Current Career Opportunities at Tails Humane Society

Are you an animal lover who is looking to make a difference in the lives of homeless animals? Why not consider joining the team at Tails Humane Society!

We are currently hiring for the position of Lead Veterinary Technician, Adoption Counselor and Animal Care Techniciam.   

Lead Veterinary Technician

Reports to: Veterinarian

Part-time position (24-30 hours on average, work days are every other Mon and Wed, every Fri)

Summary: The Lead Vet Tech performs duties which includes preparation of animals for surgery in a high volume spay/neuter clinic, assisting veterinarian with procedures and surgery and maintaining the clinic in a clean and orderly manner.

Job responsibilities

• Assist the veterinarian by setting up procedures, helping maintain the flow of patients, adhering to standards that keep animals safe, and keeping treatment areas and labs clean and organized
• Ability to efficiently pre-medicate and induce patients, intubate animals and prepare all patients for surgery
• Administer medications and vaccinations, and help maintain clinical records in shelter database
• Assist in the provision of medical and surgical care of animals in the shelter
• Assist with cleaning clinic and surgical pack preparation as assigned
• Ability to handle 30-50 dogs and cats per day
• Position is based mostly within the medical department but will also include assisting in care of shelter animals
• Work well independently and also as part of a team to perform responsibilities listed
• Must be able to recognize or learn to recognize characteristics of animal behavior (for example: be able to identify aggressive or fearful behavior)
• Must be able to use appropriate safety equipment for fractious or feral animals (will train)
• Knowledge and ability to intake and release patients, including delivering post-operative instructions in a competent and friendly manner
• Ability to take inventory and prepare clinic supply order on a weekly basis
• Ability to assist with euthanasia

Qualifications

• CVT status or equivalent experience
• One year experience as a veterinary technician in a veterinary clinic environment. Shelter clinic experience is a plus.
• Experience with animal handling and restraint, animal health, behavior assessments
• Experience with giving intravenous injections and intubating animals for surgery
• Some experience in anesthesia and surgery is required and a willingness to learn the abilities not yet experienced
• Must be self-motivated, willing to challenge physical and mental abilities
• Should be able to identify own limitations
• A strong commitment to the welfare and proper treatment of animals is required
• Positive attitude and professional demeanor
• Comfortable within a team environment
• Ability to work independently in a fast paced environment, handle fluctuating priorities and multiple projects
• Ability to work occasionally on evenings and weekends

Work Conditions

Most of the scheduled days are spent in a high-volume surgery environment. Work is performed in a high noise area.  Exposure to industrial cleaning chemicals, fumes, dust, animal feces, zoonotic diseases (can be passed from animal to human), bites and scratches. Safety procedures must be adhered to at all times. The veterinary technician is a key member of the surgical team; the responsibilities described above are necessary to perform the duties of this position but should not be construed as a complete description of all the requirements that may be inherent in the position.

Qualified candidates should submit their resumes to Michelle Groeper at mgroeper@tailshumanesociety.org.

Adoption Counselor

Part time: Approximately 16 hours/week

Reports to: Animal Care Supervisor

Job Summary: This position is responsible for finding good homes for dogs, cats and other animals and creating a positive experience for potential adopters.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Interacts with general public, speaking with potential adopters to find out what they are looking for in a pet
• Builds an understanding of each animal and shares with potential adopters to facilitate best possible match
• Provides consistent high quality customer service to general public
• Assists individuals with the adoption process, sharing information about animal care and behavior
• Reviews adoption applications, interviews applicants and makes decisions to finalize an adoption
• Provides excellent customer service and care while communicating declined requests
• Maintains an increasing knowledge of dog and cat behaviors, common issues, and correction methods in order to facilitate good adoption matches
• Cleans animals and public areas through out the day, provides water and food, and walks animals as needed
• Immediately reports any health or behavioral problems to a supervisor
• Answers telephone calls, retrieves messages from voice mail and initiates and returns/forwards calls as necessary
• Relates and interacts with coworkers and management in a courteous and cooperative manner
• Readily complies with departmental policies and procedures
• Performs related special projects as assigned

Job Requirements:

• High school diploma or GED
• Weekend shifts may be required
• Exceptional customer service skills
• High degree of organizational and communication skill
• Basic knowledge of animal handling, care, and maintenance
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
• Stand on feet for up to six hours a day
• Basic data entry knowledge
• Knowledge of proper cash handling procedures
• Basic knowledge of animal handling, care, and maintenance

Work Conditions: Work performed in a high noise level area. Exposure to industrial cleaning chemicals, fumes, dust, animal feces, zoonotic (human to animal) diseases, bites and scratches. Safety procedures must be adhered to at all times.

Qualified candidates should submit their resumes to the management team at: info@tailshumanesociety.org.

Animal Care Technician 

 Reports to: Animal Care Supervisor, Animal Care Manager and Director of Operations

 Description: The Animal Care Technician is responsible for assisting in the cost effective, sanitary and humane operation of the shelter; the health and welfare of all animals in the care of Tails Humane Society; working with potential adopters in the selection process of a suitable animal.

The responsibilities described herein reflect the general details considered necessary to describe the principle functions of the position, however, should not be construed as a complete description of all the requirements that may be inherent in the position.

Duties

• Responsible for the humane care and treatment of all animals
• Provides care for the animals by cleaning their cage or kennel in a thorough and sanitary manner to prevent the spread of any infectious viruses
• Provides care for the shelter’s animals by feeding each animal in accordance with their dietary requirements and posted feeding procedures
• Develops a general knowledge of animals’ behavior and temperaments
• Develops a general knowledge of the shelter animals’ personality traits
• Stocks needed supplies in respective areas, food, cleaning supplies and medical items
• Maintains the laundry requirements for respective areas. Ensures that all animals’ articles, bedding are washed and disinfected daily
• Monitors all animals for signs of disease and reports problems to appropriate personnel
• Maintains records to ensure accuracy, timeliness and completeness
• Assists in maintaining sufficient inventory of animal care supplies
• Assist in the medication and medical treatment of animals as prescribed by the Medical Staff
• Responsible for the general appearance of the shelter. This includes, but is not limited to, the outside grounds, front office, bathrooms, windows, etc.
• Performs post adoption examination, which includes basic examination, microchip confirmation and ensuring all paperwork is completed properly
• Works collaboratively with staff to determine if animals are appropriate for adoption
• Consistently strives to keep abreast of the field and animal welfare issues, techniques, procedures and equipment
• Maintains a high level of communication with all Tails staff and Volunteers
• Assists in the training of animal care volunteers

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED equivalent
• Ability to perform physical work involving bending, scrubbing, mopping, walking, reaching, squatting, lifting up to 75 pounds with reasonable accommodation
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Knowledge of animal handling and communication preferred
• Experience working in a kennel environment preferred

Work Conditions: Work performed in a high noise level area.  Exposure to industrial cleaning chemicals, fumes, dust, animal feces, zoonotic (human to animal) diseases, bites and scratches.  Weekend shifts required.  Safety procedures must be adhered to at all times.

Qualified candidates should submit their resumes to the management team at: info@tailshumanesociety.org.