Animal Care Specialist - ACA2

POSITION:                 Animal Care Specialist - ACA2

STATUS:                    On-Call; Casual   

SHIFT:                        Various Shifts

LOCATION:                Tri-Cities Animal Centre in Tri-Cities, BC

CLASSIFICATION:    Exempt

WAGE:                       Hourly                                                 

CLOSING DATE:       Open Until Filled

About the Position:

Ensuring that optimal levels of care are administered to the animals based on the Five Freedoms. Provides primary care and support to all shelter based animals including feeding and cleaning of kennels, socialization of animals and transportation of animals as may be required. Assumes a leadership role in designated area of responsibility, through facilitating clear and effective communication of staff and volunteers as it relates to the provision of care and the completion of administrative functions. 

Some specific duties:

• Assume a leadership role responsible and accountable for a designated area(s) of the shelter (areas include: dogs, cats, cruelty investigations).
• Oversee the activities of the animal care attendants (ACA 1) and volunteers assigned to area of responsibility, including ensuring that training has been provided and proper procedures are being followed.
• Assist with the recruitment, selection, scheduling and management of volunteers in the area of responsibility utilizing volunteer squared (V2) or other tracking mechanism where applicable.
• Maintain clear communication with staff and volunteers regarding the day-to-day operation and duties/tasks requiring completion.
• Maintain the entire physical plant in a clean, sanitary and efficient manner on an ongoing basis and in a collaborative manner.
• Ensure the kennels, runs, and cat cages are kept in a manner that is best suited for the animal’s health and welfare as per the ShelterSense protocols.
• Monitor the health and welfare of the animals through the maintenance of up-to-date kennel cards, recording information on whiteboard and daily logs, and completing daily welfare sheets.
• Maintain animals on a proper diet ensuring daily feeding, watering, exercise, and enrichment. 
• To treat animals humanely, with compassion and concern, and in a manner consistent with the BC SPCA’s five freedoms.
• Immediately report any health or welfare concerns to the Manager or designate.
• Ensure animals’ health and well-being are maintained in accordance with the BC SPCA policies and procedures with respect to animal health. This includes the administration of approved medications as specified by the Animal Health Technologist or other authorized shelter staff and ensuring related supplies are re-stocked and ordered as needed.
• Perform welfare and temperament assessments on animals as needed, ensuring that all ShelterSense protocols are followed and are consistent with the animal’s current assessment.

• Conduct contractual animal control duties as required (where applicable).
• Conduct preliminary cruelty investigations and submit a review of findings through Shelter Buddy for continuing investigation purposes.
• Act as an ambassador of the BC SPCA at all times and ensure customer and community relations are consistently professional and positive.
• Answer telephones and walk-in inquiries in a courteous manner providing information satisfactory to the needs of the customer.
• Perform reception duties including greeting members of the public, answering telephones, responding to emails promptly, entering information in Shelter Buddy, uploading photos, filing and cash-out procedures.
• Assist with adoptions, redemptions and intake of animals including reviewing lost and found book and adoption applications.
• Ensure all procedures for receiving, licensing, or adopting all animals are conducted according to procedure and meet the needs of customers.
• Assess the suitability of potential animal adoptive customers for the purposes of best possible match between adopter and animal.
• Support and implement BCSPCA provincial initiatives and adhere to all operational policies and procedures.
• Assist in local and provincial fund-raising initiatives.
• Work in compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and its regulations.
• Review inventory of all shelter supplies including but not limited to: food, blankets, towels, personal protective equipment, cages, crates, etc. to ensure that supplies are ordered as needed and prior to running out.
• Ensure the security of the building when entering and exiting by ensuring all doors and gates are locked when required.
• Operate the Animal Centre vehicle(s) as needed including transporting animals to and from the veterinarian clinic(s) and ensure proper cleanliness and maintenance of the vehicle
• Work together and collaboratively with other staff and volunteers to benefit and enhance the health and welfare of shelter animals and create a harmonious team environment.
• Regularly participate in meetings with other members of staff to share ideas and suggestions designed to improve the enjoyment of working for the BCSPCA and to increase its productivity.
• Perform other duties as assigned. 

Qualifications you need to have:

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Valid Class N or 5 BC Drivers’ License and driver’s abstract
• A sound knowledge of animals, their breeds, characteristics, and common diseases
• Previous kennel or animal care experience will be considered an asset
• Demonstrable interest in all aspects of animal welfare
• Must be able to work with other staff, volunteers, and the public in a positive, practical manner and be able to work with minimum supervision
• Ability to prioritize demands on time
• Must possess excellent verbal, written and organizational skills
• Basic computer skills sufficient to deal effectively with the necessary front desk duties including answering emails, and updating animal records
• Position is physically demanding and includes heavy lifting, pushing and pulling which requires an individual with the ability to maintain a level of fitness and endurance to fulfill the required duties
• Minimum of one year animal care experience with the BC SPCA or related agency preferred.

• Philosophical harmony with the vision, mission, and strategic directions of the BC SPCA.