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City of Austin - JOB DESCRIPTION

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Animal Enrichment Specialist
FLSA: Standard/Non-Exempt EEO Category: (80) Serv/Maint
Class Code: 10598 Salary Grade: JK5
Approved: April 04, 2017 Last Revised: September 11, 2017

Purpose:
 

Creates and implements procedures and programs related to cat and dog enrichment, exercise and training. Provides training and support to staff, volunteers, adopters and the public to improve the quality of life of animals in the shelter and the community. Develops and implements shelter based programs that will contribute to increases in the number of animals placed or adopted, resulting in live outcomes.
Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:
  Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.
  1. Performs animal behavior assessments Makes and distributes daily in-kennel enrichment items to dogs and cats. Ensures all sheltered animals receive regular exercise and enrichment including leading shelter dog playgroups of groups of 5 to 25 dogs at a time.
  2. Creates support programs for animals with behavior challenges.  Consults with supervisors/managers about shelter enrichment activities to improve adoptability, and to treat and prevent behavior problems. 
  3. Creates programs that reduce shelter intake, increases live outcomes and reports results of activities to meet Shelter goals.
  4. Provides behavior consultation with adopters and options for pet owners who are considering surrendering their pet. 
  5. Reviews, revises and monitors behavior evaluation protocols and procedures related to animal behavior, evaluations and assessments, in kennel enrichment, play groups, kennel breaks and behavior modification
  6. Coordinates activities with other staff and with outside agencies.
  7. Maintains databases and compiles and writes reports of activities.
  8. Develops behavior related information for dissemination in the community. Conduct public workshops and training classes and trains volunteers to facilitate programs for other volunteers and members of the public.
  9. Trains shelter staff and volunteers on animal behavior and safe handling of cats and dogs.
  10. Serve on the euthanasia review team, helping to make outcome decisions for behaviorally at-risk dogs.
Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:
 

Provides leadership to resolve disputes and mediates complaints at the lowest possible level

 
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.
  • Skill in safely handling animals, including those with unknown temperament.
  • Knowledge of federal, state and local laws pertaining to animals, including rabies and animal control.
  • Knowledge of animal services and related programs.
  • Skill in effective oral and written communication.
  • Skill in using good judgment and in resolving problems and conflicts. 
  • Knowledge of applicable processes, techniques and principles.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective communication and working relationships with city employees, media, animal welfare organizations and the public.
  • Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
  • Skill in handling conflict and uncertain situations.
  • Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
  • Skill in using computers and related software applications.
  • Ability to train others.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective communication and working relationships with city employees and the public.

 
Minimum Qualifications:
 

Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent, plus two (2) years of experience in a field related to direct contact with companion animals.  
Licenses and Certifications Required:
 

Valid Class “C” driver’s license.

This description is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty required of the position given this title and shall not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of management to assign, direct and control the work of employees under supervision. The listing of duties and responsibilities shall not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of similar kind or level of difficulty.