Animal Care Specialist

United States of America (Non-Exempt)

POSITION SUMMARY

Assists with coordinating animal care, housekeeping, and shelter maintenance tasks; assists officers and other shelter staff with euthanasia, answering phones, dispatching; interacts with and assists shelter visitors; assists with shelters’ Volunteer and Foster program; performs or assists with other shelter work tasks as instructed by a supervisor.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• May perform humane euthanasia when needed.
• Cleans and sanitizes kennels, cages, food and water receptacles, animal traps, waste cans, floors, walls, and maintains cleanliness and orderliness throughout work-shift.
• Feed and water animals.
• Disposes of deceased animals.
• Cleans storerooms, counters, shelves, windows, and maintains cleanliness and orderliness throughout work-shift.
• Polices grounds, clean sidewalks, and clean exterior building surfaces.
• Monitors animal health conditions, and records general observations.
• Performs blood draws, vaccinations, and other medical procedures as assigned.
• Handles and processes a wide variety of animals.
• Performs all other related duties as assigned.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

Education: High School Diploma or GED required.

Experience: Six (6) months of successful animal care or related experience or training.

Any combination of related, education, experience, certifications, and licenses that will result in a candidate successfully performing the essential functions of the job is an acceptable substitute for the above specified education and experience requirements.

Licenses and Certifications: Must possess or acquire the Texas Department of State Health Services Animal Control Officer Basic Course within six (6) months of hire. Must possess or acquire the Texas Department of State Health Services Certified Euthanasia Technician certification within four (4) months of hire.

Conditions of Employment: Must submit to and pass a criminal background, pre-employment drug test, pre-placement medical examination and the job placement assessment (JPA). Must possess a valid State of Texas Driver’s License Class “C” and good driving record as defined by City policy.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Knowledge of: Common dog and cat diseases and basic animal care requirements.

Skilled in: Accepting responsibility and account for his/her actions; following instructions, safety practices and standard operating procedures in performing assigned tasks; being punctual and attend work regularly; working effectively with people regardless of their age, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, or job type; performing work accurately and thoroughly; communicating clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; using hand tools, ladders, high pressure washer, cleaning agents and equipment, and animal handling equipment; writing information accurately and legibly on forms and records; effectively communicating on two-way radio and telephone; safely and routinely transport 50 lbs.; reading, understanding, and following written instructions; safely caring for and handling all types of animals; following oral and written instructions; applying relevant State regulations to daily animal care and sheltering work; operating a personal computer and using Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, internet applications, and other job-related software; and working effectively with people regardless of their race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, veteran's status, genetics, or job type.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions: Must be medically fit to work with animals and have the strength and agility to lift and carry items or animals up to 100 pounds. While performing this job, employees routinely stand, walk, reach with hands and arms, talk, and hear.

The position may occasionally require lifting or carrying supplies, animals, or equipment. Employees must regularly lift, push, or pull up to 50 pounds, and occasionally lift, push, or pull up to 75 to 100 pounds with or without assistance. Typical daily lifting requirements for certain tasks range from 50 to 75 pounds.

Must be willing to obtain a pre-exposure rabies vaccination, and, when medically required, revaccination shots. It also requires regular work with a personal computer, walking, standing, bending, stooping and reaching. May be exposed to dust and noise. May work on uneven and/or slippery surfaces. Must meet the physical requirements necessary to safely and effectively perform required duties without risk of injury to self or others, lift large animals, climb ladders and stairs, and chase animals. Must be able to work in exposure to animal dander, waste, animal bites, and various cleaning and disinfectants.

The City of Lewisville has reviewed this job description to ensure that essential functions and basic duties have been included. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills, and abilities, which may be required. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate. The position also requires meeting the essential requirements of the Physical Demands and Working Conditions, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Levels of positions within a class series are distinguished by the level of responsibility assumed, the complexity of duties assigned, the independence of action taken, the nature of the public contact made, and the impact and span of tasks performed.

This job description is not an employment agreement or contract.  The City of Lewisville has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice.

PAY, BENEFITS & WHAT WE OFFER

More Than a Job — Build Your Career with Lewisville

Join the City of Lewisville and enjoy a competitive total rewards package designed to support you at work, at home, and throughout your career.

Explore Employee Benefits!

Work Hours: This position follows the City of Lewisville’s flexible work week, with a typical schedule of:

• Monday through Thursday 7:30 AM–5:30 PM

• Friday 7:30–11:30 AM

This schedule provides employees with a shorter Friday while supporting work-life balance and continued service to our community.

Salary Range: $42,029 - $53,678

Here’s how our salary ranges work:

• Starting Salary: $42,029

This is the starting annual salary for new employees hired into this position.

• Full Salary Range: $42,029 - $53,678

This is the full annual salary range for the position. As you gain experience, develop your skills, and demonstrate successful performance in the role, you may have opportunities for salary growth within the full range.