If you want to work with animals and also love people, we invite you to apply for the Kennel Tech (ACT) position! Operation Kindness is a non-profit animal welfare organization in Texas. We operate a lifesaving animal shelter and programs to assist people and pets.
Schedule is Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday
Schedule is Sunday, Monday, Thursday, Friday
Working at Operation Kindness is both fun and rewarding! We offer outstanding benefits including health, vision, dental, disability, and life insurance, a 403(b) retirement plan and generous paid time off.
As our animals require care each day of the year, weekend and holiday availability is a must. We provide 10 holidays per year that hourly employees who work on the holiday receive time and a half pay!
Kennel Techs (ACT) provide daily care for our animals, including maintaining a clean and healthy environment, feeding and providing exercise. There is also time for socializing and getting to know our dogs and cats.
See below for more about the role!
REPORTING RELATIONSHIP: Reports to the Animal Care Manager and the Lead ACTs. For day to day assignments and questions the Lead ACTs will be there to train and support all kennel staff. They will issue daily assignments and answer any questions you may have. The manager oversees the overall operation of the Kennel team.
POSITION OVERVIEW: Animal Care Technicians provide daily care for the dogs and cats in our shelter while they await their forever home. As an ACT at Operation Kindness, you are on the front line for the care of our animals. This includes maintaining a clean and healthy environment for all the animals in our care, as well as following proper procedures for sanitation and disease prevention.
Maintaining a high standard of husbandry in our shelter is crucial for our animals. Continuous attention to cleanliness throughout the day provides out our clients with a positive experience while walking through our shelter. Because we work so closely with our animals, we are responsible for reporting medical/ behavioral concerns, as well as different personality traits that may aid in them getting adopted. As a member of the animal care team, you will also be responsible for feeding, walking, socializing, exercising in outside yards/ playgroup, for our dogs and cats every day.
We work alongside other departments at Operation Kindness, like the behavior department so we can maintain consistency and structure for our animals. The Animal Care Technicians work closely together to meet the goals of the team and the organization. Continued education is provided around animal care and behavior. We offer a variety of career growth opportunities
SCHEDULE: The Animal Care Technician position is full-time for approximately 40 hours a week. This is broken down into four, 10 hour shifts each week, 7am - 6pm.
Job Responsibilities:
Cleaning
- Cleans and sanitizes all animal enclosures and the kennel area per our Standard Operating Procedures, while utilizing our power washing (SMT) system.
- Maintains cleanliness throughout the day by removing messes in a timely manner.
- Weekly rotating deep cleaning schedules, to sanitize kennel areas top to bottom.
- Cleans and sanitizes all food and water bowls.
- Maintains cleanliness and organization of other spaces in the kennel area as well as storage spaces.
- Cleans, maintains, removes waste from outside play yards, walking trail, and sanitizes dog porches.
- Wash, fold, and restock laundry.
- Cleans, sanitizes, and organizes outside storage for portable animal crates.
- Cleans other shelter areas and/or equipment as requested or assigned
- Follow all applicable SOPs.
Feeding
- Feeds all animals in our care twice daily according to the color-coded measuring system.
- Ensures that all animals always have access to fresh clean water.
- Be aware of special/prescription diets, special feeding instructions, and follow the directions laid out for them.
- Organize and clean food storage room.
- Follow all applicable SOPs.
Walking/Exercising/Socializing
- All dogs are walked and exercised regularly throughout the day
- Cats are to have time on our outside Catio to explore and exercise daily.
- When interacting with the animal's proper safety guidelines and training protocols must be followed.
- Spending time getting to know the animals in our care and socializing with them. This helps prepare them to meet potential adopters.
- Follow all applicable SOPs.
Additional Responsibilities
- Assists in loading/unloading shelter vehicles when needed.
- Assists clients with questions while providing good customer service.
- Work alongside volunteers and other departments to ensure a positive and kind working environment.
- Other duties as assigned or requested to benefit Operation Kindness.
Education and Experience Requirements
Education
- Minimum High School Diploma or equivalent
Experience
- One year of part-time or full-time work experience for which references are available
- Previous Kennel or Animal Care experience preferred, but not required
General Requirements for Success:
- Must love dogs and cats as well as have an ardent desire to help animals.
- Comfortable being around animals (cats and dogs).
- Patient and caring personality.
- Positive attitude.
- Working as a part of a team.
- Punctual and dependable.
- Follow Operation Kindnesses Culture of Kindness with all interactions.
- Supports Operation Kindness mission as a no kill, non-profit organization.
- Can work professionally with all staff, volunteers, and members of the public.
- Be inclusive, sensitive, and respectful to all co-workers, management, and volunteers.
- Physical requirements: must be able to lift 40 pounds. Must be able to work 10 hours sitting, kneeling, standing, walking, lifting, carrying, reaching, pushing, and pulling.
- Must be able to pass a drug screening and standard background check.
Physical Effort: Position requires lifting and carrying animals and shelter materials weighting up to 40 lbs.; when animals or materials weigh over 40 lbs., another staff member will assist in the lifting and carrying. Position also requires sitting or standing for extended periods of time.
Working Conditions: May be exposed to unpleasant odors, noises, and animal feces. May be exposed to bites, scratches, and animal diseases.
Background checks and drugs screens are part of the hiring process.
Operation Kindness is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics or status.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $15.50 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
- 10 hour shift
- Day shift
- Holidays
- Weekends as needed
Experience:
- Animal Care: 1 year (Preferred)
Work Location: In person