3370-Animal Care Attendant

Job description

CITY AND COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO

DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES

JOB CODE TITLE: ANIMAL CARE ATTENDANT

JOB CODE: 3370

DEFINITION

Under direct supervision, the Animal Care Attendant maintains safe and sanitary facilities for shelter or museum animals and the public, and provides humane handling and care for shelter or museum animals.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

This class is distinguished from Class 3372 Animal Control Officer in that the latter works in the field and is responsible for the enforcement of animal control laws. This class is distinguished from the 1434 Shelter Service Representative by the latter�s responsibility for performing a variety of specialized clerical and customer service functions.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

None. Positions in this class may be assigned lead worker responsibilities. May oversee and train volunteers.

EXAMPLES OF IMPORTANT AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES

According to Civil Service Commission Rule 109, the duties specified below are representative of the range of duties assigned to this job code/class and are not intended to be an inclusive list.

1. Cleans and disinfects kennels, enclosures, habitats, equipment, runs and common areas of the facility with appropriate cleaning agents in order to maintain a healthy, clean, safe and sanitary environment for animals and the public.

2. Humanely handles, processes, and kennels all animals, wild or domestic, including animals which may be ill, injured, quarantined, aggressive or difficult to control.

3. Provides food, water and proper care for all animals; inventories food stores and restocks as needed.

4. Under the direct and indirect supervision of the Veterinarian, performs regular animal health checks, administers medication, vaccinations and microchips, and provides treatment to all animals and documents this activity in animals� medical records.

5. Monitors all animals, including those that may be isolated or quarantined, for signs of ill-ness or unusual behavior; makes notations and reports problems regarding health and behavior of animals to the Supervisor and/or Veterinary staff.

6. Performs the euthanasia of animals; as part of that process, may administer Schedule 2 barbiturates and/or narcotics; stores remains and decapitates certain animals for rabies laboratory testing; disposes of euthanized animals; and prepares and processes related documentation.

7. Maintains accurate and legible case files and records for each animal in the shelter; uses a computer to input, update and access information regarding shelter animals and to produce written documents.

8. Provides information and assists members of the public; presents educational animal pro-grams to school, community groups, care facility residents and the general public, including information about animals� needs, temperament, behavior and care.

9. May assist management, the Veterinary Medical staff and other individuals, in animal husbandry, surgery or related procedures, as required by law and departmental policy.

10. Oversees and train volunteers in proper animal care and handling; assigns tasks to volunteers, ensures proper supervision of public animal area, and ensures necessary animal care and public safety.

11. Prepares animals, specimens, supplies and equipment for transport to pet adoption events, satellite adoption centers, veterinary clinics, laboratories, wildlife centers and humane societies for treatment, testing and relocation as necessary.

12. Evaluates, plans, researches, develops and presents/builds future programs and exhibits; participates in the planning and implementation of special events.

13. Identifies safety hazards to public, staff and animals.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of: Industrial cleaning and sanitation, including safe and effective mixture and use of various cleaning agents and chemical compounds; methods for safe and humane handling and restraint of a variety of animals.

When assigned to the Recreation and Park Department, additionally requires:

Knowledge and understanding of natural history subjects related to animals in their natural habitat; and knowledge of local flora in order to secure suitable foliage for exhibits.

Ability or Skill to: Learn procedures for and properly perform: euthanasia of animals, decapitation for rabies testing, animal first aid, and storage of animal remains and lab specimens; learn and identify the characteristics of different species and breeds, symptoms of common animal illnesses, and symptoms which may necessitate medical attention; administer topical, oral , subcutaneous and intravenous medication and injections; humanely handle and care for animals; maintain cleanliness of shelter facility, cages and kennels; interact courteously and effectively with co-workers, staff, volunteers and members of the general public from a variety of cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds, including individuals who may be angry, hostile or distraught; maintain effective, cooperative and professional working relationships; speak clearly and effectively, listen and elicit information in order to communicate work-related information; read and understand written instructions, procedures and memos; accurately document information in case records and files; prioritize and complete routine assignments with minimal direct oversight and within established timeframes; learn to use a computer to access, input and retrieve work-related information; bend, stoop, stretch, and crawl in the performance of assigned duties; lift and carry objects and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds; perform general labor duties for extended periods of time.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

These minimum qualifications establish the education, training, experience, special skills and/or license(s) which are required for employment in the classification. Please note, additional qualifications (i.e., special conditions) may apply to a particular position and will be stated on the exam/job announcement.

1. Six (6) months verifiable hands-on work or volunteer experience in the care, feeding and/or handling of animals in a facility that cares for and/or houses animals (e.g. animal care/control agency, humane society, veterinary hospital, boarding or pet day care facility, or pet store), working principally with common domestic animals or within wildlife rehabilitation; OR

2. Thirty (30) semester or forty-five 45 quarter units of coursework in an animal husbandry, veterinary science or a related program at an accredited college or university; OR

3. One (1) year verifiable experience in caring for animals in a park, zoo, museum or university setting.

License and Certification:

Some positions may require possession and maintenance of, or the ability to obtain and maintain, a valid California Class C Driver�s License.

Substitution:

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

When assigned to Animal Care and Control: must complete euthanasia training within twelve (12) months of appointment.

Working conditions: Exposure to strong and/or unpleasant odors, including those from animal excrement, cleaning agents and chemical compounds, and frequent exposure to extreme noise.

PROMOTIVE LINES

To: 3376 Animal Care Assistant Supervisor

ORIGINATION DATE: 5/15/1989

AMENDED DATE: 8/26/13; 04/11/25

REASON FOR AMENDMENT: To accurately reflect the current tasks, knowledge, skills & abilities, and minimum qualifications.

BUSINESS UNIT(S): COMMN

Standard information

Disaster service work

All City and County of San Francisco employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the City requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

Historic and future compensation