Animal Care Attendant

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

Title: Animal Care Attendant 

Reporting to: Manager, Animal Care

Status: Part-time, Contract (12 months)

Compensation: $18.00/hour (probationary rate), $19.50/hour (post-probation)

POSITION SUMMARY:

We are seeking to fill two 12-month vacancies, with the possibility of extension based on organizational needs. 

The Animal Care Attendant is primarily responsible for daily animal care and husbandry duties, ensuring effective infection control and biosecurity. Reporting directly to the Manager, Animal Care you will be driven for success and ultimate satisfaction of knowing that you are making a meaningful and positive difference in animals’ lives on a daily basis. This is a unionized role. The successful candidate must be able to work weekends, and be readily available on short notice, if required.  

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Daily Animal Care and Enrichment:

• Provide food, water, and enrichment to animals.
• Clean and disinfect animal enclosures and living areas.
• Monitor animals’ health and behaviour, reporting any concerns.
• Perform basic grooming tasks such as bathing, brushing, and nail trimming as directed.

General Maintenance and Biosecurity:

• Maintain cleanliness of the facility.
• Wash and sterilize equipment and bedding.
• Dispose of waste according to facility protocols.

Animal Handling:

• Safely handle and restrain animals for intakes, examinations, or treatments as required.
• Assist with the transportation of animals within the facility.

Record Keeping:

• Maintain accurate records of feeding, cleaning, and health/behaviour monitoring.

Customer Service:

• Interact with the public, providing information about animals as required.
• Assist with adoptions and fostering processes as required.

Support Veterinary Staff:

• Assist animal health staff with basic medical procedures, such as administering medications or treatments under supervision.

General: 

• Work in compliance with all centre policies and procedures.
• Work in compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
• Advocate for, and continuously embody the Mission, Vision, and Values of the Peterborough Humane Society.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Certifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Completion of or currently enrolled in an animal-related program is not a requirement, but considered an asset 
• Certification in animal first aid or similar qualification considered an asset 

Experience

• Experience in animal care, preferably in a shelter, veterinary clinic, or similar environment
• Experience in performing daily husbandry duties and basic grooming tasks
• Experience with handling domestic animals 

Skills

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for interacting with staff, volunteers, and the public
• Ability to handle and restrain animals safely and humanely
• Basic understanding of animal care, behaviour and health
• Proficiency in maintaining accurate records

Knowledge

• Familiarity with infection control, biosecurity, and safety protocols
• Understanding of basic animal care and husbandry standards
• Understanding and commitment to animal welfare philosophies and practices

Abilities

• Compassionate and empathetic towards animals and their care
• Highly motivated and passionate about animal welfare
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and handle stressful situations professionally and respectfully
• Self motivated and the ability to work effectively as a part of a team
• Must be able to meet the physical requirements of the job, including but not limited to: 
• • The ability to handle and manoeuvre up to 50 lbs
  • The ability to stay on feet for extended periods of time
  • The ability to operate with full range of motion (i.e., crouching, kneeling, reaching, etc.)
  • No known animal or animal husbandry related allergies 

BENEFITS:
Upon successful completion of the 480-hour probationary period, the following benefits may be available:

• Group RRSP program with up to 3.5% contribution-matching by employer
• Employee & Family Assistance Program for all employees
• Discounted veterinary services and pet food

To apply for this exciting and extremely rewarding role please click Apply Now to complete the application and upload  your cover letter and resume by Thursday, September 24th at 4pm. 

If this role interests you but your past experience does not align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. Peterborough Humane Society encourages people from diverse backgrounds to apply and self-identify. We will provide employment accommodation during the recruitment process. Should you require any accommodation, please indicate this on your cover letter and we will work with you to meet your accessibility needs.

While we thank all for applying, only those candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.