Part-Time Animal Shelter Assistant

Do you like animals?? Love working with the public? Have excellent computer skills? The City of Rohnert Park is looking for an outgoing, organized, hard-working Part-time Animal Shelter Assistant. This recruitment is open until filled and will also create an eligibility list which may be used for future openings. Bilingual in Spanish is preferred but not required. This position is budgeted to work an average of 20 hours per week and requires flexibility in work hours at the City's 365 days a year Animal Shelter. There are no fringe benefits with this part-time hourly "at will" position.

Under direct supervision, assists in the operation and maintenance of the Rohnert Park Animal Shelter, including cleaning kennels, cages, dishes and litter boxes; feeding, medicating and exercising the animals; cooperatively works with other staff and volunteers, including junior volunteers; assists in the intake of strays and owner-surrendered animals, and the redemption and adoption of animals from the Shelter; helps maintain records; provides front counter and phone coverage; and performs related work as required.

The Part-Time Animal Shelter Assistant is responsible for performing a wide variety of office and field duties at the City's Animal Shelter. This classification differs from the Animal Shelter Technician in that the latter class is primarily responsible for carrying out the direction of a licensed veterinarian in providing medical treatment and care to animals. General supervision is provided by the Animal Shelter Supervisor or his/her designee.

Essential job functions include cleaning, feeding, and medicating animals; cleaning animal enclosures and cages, scooping and changing out litterboxes, and keeping all areas of the Shelter clean and sanitary; ensuring animals are properly cared for; assisting with the sale of animal licenses and the collection of established fees; assisting members of the public seeking to redeem an impounded animal or adopt an animal; performing front office duties including maintaining daily records, answering incoming calls and completing simple reports; answering citizen inquiries and providing shelter information to the public; conduct tours of the facility; overseeing adoption events at business, farmers markets and other off site locations; assisting in Volunteer Program coordination including recruiting volunteers, training new volunteers, tracking work schedules, and providing orientations to new volunteers; receiving and recording payment for licenses and adoptions as needed; providing customer service at the front counter in person and on the phone; utilizing computers and computer software programs; assisting with updating website and social media sites that promote Animal Shelter programs, services and events; washing dishes, laundry, and performing janitorial duties; exercising good judgment when dealing with difficult situations and customers; assisting in the intake of strays or owner-surrendered animals; assisting with euthanasia of animals as necessary; providing input on temperament of animals; may drive animals to vet offices for medical attention; may be assigned as a Disaster Service Worker in the event of a disaster or emergency; may attend and/or oversee adoption events that include transporting animals and oversight of on-site adoptions; and performing other duties as assigned.

City employees are expected to provide outstanding and friendly customer service; create and maintain a respectful and collaborative working environment; communicate honestly and behave in a manner that is ethical, legal and fiscally responsible; demonstrate care for the organization, customers and coworkers; and practice and encourage initiative and innovation to improve the workplace.

Qualifications include sufficient education, training and/or experience to successfully perform the duties assigned to the Part-Time Animal Shelter Assistant. Positions in this class typically require education equivalent to a high school diploma and two years of animal-related work experience, paid or unpaid, is preferred. Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's License and a good driving record is required. Knowledge of techniques for properly handling and caring for animals, operation and functions of an animal shelter, physical and behavioral characteristics of domestic animals; breed identification basic office functions, working with the public, and customer service skills, basic math and cashiering skills, computers and standard software programs and web-based programs, risk management policies, procedures and techniques, proper documentation and recordkeeping. Skill to safely assess and handle scared or fractious animals, perform data entry quickly and accurately, write legibly. Ability to effectively and safely handle a variety of animals, including fractious dogs, feral cats, and occasionally, exotic animals; lift and carry a maximum of 50 pounds; process payments; perform basic math transactions; maintain accurate records; follow oral and written directions; deal effectively and tactfully with the general public; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships; learn and utilize new technology. Special requirements include being 18 years of age, available year-round and able to work a flexible schedule, and not smoking inside City facilities/vehicles or within 20 feet of main entrances, exits and operable windows.

Position requires extended periods of sitting, standing, walking, reaching, twisting, and turning, kneeling, bending, squatting, and stooping in the performance of daily activities. This position also requires grasping, repetitive hand movement and fine coordination in preparing statistical reports and data, using a computer keyboard. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. Hearing is required when providing phone and counter service. The incumbent is frequently around animals that are agitated or injured and may attempt to bite or scratch. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is exposed to outside weather conditions, wet and/or humid conditions, moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, fur, hay, dust and vibration. The noise level in the work environment may be moderate to loud, depending on working conditions.