Custodian

Position:          Custodian

Department:      Animal Care

Reports To:        Animal Care Supervisor

Location:           1251 Fulton Industrial Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30336

Summary:

LifeLine Animal Project is committed to the care and welfare of pets and the people who love them. The values we exhibit as an organization show the strength of our staff, our leadership and our community. We expect all employees to exhibit LifeLine’s core values as we complete daily tasks, provide services to clients and care for our animals.

This position will support overall janitorial services at facility focusing on the laundry/dish area,

but also animal holding and outdoor areas. This position will be utilized to improve shelter

cleanliness and general appearance. 

Essential Job Functions:

This represents a list of essential job duties. Other duties or special projects may be assigned as needed.

• Uphold the standards and values of LifeLine Animal Project:

Save Lives -- Build Community -- Be Exceptional Stewards -- Be Courageous -- 

Be Compassionate -- Take Responsibility -- Respect, Embrace and Celebrate Diversity

• Perform all laundry functions for the shelter including sorting, washing, drying, folding and store in appropriate location.
• Wash/sanitize dishes or any other items used in the shelter and store in appropriate location.
• Maintain organization of laundry, food prep, sallyport, barn and assigned storage spaces.
• Maintain cleanliness and function of washers, dryers, dishwashers, and others utilities used in the execution of daily functions.
• Monitor cleanliness of walls, doors, door handles and other surfaces as assigned.
• Service trash receptacles on outside of building including play yards and common areas.
• Maintain dumpster area, including trash can storage area located in the employee parking lot.
• Alert supervisor when laundry/dish area supplies are low and need to be ordered.
• Assist other departments when needed and as assigned by supervisors and managers.
• Report any safety hazards to supervisors immediately.
• Maintain relevant outdoor areas, including spot cleaning the Sally Port (sweep as needed).
• Support the shelter’s cleanliness and organization by ensuring that walkways, animal areas, and equipment are properly maintained.
  • Sanitize walls, doors, interior and exterior glass of assigned hallways.
  • All doors leading into animal holding areas and in between hallways must be free of stains, streaks and feces, and walls are free of blood, dirt, urine or feces. 
  • Mop assigned hallways.
  • Ensure proper alerts for packages delivered to Sally Port and keep the area tidy and clear of clutter. 
• Lead by example, modeling proper animal handling techniques, safety protocols, and compassionate care.
• Maintain disease control, animal health and sanitation protocols. 
• Perform all animal care activities in compliance with shelter policies and relevant regulations, including those related to health, safety, and animal welfare.
• Safely and properly handle all animals including bite quarantine animals, vicious animals and feral cats. 
• Recognize signs of stress, illness, or behavioral concerns and report them for further assessment or intervention.
• Ensure that animals are receiving appropriate care, including feeding, exercise, and medical needs, as directed by shelter veterinarians or behaviorists.
• Notify kennel management or veterinary personnel of animals in distress. 
• Assist in supporting and engaging the volunteers who aid the animal care teams.
• Maintain a clean and tidy work area.
• Other tasks as assigned.

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

• Compassion for animals and the people who love and care for them.
• Ability to serve the public and fellow employees with honesty and integrity.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Ability to stand for extended periods (up to 12 hours a day) and to bend and reach to perform assigned work activities.
• Ability to lift and carry 50 lbs. without assistance.
• Ability to communicate, understand and follow a variety of oral and written instructions/procedures.
• Ability to work well in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
• Comfortable working around dogs and cats of all sizes, breeds, and temperaments.
• Ability to follow safety protocols and handle challenging situations with calmness and professionalism.
• Ability to work collaboratively with multiple departments to ensure efficient shelter operations.
• Ability to adapt to changing circumstances and remain composed under pressure.
• Ability to be around impounded dogs, cats and other animals including vicious, stray, sick or injured animals.
• Ability to handle seeing and dealing with animals that have been abused, neglected or treated cruelly. 
• Ability to cope with the emotional impact of euthanasia cases. 
• Must be able to work weekends, holidays, and varying shifts based on shelter needs.
• Must pass background check.

Education and/or Experience:

Minimum of high school diploma or equivalent knowledge and experience. 18 and older.

Work Environment:

While performing the duties of this job, employee may be exposed to unpleasant kennel smells. May have to handle dogs and cats that are stray, injured, diseased or vicious.