Animal Keeper II - Dallas Animal Services (Civil Service)

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Job Summary
Performs the daily care and maintenance of animals and their housing including feeding animals of all ages and varieties, handling the animals for medical procedures, providing information and assistance to the public in regards to animals and available services and ensures the proper care/safety of both animals and people at the Dallas Animal Shelter.
Job Description
Overview
The Animal Keeper II performs skilled and daily animal care and keeping duties for the department. Ensures the safe and humane care of all animals and people at the Dallas Animal Shelter
Essential Functions
1 Prepares food for each assigned animal by following written diet instructions, feeds each animal as diet requires, hand feeds baby animals, provides water, and administers medicines as instructed to ensure proper nutrition and health.
2 Cleans animal care and other assigned areas and reports any mechanical defects that would endanger the animal or the viewing public.
3 Monitors and observes animals in cages or stalls to detect illnesses and injuries and ensure proper care is provided.
4 Cleans, stores, and maintains all utensils, food, and equipment inventory to ensure availability of items and maintain all equipment and supplies in hygienic conditions.
5 Interacts with other animal care staff, veterinarians, and volunteers to maintain health and happiness of animals and customers; interacts with the public to provide education about animals and their care needs.
6 Transfers animals to and from various sites and restrains animals so that medical procedures may be performed in a manner that is safe for both the animals and the staff; assists with euthanasia when needed or required.
7 Assists internal and external customers through providing and documenting animal information.
8 Provides enrichment opportunities for the animals by adding or rearranging objects in the enclosures and providing a variety of approved foods, toys and treats.
9 Prepares and updates animal records, reports, and surveys and assists in projects to ensure thorough documentation/accountability of assigned area and enhanced knowledge of animals; provides information to citizens regarding vaccines and other programs the City of Dallas offers.
10 Performs any and all other work as needed or assigned.
Knowledge and Skills
1 Knowledge of animal care and handling practices and policies.
2 Knowledge of basic husbandry skills
3 Ability to meet, talk and deal effectively with the public.
4 Ability to acquire knowledge in the care and handling of animals.
5 Ability to safely handle and restrain all types of animals.
6 Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
7 Ability to lift 50 pounds or more.
8 Communicating effectively verbally and in writing
9 Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.
Minimum Qualifications:
EXPERIENCE:
Six (6) months paid animal feeding/care experience which must have included public interactions
OR
Six (6) months volunteer experience in an animal shelter/veterinarian clinic as an animal keeper or animal care attendant performing direct animal care
AND
Six (6) months of customer service experience
LICENSES and/or CERTIFICATIONS:
Valid driver's license with good driving record
OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
No Felony Drug offenses within the last 10 years
No Animal Cruelty convictions
Subject to extensive walking and bending
Subject to inclement weather conditions
Availability to work various shifts including nights, weekends & holidays
Must pass physical exam including drug/alcohol testing
Salary Range
$21.50 - $21.78
The salary listed on this job posting is the starting salary range; amount offered will depend upon qualifications.
City of Dallas is an Equal Opportunity Employer.