Animal Services Specialist

ANIMAL SERVICES SPECIALIST 027

Interested applicants must apply here:

MAJOR FUNCTION

This position involves specialized, hands-on work caring for and maintaining the well-being of animals in temporary custody at the Tallahassee-Leon Community Animal Service Center. Employees in this role use strong customer service skills, sound judgment, and knowledge of animal handling and small-animal care to support daily shelter and kennel operations in a fast-paced, compassionate environment.

Employees are responsible for recognizing and responding appropriately to potential health, safety, and welfare concerns for impounded animals, helping ensure humane care and positive outcomes. Work is performed under the guidance of a supervisor and evaluated through observation, teamwork, and the effectiveness of results achieved.

The Tallahassee-Leon Community Animal Service Center serves approximately 5,000 animals each year, primarily dogs and cats, and operates a robust animal control, veterinary, volunteer, and foster programs. The shelter is further supported by an Animal Shelter Foundation that enhances programs and lifesaving initiatives. Most recently, the center completed a $2.5 million facility renovation, reflecting a strong commitment to modern, high-quality animal care and community service.

This role is ideal for individuals who are detail-oriented, compassionate, and motivated to make a meaningful difference in the lives of animals and the community they serve.

ESSENTIAL AND OTHER IMPORTANT JOB DUTIES

• Assists the public in all aspects related to reclaiming and adopting animals, including records maintenance and the collection of fees or fines as mandated by municipal codes.
• Performs regular kennel maintenance by cleaning animal cages and shelter areas, feeding and watering animals and relocation of animals within the shelter.
• Participates in daily disinfecting procedures to help minimize disease.
• Conducts laboratory diagnostic tests for animal health screening purposes, administers vaccinations and medications, and draws blood.
• Assists field personnel with unloading and placement of aggressive, sick and uncontrollable animals when needed.
• Processes incoming animals, including paperwork completion and extensive intake procedures.
• Maintains a detailed inventory of equipment and supplies.
• Performs euthanasia of animals as determined by resources.
• Monitors all sheltered animals for health and behavior.
• Assists in developing practices, policies and procedures to improve service delivery.
• Performs extensive office work as is necessary to support the Animal Service Center's operational needs.
• Performs building maintenance, janitorial duties, manual labor, driving and operation of crematorium as required.
• Uses computer databases and programs for medical and behavior record keeping, adoptions, reclaim, transfer and intake of animals.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability to deal courteously with the general public, volunteers, board members, fosters and visitors.
• Ability to recognize animal breeds.
• Ability to recognize animal behavior (dog, cat, small animal, exotics & livestock).
• Ability to handle animals safely and humanely in a sheltering environment.
• Ability to adapt in a changing environment daily, including volatile people and aggressive animals.
• Ability to cope with the stress associated with euthanasia, abuse, neglect and animal welfare.
• Ability to perform routine manual work.
• Ability to operate routine office equipment.
• Ability to work during adverse weather conditions.
• Ability to lift heavy animals and equipment.

Minimum Training and Experience

Possession of a high school diploma or an equivalent recognized certificate and two years of experience in human care giving, animal care, animal grooming, animal control enforcement or similar experience with animals; or possession of a high school diploma or an equivalent recognized certificate and three years of direct customer service experience, combined with responsible personal pet ownership of at least one year; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Necessary Special Requirements

Within one year of employment, must obtain Euthanasia certification.

Must possess a valid Class E State driver's license at the time of appointment.

Interested applicants must apply here:

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $ $21.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Experience:

• Veterinary assistant: 1 year (Preferred)

Work Location: In person