum of $2,000/year/covered patient. Orthodontics carries a $2,000/lifetime max/patient.
Vision Plan
The City’s vision plan is offered and administered by Vision Service Plan (VSP). VSP provides vision benefits, co-pays for eye exams, frames, and eyeglass lenses, as applicable, and an allowance for contact lenses. The plan also offers exclusive Member Extras for additional savings.
Retirement
The City’s retirement plan is administered by the Retirement System of Alabama (RSA). Participation is mandatory for all regular full and part-time employees. Employees contribute a percentage of their salary to the plan. The City contributes a percentage as determined by RSA.
Life Insurance
The City provides a $20,000 group life insurance policy to all full-time employees through Lincoln Financial Insurance Company. Eligible employees are covered after completing one full day of work and coverage is provided at no-cost to the employee. Additional benefits may apply in the event of accidental death or dismemberment.
Disability Insurance
The City provides a limited long term disability policy for eligible employees with one year of service, but less than ten years of service. There is no cost to the employee for this coverage. After ten years of service, disability benefits may be requested through the Retirement System of Alabama (RSA).
Voluntary Life / AD&D
The City offers eligible employees an optional voluntary term life insurance benefit. Employees may apply to purchase additional term life insurance for self, spouse, and eligible dependents. Guarantee issue amounts are available if voluntary life benefits are elected within 30 days of eligibility. Premiums for employee and spouse are based upon age. Child Life is a flat rate based on the level of coverage.
The City also offers an optional voluntary accidental death & dismemberment insurance plan. Employees may purchase insurance for self or family. The plans are administered by Lincoln Financial Insurance Company. Please refer to the plan summary for additional information.
Supplemental Voluntary Benefits
The City offers voluntary Cancer and Off-the-Job Accident plans administered by Allstate Benefits. The Cancer plan provides first occurrence, hospital confinement, radiation & chemotherapy, and other benefits. The Off-the-Job Accident plan provides benefits for injuries occurring off the job. Please refer to the brochures for an explanation of covered benefits.
Flexible Spending Accounts
The City offers two flexible spending account options to assist with unreimbursed medical expenses and dependent care expenses. These pre-taxed accounts require a qualifying receipt and may be reimbursed by mail or direct deposit. A pre-loaded debit card is available for enrollees in the medical account. The flexible spending accounts are administered by Health Equity/WageWorks.
Financial Wellness
The City provides a confidential financial wellness program through SmartDollar for all full-time employees. The program offers online tools and a step-by-step plan that is self-paced to help employees as they journey to reach their financial goals. There is no cost to the employee for participation.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
We know that dealing with day-to-day stresses can be distracting. The City provides a confidential EAP program to assist with life’s stresses. EAP services may be coordinated through Behavioral Health Systems (BHS) or through the Employee Resources and Program Manager at the City’s Health & Wellness Center. Resources may include substance abuse, grief and loss, marriage/family communication, managing stress and depression, parenting, and more. There is no waiting period for this benefit.
Health & Wellness Center
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The City’s Health & Wellness Center is more than just a clinic. The Center provides cost-effective health care and on-line services at no cost to the individual. Open Monday through Saturday, the Center provides medical services including acute, primary, and preventive care, as well as annual physicals. The Center also offers routine blood work, immunizations, wellness coaching, chronic disease management, many generic medications dispensed on-site, and much more. If an onsite appointment isn’t possible, Telehealth Services are available 24/7/365. All City employees, covered retirees, and covered dependents age 3 and above are eligible for services at the Center as well as telehealth services.
Voluntary Deferred Compensation Plans
The City provides two optional voluntary deferred compensation plans: RSA-1 (State of Alabama) and Nationwide Retirement Solutions. Employees may defer portions of salary for a later date, such as retirement. Please see the Payroll Division of the Finance Department for further details.
Sick Leave
Sick leave accrual is 4 hours per pay period for all eligible City employees. There is no accrual maximum for employee sick leave.
Annual Leave
Annual leave for eligible employees is accrued as follows: less than 10 years = 4 hours per pay period; 10 to 15 years = 5 hours per pay period; 15 to 20 years = 6 hours per pay period; 20 or more years = 7 hours per pay period. Employees may accrue and carry forward 260 hours (or the equivalent for fire suppression) to the next calendar year.
Military Leave
The City provides a military leave plan that pays regular salary for not more than twenty-one days per year. Also, employees called into active service may receive compensation in an amount equal to the difference in the lower military pay and the higher public employment salary as provided by City Council Ordinance.
Holidays
The City recognizes the following holidays: New Years Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. Two additional floating holidays may be declared each year at the discretion of the Mayor.
Longevity Pay
The City pays eligible employees compensation based upon the number of months of continuous regular full-time service as of October 1st of each year.
College 529 Savings Program
The City makes it easy for friends and family to give the gift of a college education. The 529 college savings program is administered by CollegeCounts, through payroll deduction, and offers tax advantages and other benefits.
Other Benefits
Please refer to the City of Huntsville Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual.
Disclosure:
The City offers a robust benefits program to eligible employees. The list above offers a summary of those benefits. The information is intended as a general reference and should in no way be construed as a promise or guarantee of employment or benefit coverage. Please refer to the appropriate Summary Plan Description (SPD) or contact the City of Huntsville Benefits Office for more details. If there is a conflict between this information and the actual plan document or policies, the plan documents or policies will always govern.
01
Do you have a high school diploma from a school accredited by a regional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of education or GED certificate issued by the appropriate state agency?
- Yes
- No
02
Do you have at least one year of hands-on experience with domestic animals in a veterinary hospital, animal shelter, or animal volunteer program?
- Yes
- No
03
Do you have a valid driver’s license?
- Yes
- No
04
If yes to question #1 what is the expiration date? (Must be presented as mm/dd/yyyy)
05
Do you have an Alabama State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiner’s Euthanasia Technician Certification? (Will not disqualify applicant if “No”.)
- Yes
- No
Required Question