The Regional Animal Protection Society is looking for a casual, on-call staff member to work at the Richmond Animal Shelter. The successful applicant will be responsible for covering vacation leave and/or sick days for the position of Animal Care Attendant and/or Kennel Attendant. The successful applicant must be available during the summer.

Duties

Day Shift

• Feed and provide water to all dogs, cats & kittens, rabbits, small animals and farm animals as per feeding schedule
• Complete daily observation sheets for all cats and/or dogs
• Take note of any health of behaviour concerns and share with the Shelter Managers
• Do laundry throughout the shift
• Collect and wash dishes
• Guide volunteers as to which rooms/areas need tending to/cleaning
• Ensure the shelter is ready (swept, mopped and tidied) for opening (12 noon)
• Follow cleaning guidelines for all species of shelter animals
• Administer AM medications to those animals requiring it
• Input all notes into RAPS’ computer program (ASM)

Evening Shift

• Feed and provide water to all dogs, cats & kittens, rabbits, small animals and farm animals as per feeding schedule
• Complete daily observation sheets for all cats and/or dogs
• Take note of any health of behaviour concerns and share with the Shelter Manager
• Do laundry throughout the shift
• Collect and wash dishes
• Guide volunteers as to which rooms/areas need tending to/cleaning
• Ensure the shelter is tidied, swept and mopped before leaving at 9pm
• Follow cleaning guidelines to clean rabbit cages & pens
• Administer PM medications to those animals requiring it
• Input all notes into RAPS’ computer program (ASM)

Other Duties & Expectations

• Remain focused (complete one task before attending to another task)
• Seek clarification when unclear about daily tasks or special assignments
• Maintain confidentiality regarding staff concerns/issues, shelter animal details (does not share confidential details with volunteers or visitors)
• Perform scheduled health checks on each species of animals
• Assist with loading animals into kennels, as required
• Complete proper intake procedures for new animals entering the shelter
• Follow all Isolation protocols and handling techniques with sick animals to ensure no spread of illness
• Clean and disinfect cages, adhering to Cleaning Protocols
• Wash dirty litter boxes
• Clean up feces or vomit when required
• Complete tasks of volunteers who are unable to come in
• Greet and assist the public with questions regarding animal adoptions
• Take the initiative to complete tasks listed on the Cleaning Chart, without instruction (Daily, Weekly, Monthly, Special Projects)

Knowledge

• Genuine concern for the welfare of animals
• Previous animal experience required, animal restraint experience as asset
• Is familiar with, and sympathetic to the goals and mission of the Regional Animal Protection Society
• Follow and uphold shelter policies and protocols and complete all tasks to a high standard
• High School graduation OR two years related experience

Judgment and Interpersonal Skills

• Works as part of a team, or independently when needed
• Work is performed in accordance with established procedures and approved practices
• Organization of work to accomplish goals is expected
• Actively listens, and probes for information to clarify requests
• Positive outlook required
• Uses tact and discretion when discussing problems and eliciting sensitive or confidential information
• Considerable interpersonal skills are required
• Builds rapport and defuses tense situations with people who may be difficult or challenging.
• Provides interpretation of a routine to moderately complex nature

Working Conditions

• Animal shelter environment
• Team-centered approach
• Re-prioritization and/or rescheduling of tasks is required for work completion
• Must be able to lift heavy items up to 40 lbs
• Interruptions are an expected part of the work, and re-prioritization and/or rescheduling of tasks is required for work completion

Reporting

Reporting structure is as follows: Shelter Manager, Senior Manager Operations, CEO

Job Type: Casual

Salary: $15.00 /hour