HomeMy WebLinkAboutAnimal Care TechnicianCITY OF IOWA CITY - Job Description
Job Class #04-02 FLSA Non-Exempt
Civil Service
Identification
Position Title: Animal Care Technician
Department: Police
Division: Animal Services
Supervisor: Animal Services Coordinator
Job Summary
Under immediate direction, maintains a safe and sanitary facility for center animals and the public.
Provides for and is responsible for the humane handling and care for all center animals and all animal
housing areas. Is accountable for the overall cleanliness of all animal housing areas. Assures industry
best practice standards for all animals’ nutritional, housing, emotional and medical needs. Is
accountable for training temporary employees and others in kennel and animal maintenance. Educates
and provides assistance and adoption counseling to the public. Shows strong initiative and works in a
leadership role within animal housing areas.
Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities
Cleans and disinfects all animal housing areas including cages, kennels and animal equipment and
performs general facility custodial duties.
Assesses the needs and cares for animal’s physical health including bathing and grooming and
behavioral health including training and providing mental exercise and enrichment
Prepares samples (including drawing blood) and performs laboratory screening tests including
heartworm, leukemia, FIV and other common tests and fecal screenings using prescribed methods and
instructions.
Reads results of medical screening tests and makes recommendation for medical care or euthanasia if
necessary.
Vaccinates, deworms, medicates and performs all other standard medical protocol.
Recommends animals for euthanasia based on guidelines and performs euthanasia and prepares
samples for rabies testing.
Maintains controlled substance records.
Documents and maintains animal medical, treatment and euthanasia records and assists with
entering data into computer database.
Creates surgery and treatment schedule for veterinarian for each animal, such as routine
spays/neuters, rabies vaccinations, and the assessment of injuries, and illnesses.
Ensures all procedures are documented accordingly.
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With assistance, performs behavioral evaluations on all animals and writes individual personality
profiles on each animal.
Recommends animals for adoption or other appropriate live release option.
Assists with general maintenance and repair of equipment.
Reports equipment repair or replacement needs to supervisor.
Performs adoption counseling with the general public for animal matching.
Provides customer service to walk in visitors as well as phone and/or electronic inquiries.
Gives educational information to the public and answers questions relating to impounded animals and
community animal related problems.
Evaluates and recommends animals for foster care and works with the supervisor on placements.
Educates and helps train hourly employees, volunteers, students and community service works in
general kennel operations; assigns work and duties to those individuals.
Maintains inventory and reports supplies needed to supervisor.
Conducts self in a manner which promotes and supports diversity and inclusivity in the workplace
and community.
Performs all other related duties as assigned.
Physical and Environmental Conditions
The physical demands and work environment conditions described here are representative of those
that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job and are
encountered while performing those essential functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made
to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands
to finger, handle, feel or grip firmly; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch, bend,
climb, crawl or balance. The employee frequently is required to talk, hear, and smell. The employee
is occasionally required to sit, climb or balance. The employee must frequently (34-66% of the
workday or maximum 1 lift, push, pull, carry or move every two minutes) up to 25 pounds,
occasionally (11-33% of the workday or maximum 1 lift, push, pull, carry or move every 30 minutes)
up to 50 pounds, and infrequently (0-10% of the workday or maximum 1 lift, push, pull, or carry or
move every hour) more than 100 pounds with assistance. Specific vision abilities required by this job
include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to
adjust focus. Hand dexterity, balance and strength are essential in performing treatments on animals
and during animal handling.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to work closely with both domestic
and wild animals and will be exposed to related hazards. The employee is regularly exposed to
communicable and Zoonotic diseases, wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, and
toxic or caustic chemicals. The employee is frequently exposed to outside weather conditions,
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freezing ice and cold, slippery conditions and extreme heat. The employee is occasionally exposed to
moving mechanical parts and high, precarious places. The employee may be exposed to biohazards.
The noise level in the work environment is usually very loud.
Minimum Education, Experience and Certification
High school degree or equivalent required. Certified Veterinary Technician, Certified Veterinary
Assistant or Certified Animal Services Officer and/or equivalent experience or education in an animal
related field required. Valid driver's license with satisfactory driving record required. Must be 18 years
of age per Iowa Code 92.8. Must pass criminal background check.
Preferred Education, Experience and Certification
Euthanasia Technician Certification preferred and will be required within one year of hire.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Ability to draw blood, restrain animals and perform general screening tests. General knowledge of
animal disease and preventative maintenance. Ability to use a microscope and read results.
Knowledge of animal care and animal behavior. Ability to administer medications and perform
euthanasia. Must be able to demonstrate behavior observation and handling skills with dogs and cats.
Must be able to handle fractious or aggressive dogs and cats with appropriate equipment. Must be
willing to work with a variety of animal species including domestics, exotics and wildlife. Must have
skills in computer and data entry and oral and written communication skills. Must be able to work both
independently and as a team in a very busy, hectic, high stress environment. Must have the ability to
multi-task, prioritize, and effectively delegate. Must be able to and work directly with the public in very
emotional, sometimes highly charged environment. Must be able to disseminate educational
information to the public relating to the centers mission. Must have excellent public relations
experience, be public service oriented and believe in the mission of the division.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by
individuals assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties,
and skills required of personnel so classified in this position.