Animal Caretaker I

Job Duties:

We are very proud of our Animal Care and Adoption Center (341 South Birdneck Road). We are an open admission facility, meaning that we accept all animals. We work hard to reunite stray and lost animals with their owners. When that is not possible, we strive to place animals in their forever home. In some cases, we place animals with rescue or rehabilitation organizations.

Animal Caretaker Duties: Individual will perform a variety of manual tasks required to maintain the proper standards of care for the animals housed at the shelter; follow shelter protocols and daily schedule for feeding, watering and exercising animals and sanitizing kennels/pens; assist citizens in a variety of interactions, including at reception desk, in shelter and at adoption events; assess and monitor overall animal health and behaviors, providing appropriate documentation; provide basic medical attention for animals such as changing bandages, administering medication or applying ointments; may provide assistance to the veterinarian in preparing animals for medical procedures and may assist in performing euthanasia.

Work Schedule: Please note that the Animal Caretaker position has an unusual work schedule. Days off will be determined based on seniority and will most likely be weekdays, rather than the traditional Saturday/Sunday weekend. Currently, the hours are 9:00 am to 5:30 pm.

Disqualifiers:

The following is a listing of "disqualifiers" or concerns that could result in you not being selected for employment. Please give consideration to these factors before applying. This is not an exhaustive listing.

Criminal History : Conviction of any felony or any crime involving moral turpitude (crimes contrary to justice, honesty, or good morals). Conviction of any Class 1 or Class 2 misdemeanor, excluding traffic violations which are discussed separately, or the Virginia State Law equivalent within the last 5 years.

Traffic Violations : Any conviction of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, refusal to take blood or breath test, eluding police, racing, or leaving the scene of an accident within the last 5 years.

Drugs : Any involvement in the sale of illegal drugs as an adult. Any illegal use or possession of any illegal drug, including but not limited to heroin, cocaine, hallucinogens, or any derivative thereof (except marijuana) within the last five years. Illegal possession of anabolic steroids within the last 36 months.

Official City Job Description:

Working Conditions:

There is no working conditions statement for this position.

Minimum Requirements:

MINIMUMS: An equivalent combination of education, experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. Must have, or obtain, a current and valid Virginia or North Carolina drivers license in accordance with Virginia or North Carolina DMV drivers license eligibility requirements. SPECIAL REQS: All employees may be expected to work hours in excess of their normally scheduled hours in response to short-term department needs and/or City-wide emergencies. Must be able to work rotating shifts including weekends and holidays and be available to work overtime when required to meet operational needs. This position is Alpha I Successful completion of a police background investigation, including polygraph examination. Note: Work is physically demanding, requiring ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and stamina in performing repetitive manual tasks associated with cleaning protocols throughout the duration of the shift.

Additional Requirements:


DMV Transcript: Required
CDL: Not Required
DOT History: Not Required
CPS Check: Not Required
Physical: Not Required
Respirator: Not Required
Polygraph Review: Not Required
Psychological Screening: Not Required


Attachments Required:

Preferences:

Strong customer service experience
Experience in a physically demanding work (manual labor) environment
Animal handling experience to include volunteer work
Work experience in a vet's office or animal hospital
Collaborative work style
One (1) year of experience caring for animals in a professional setting such as on a ranch, farm, veterinary hospital, doggy daycare or at a shelter/kennel/boarding establishment.

Special Instructions:

Applicants who apply to this posting will be considered for the current opening and any future Part-Time Animal Caretaker vacancies for six months.


Successful completion of a police background investigation.


CJIS/VCIN/NCIC certification is required, in addition to the successful completion of a background check, candidates must have U.S. citizenship or be a lawful resident of the United States and eligible for naturalization.


All employees may be expected to work hours in excess of their normally scheduled hours in response to short-term department needs and/or City-wide emergencies. Positions within this class have been designated as Alpha I positions requiring employees to work during inclement weather, regardless of the City’s operational status


Must be able to work weekends and holidays and be available to work overtime when required to meet operational needs.

• Please complete the application in its entirety and include your resume if required by the posting.
• Your responses to any "Supplemental Questions", if attached to this requisition, must be supported by the information you provide on your application and/or resume; or otherwise demonstrated during the hiring process.
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V RS Contribution: All full-time employees are required to contribute 5% of annual salary toward their retirement account; in accordance with VRS retirement provisions. This will be handled through a pre-tax payroll deduction.

Drug Free Workplace: The City of Virginia Beach maintains a drug free workplace.