City and County of San Francisco

Under direction of the Animal Care Supervisor, assists in supervising the kennel operation of the Animal Shelter, ensuring safe, sanitary and secure facilities for shelter animals and the public as well as the humane handling and care of shelter animals.

 

This classification is distinguished from Class 3371 Animal Care Supervisor in that the latter has overall responsibility for the kennel operations of the Animal Shelter and the full range of supervisory functions over Animal Care Division staff.

Assists in supervising and providing technical direction and oversight to assigned staff and volunteers.

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. Assists in scheduling, assigning, training and monitoring the work of assigned staff and volunteers; oversees the daily operation of the facilities in the absence of the Animal Care Supervisor.

2. Ensures the safe and humane handling and kenneling of all animals and the identification of shelter animals with appropriate tags or bands before kenneling; handles and kennels animals and oversees the work of staff and volunteers performing these functions.

3. Ensures provision of food, water and proper care for all shelter animals by adhering to schedules and protocols within departmental policy; performs these tasks as needed.

4. Ensures that all kennels, wards, cages, equipment, runs and other areas of the facility are cleaned and disinfected with appropriate cleaning agents in order to maintain a healthy, clean, safe and sanitary facility for shelter animals and the public; performs cleaning tasks as needed.

5. Under the direct and indirect supervision of the Shelter Veterinarian, provides and oversees treatment, vaccination and FLV/Felv testing of shelter animals by adhering to schedules and protocols within departmental policy.

6. Inspects and monitors all animals, including those that may be isolated or quarantined, for signs of illness or unusual behavior; recommends appropriate action and reports significant problems to the Veterinary Medical services staff or the Animal Care Supervisor.

7. Performs limited temperament testing, evaluation, selection and disposition of animals for euthanasia in accordance with established laws, departmental policy and procedures; schedules euthanasia of shelter animals; performs the euthanasia of animals by injecting selected animals with controlled substances in accordance with established laws and departmental policy.

8. Assists in the screening and selection of animals to be made available for adoption; schedules spay/neuter surgeries; arranges for breed rescue and foster families for appropriate animals; serves as day-to-day contact for transfer of selected animals to SPCA.

9. Monitors and ensures availability of animal care supplies, food, office supplies and equipment, including performing related inventory, ordering and stocking functions.

10. 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.

11. Provides information and assists members of the public who are relinquishing animals or in search of lost or adoptable pets; discusses and educates public on adoptions of domestic animals.

Knowledge of: methods for the safe, effective and humane handling and restraint of a variety of animals, including animals which may be ill, injured, quarantined, aggressive or difficult to control and wild animals such as snakes, skunks, pigeons and raccoons; physical and behavioral characteristics of different species and breeds of animals; occupational hazards and safety precautions for working with impounded animals; safe and effective procedures for industrial cleaning and sanitation of kennels and other areas; animal first aid techniques and symptoms of animal diseases common to domestic animals and wildlife; techniques of administering vaccinations and euthanasia by injection.

Ability to: learn laws and regulations governing the licensing, quarantining, impounding, care and disposal of animals; assign, monitor and train assigned personnel in the safe and humane care of impounded animals and cleaning of kennel facilities; effectively prioritize multiple tasks for self and others; identify and recommend solutions to problems which develop in kennel facilities; deal courteously and effectively with co-workers, staff 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 in order to give instructions and communicate work-related information; listen and elicit information; prepare clear and effective written instructions, memos and other documents; accurately document information in case records and files; learn the use of the department's 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.

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.

Education:

Experience:
One (1) year (2000 hours) of experience as an animal care attendant or animal care technician in an animal shelter.

License and Certification:
Possession of a valid California Driver’s License

Successful completion of state-mandated euthanasia training and certification within one year of hire.

Substitution:
Two (2) years (4000 hours) of hands-on experience in the care, feeding and/or handling of animals in a facility that cares for and houses animals (e.g. veterinary hospital, boarding or pet day care facility, or pet store), working principally with dogs and cats may substitute for the required experience.
Thirty (30) semester/forty-five (45) quarter units of coursework in an animal husbandry, veterinary science or a related program at an accredited college or university AND one (1) year of hands-on experience in the care, feeding and/or handling of animals in a facility that cares for and houses animals (e.g. animal shelter, veterinary hospital, boarding or pet day care facility, or pet store), working principally with dogs and cats, may substitute for the required experience.

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.