Animal Shelter Worker

Position Title: Animal Shelter Worker

Positions Available: 1 Full-time (40 hours/week); schedule includes weekdays, weekends, and statutory holidays

Start date: Immediately

ORGANIZATION

Founded in 1925, the Sault Ste. Marie & District SPCA (Humane Society) provides care and shelter for approximately 1,500 homeless, stray, injured and abused animals each year in Sault Ste. Marie and the surrounding areas. We are a registered charity, relying on donations and fundraising to provide care to the shelter pets. The only funding we receive is for Animal Care & Control Services and operation of the "City Pound". Our hiring philosophy goes beyond just filling positions – we are interested in finding people who are passionate about animal welfare, who want to make a difference in the community, all while working as part of a positive and productive team of people.

POSITION SUMMARY

As an Animal Shelter Worker, the successful candidate will understand that ensuring a clean, stimulating, and healthy environment is paramount to quality of life for our furry residents. ASWs develop great relationships with our human friends, too

Under the direction of our experienced shelter staff and leadership team, the successful candidate will be responsible for a wide range of day-to-day tasks related to the general/medical care, humane handling, sanitation, and monitoring of predominately cats (occasional assistance in canine, small animal, and wildlife areas may be required). In addition, the incumbent will be responsible for assisting with greeting clients, providing exceptional customer service, having excellent communication and organizational skills, and always demonstrating a positive attitude.

Typical Duties & Responsibilities:

• Maintain a high level of communication with all other staff and volunteers
• Perform care and enrichment for our animals including feeding, exercising, playing, and/or other engagement activities
• Ensure a healthy environment through general housekeeping, disinfection protocols, laundry duties, dishwashing, and kennel cleaning
• Support animal physical health by administering medication, vaccines, basic medical care, and grooming
• Observe and monitor our animals for potential health or behaviour concerns and notify a supervisor
• Interact with all animals safely, respectfully and in a manner that minimizes stress and uses modern, commonly accepted practices
• Ensure that clients and the public receive professional, prompt and friendly service
• Support client services by assisting with inquiries and adoptions
• Together with other relevant staff, ensure all animals for adoption have engaging adoption profiles
• Assist with adoption meet-and-greets
• Treat other staff, volunteers and members of the public with courtesy and respect
• Work in compliance with the Occupational Health & Safety Act and its regulations
• Immerse self in the culture and goals of the organization by actively promoting the organization via social media channels and participation in a variety of fundraising initiatives.
• Complete other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• Excellent communication skills
• Team player
• Valid G drivers' licence
• Open availability including weekdays, weekends, and holidays
• High School Diploma (or equivalent) required
• Physically fit with the ability to stand for long periods of time, and to comfortably lift 18 kg (40lbs) and pull 34 kg (100lbs)
• Dependable and self motivated
• Self-starter and ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Ability to maintain professional composure and multitask in a high-paced, reactive environment
• General knowledge of animal behavior and body language, including dog/cat breeds and their associated traits
• Comfort in handling and interacting with animals with behavioral challenges
• Must be comfortable administering general medical care, including giving vaccines, microchipping, bandage changes, and suture removal
• Demonstrated excellence in customer service, with the ability to handle high stress situations
• Previous clerical training an asset

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $17.60-$18.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Paid time off

Application question(s):

• Tell us about any experience you have with animal handling, and why you are interested in joining our team

Work Location: In person