Dog Care Specialist

Austin Pets Alive!

Austin, TX

Expired: August 16, 2023 Applications are no longer accepted.

$17 Hourly
Vision , Medical , Dental , Paid Time Off , Life Insurance , Retirement
Full-Time

Background:

The Dog Programs at Austin Pets Alive! serve a vital part of the No Kill movement in Austin and the surrounding regions by developing models for identifying and rescuing at-risk dogs, caring for medically and behaviorally challenged dogs in an effective, humane, and respectful manner, and supporting these dogs through adoption and in their new homes. The Dog Care Manager assists in these goals by overseeing the teams directly responsible for carrying out the daily duties associated with the care and well-being of each resident dog and by functioning as the interface between dog care and other aspects of the Austin Pets Alive! mission.

Summary:

To learn about what it's like to work on our dog team, watch this video! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lFd-PLf_viM

The basic function of the TLAC Care Specialist is to assist in the care and management of the dogs. The key functions of the TLAC Care Specialist include fitting them for appropriate gear, overseeing the wellness of the dogs through daily checklists, meeting the established Dog Care expectations, and ensuring all TLAC dogs are walked/go to playgroup at least two outings per day. THIS POSITION WILL START AS A FLOATER - TRAINED IN ALL DOG CARE POSITIONS AND ABLE TO MOVE WHERE NEEDED.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Walk dogs and take dogs to playgroup twice a day.
Assist where needed in the administration of medications, preventatives, and intake.
Keep a watchful eye on the dogs throughout the day and communicate any concerns about their health/welfare to the manager immediately.
Ensure kennel care is appropriate for the weather (heat is working/misters and fans are working)
Provide kennel care such as water, blankets, enrichment toys.
Take dogs into the clinic for appointments, tests, etc.
Work with the behavior team to fit dogs with appropriate equipment and behavior levels.
Do meet and greets with potential adopter dogs and TLAC dogs.
Clean kennels as needed on every shift - Fill Care Tech role
Feed every dog - Fill Care Tech role
Medicate and Intake dogs - Fill Medical Specialist role

Physical Job Requirements

Must be able to routinely lift 40-50 pounds
Must be able to work around animals (including diseased, injured, and/or potentially aggressive animals), loud noises, chlorine or other chemicals, and inclement weather
Must be able to walk big dogs that pull and jump
Able to be on your feet for multiple hours of the day
Must be able to pass all levels of the dog walking training
Must be able to handle large dogs and follow the rules according to the established protocols
Must be able to visually observe people and animals from up to 150 feet away
Ability to hear normal speech at close contact and shouting up to 150 feet away with the ability to hear and discern dog vocalizations both soft and loud

Required Qualifications:

High school diploma required
Some animal care experience required
Computer literate; must have internet access; must be familiar with Google products, spreadsheets. This position requires a quick response via email and/or phone daily.
Able to effectively communicate and collaborate well with a broad population including fosters, volunteers, and staff. Outstanding customer service and interpersonal skills required.
Able to work on varied days with a varied schedule, including work on weekends and holidays.
Able to be receptive and open-minded to change, progress, and growth of the Care program.
Comfortable with working in an emotionally charged environment
Excellent communication skills and ability to work with passionate people
Drive to provide excellent customer service to all visitors and stakeholders
Ability to effectively resolve conflict
Committed to APA!’s mission and a strong desire to work with the Dog Program and increase its life-saving capacity.

Expectations:

Be an active part of a cohesive care team that interacts professionally with all members of the organization and represents APA! in an exemplary manner expected from the leading animal shelter in the country
Must embody APA!'s Core Values of Innovation, Respect, Drive, Resourcefulness, and Inclusion

Time Commitment:

This is a full-time position of 40+ hours weekly. Will include weekends and on-call time as required.

Location:

Town Lake Animal Center (TLAC) Campus, located at 1156 West Cesar Chavez, Austin, Texas 78703

Benefits/Perks:

Up to 95% employer-paid medical coverage
401(k) retirement plan (with 2% company match)
Life, dental, vision, and short-term disability insurance
10 paid holidays
10 days of PTO (15 days after 1 year)
Employee Assistance Plan that includes free counseling and mental health resources
Professional development opportunities
Fully subsidized PAWP pet insurance
First pick on all incoming merchandise
20% Employee Discount on all store items
Opportunity to grow in a rapidly-expanding organization!
Most of our benefits, including medical, available on Day 1!