JOB DESCRIPTION

The Animal Care Technician is responsible for providing care and enrichment to all animals in the facility, including cleaning and maintaining enclosures, as well as providing food, water, and engaging in enrichment activities. The Animal Care Technician will also perform daily health checks and monitor the general health and welfare of the animals, as well as any changes in behavior. The Animal Care Technician should have a strong understanding of animal behavior and be able to identify any signs of stress or illness. The ideal candidate for this role should be patient, compassionate, and able to work both autonomously and as part of a team. They must also be able to converse with the public over the phone as well as in person. When not cleaning kennels, this individual will also assist with office operations. This individual must also possess excellent observation skills and be able to recognize signs of distress or illness in the animals they care for. Animal Care Technicians must be able to communicate effectively with their colleagues and clients, and they must be able to maintain detailed records and reports.

Training and Experience

Must have a High School Diploma, or equivalent, and at least one (1) year of experience working with animals; or, any equivalent combination of training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Professional Licenses/mandatory requirements

Possession of a valid Florida Driver’s License is required. Certified as an Animal Care Technician (CATC) preferred but not required.

SALARY: $ 16.46 per hour plus benefits

DEADLINE FOR RECEIVING APPLICATIONS: 03/24/2026

Each applicant is required to submit a complete County Application for Employment. Applications are available on-line www.columbiacountyfla.com/Jobs.asp . Successful applicants must be able to pass a pre-employment medical exam, criminal history background check, driver’s license check and drug screening. Applications can be emailed to: hr@columbiacountyfla.com or by mail, FedEx, or UPS to:

HUMAN RESOURCES OFFICE

COLUMBIA COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

POST OFFICE BOX 1529

LAKE CITY, FLORIDA 32056-1529

(386) 758-3351; TDD (386) 758-2139

An AA/EEO/ADA/VP Employer

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of basic animal handling.
• Ability to perform general cleaning and maintenance duties.
• Ability to deal effectively with the public and co-workers, especially during emotional or stressful situations.
• Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely, orally and in writing to groups and individuals.
• Ability to respond to emergency situations.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to work under stressful conditions.
• Must be able to relocate to other county locations based upon operational needs.

Essential Functions

• Clean and disinfect animal runs, kennels, cages, receiving areas, and holding areas to ensure the health and well-being of the animal population
• Launder and disinfect soiled bedding, towels, or other animal care items as needed
• Follow disease prevention protocols including isolation procedures, personal protective equipment (PPE) usage, and sanitation standards
• Feed and water all animals in the shelter observing any signs of illness, injury, or behavioral changes and reporting any concerns through chain of command
• Provide routine animal enrichment to support behavioral health of animals being housed
• Assist with basic grooming to maintain health of animals in care
• Assist Animal Control Officers in the process of impounding animals
• Keeps all quarantined animals in designated areas, as instructed, and prevents public access to those animals impounded for quarantine or confiscation
• May be requested to assist veterinary staff with animal restraint for examinations, vaccinations, or minor treatments when trained and directed
• Utilize appropriate animal handling equipment and techniques to minimize risk of injury or stress to animals and staff
• Ensure accurate animal identification is placed on animals and/or on kennel
• Maintain daily inventory of kennel supplies
• Perform routine inspections of kennels, fencing, and equipment to ensure proper function and safety
• Report any concerns through chain of command to ensure property is secure and equipment is sound
• Complete and file routine forms and reports. Input animal care notes and veterinary concerns into shelter management software for record-keeping
• Assist the general public within the shelter as needed including reunification of pets with owners as well as participating in adoption counseling for animals available to be adopted
• Work cooperatively with volunteers, providing basic instruction and ensuring safety protocols are followed
• In the event of an emergency, all employees are considered essential personnel and may be required to perform alternate duties such as assisting with shelter operations
• May be assigned to other county locations based upon operational needs
• Attends work on a regular and consistent basis
• Must adhere to Federal, State, County and Local ordinances
• Assist with office operations to include answering phones and assisting the public that come into the facility
• Ability to use power washer, washer and dryer, hose end foamers, general office equipment
• Required to work during a local declared state of emergency

Note: Must have the ability to perform the essential functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodations.

Non -Essential Functions

Performs other tasks as assigned.

[These essential job functions are not to be construed as a complete statement of all duties performed.  Employees will be required to perform other job-related marginal duties as required.]

Work Environment

Inside and outside work. Exposure to inclement weather (heat, humidity, cold, rain), dust, animal waste.

Must be able to work comfortably with dogs and cats of all breeds, ages, and temperaments.

Essential Physical Skills/Demands

Ability to use both hands while in various positions of walking, standing and stooping when performing essential job functions. Acceptable eyesight and hearing (with or without correction) to safely perform essential functions. Attention to detail, empathy for animals, and the ability to work with a variety of people. Dependable, with the ability to follow safety protocols and lift a minimum of 50 lbs.