HomeMy WebLinkAboutAnimal Care TechnicianUpdated: March 2024
CITY OF IOWA CITY – JOB DESCRIPTION
Posi�on Title: Animal Care Technician
Department: Police
Division: Animal Services
Supervisor: Animal Services Coordinator
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Civil Service: Yes
Pay Grade: 4
Job Number: 0402
Job Summary
Under immediate direc�on, maintains a safe and sanitary facility for center animals and the
public. Provides for and is responsible for the humane handling and care for all center animals
and all animal housing areas. Is accountable for the overall cleanliness of all animal housing
areas. Assures industry best prac�ce standards for all animals’ nutri�onal, housing, emo�onal
and medical needs. Is accountable for training temporary employees and others in kennel and
animal maintenance. Educates and provides assistance and adop�on counseling to the public.
Shows strong ini�a�ve and works in a leadership role within animal housing areas.
Essen�al Job Du�es and Responsibili�es
The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive
or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.
• Cleans and disinfects all animal housing areas including cages, kennels and animal
equipment and performs general facility custodial du�es.
• Assesses the needs and cares for animal’s physical health including bathing and
grooming and behavioral health including training and providing mental exercise and
enrichment.
• Prepares samples (including drawing blood) and performs laboratory screening tests
including heartworm, leukemia, FIV and other common tests and fecal screenings using
prescribed methods and instruc�ons.
• Reads results of medical screening tests and makes recommenda�on for medical care or
euthanasia if necessary.
• Vaccinates, deworms, medicates and performs all other standard medical protocol.
• Maintains controlled substance records.
• Documents and maintains animal medical, treatment and euthanasia records and assists
with entering data into computer database.
• Administers care and medica�on to animals under the direc�on of the Veterinarian.
• Recommends animals for adop�on or other appropriate live release op�on.
• Provides customer service to walk in visitors as well as phone and/or electronic inquiries.
• Gives educa�onal informa�on to the public and answers ques�ons rela�ng to adop�on,
impounded animals, and community animal related problems.
Updated: March 2024
• Educates and helps train hourly employees, volunteers, students and community service
works in general kennel opera�ons; assigns work and du�es to those individuals.
• Conducts self in a manner which promotes and supports diversity and inclusivity in the
workplace and community.
• Performs other du�es as assigned.
Minimum Education, Experience, Certification/Licensure, Other
• High school educa�on or G.E.D. or pursuit of degree and one to three months of related
experience or training; or equivalent combina�on of educa�on and experience.
Experience in veterinary prac�ce or services, or animal care.
• Euthanasia Technician Cer�fica�on required within one year of hire. Valid State of Iowa
driver's license with sa�sfactory driving record. Must be 18 years of age. Must pass
criminal background check.
Preferred Education, Experience, Certification/Licensure, Other
• High school educa�on or G.E.D. and four to six months of related experience or training;
or equivalent combina�on of educa�on and experience. Educa�on in Veterinary
Technician or Animal Services.
• Cer�fied Veterinary Technician, Cer�fied Veterinary Assistant or Cer�fied Animal
Services Officer.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abili�es
• Ability to add, subtract, mul�ply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole
numbers, common frac�ons, and decimals.
• Ability to administer medica�ons and perform euthanasia.
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instruc�ons furnished in
writen, oral, or diagram form.
• Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized
situa�ons.
• Ability to draw blood, restrain animals and perform general screening tests.
• Ability to effec�vely present informa�on in one-on-one and small group situa�ons to
customers, clients, and other employees of the organiza�on.
• Ability to read and comprehend simple instruc�ons, short correspondence, and memos.
• Ability to reliably and predictably carry out du�es.
• Ability to use a microscope and read results.
• Ability to write simple correspondence.
• Knowledge of animal disease and preventa�ve maintenance.
• Knowledge of animal care and animal behavior.
• Ability to and work directly with the public in very emo�onal, some�mes highly charged
environment.
• Ability to demonstrate behavior observa�on and handling skills with dogs and cats.
• Ability to disseminate educa�onal informa�on to the public rela�ng to the centers
mission.
Updated: March 2024
• Ability to handle frac�ous or aggressive dogs and cats with appropriate equipment.
• Ability to work both independently and as a team in a very busy, hec�c, high stress
environment.
• Ability to work with a variety of animal species including domes�cs, exo�cs, and wildlife.
• Skill in excellent public rela�ons, be public service oriented and believe in the mission of
the division.
• Ability to mul�-task, priori�ze, and effec�vely delegate.
• Skill in using computers and applicable so�ware applica�ons (Microso� Office – Word,
Excel, Outlook).
Supervision
No supervision of direct reports.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an
employee to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities of this job.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform
the essential duties and responsibilities.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use
hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally
required to sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or hear. The employee
regularly lifts and/or moves 10 pounds, occasionally will lift and/or move 50 pounds, and will
occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds with assistance. Specific vision abilities required
by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception
and ability to adjust focus. Hand dexterity, balance and strength are essential in performing
treatments on animals and during animal handling.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee
encounters while performing the essential duties and responsibilities of this job. Reasonable
accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential
duties and responsibilities.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to moving
mechanical parts, high or precarious places, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic
chemicals, risk of electrical shock, vibration, confined space, and traffic hazards. The employee
is regularly exposed to outside weather condition, dampness, direct sunlight, dust, pollen,
insect stings, and animals. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to
work closely with both domestic and wild animals and will be exposed to related hazards. The
employee is regularly exposed to communicable and Zoonotic diseases. The noise level in the
work environment is usually loud. Involves moderate exposure to dangerous situations.
Involves moderate exposure to stress due to the work environment and/or crisis situations.
Updated: March 2024
Iowa City is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities
Act as Amended, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with
disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential
accommodations with the employer.
Reviewed/Approved by: Dus�n Liston, Police Chief (4/2024)
I have read and understand the duties and requirements of this job description, and I
agree that I can perform the duties of this position with or without reasonable
accommodation.
Employee Date
________________________________ __________________