Temporary Sr. Shelter Specialist - Temporary FT Emergency Hire

DEFINITION:
 
Under general supervision, assists in supervising and providing oversight of the Town's animal shelter activities including impounding, treatment, and disposal of animals and overseeing shelter facilities, ensuring safe, sanitary and secure facilities for shelter animals and the public as well as the humane handling and care of shelter animals; provides oversight of shelter staff, community workers and volunteers working at the shelter facility; assists the public in locating and handling animals; performs office support functions; and performs related duties as required.
 
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED:
               
Receives general supervision from the Animal Care and Control Manager.  Exercises direct supervision over lower-level staff.  Exercises technical and functional direction over and provide training to lower-level staff, volunteers, and work release program participants.
 
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS:
 
This is a fully competent lead classification responsible for performing a variety of duties related to the care of animals and the maintenance and cleaning of Town animal shelter facilities.  Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.  This class is distinguished from the Animal Shelter Specialist ACO I as the Senior Shelter Specialist is a journey level lead classification and distinguished from the Animal Control Officer II classification in that the latter has responsibility for enforcing state and local laws related to the control of animals and is empowered with limited enforcement authority in the conduct of official duties. 

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only)
Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.
 

• Prepares the scheduling, assigning, training and monitoring the work of shelter staff and volunteers.
• Participates in the oversight of volunteer and work release programs.
• Ensures the safe and humane handling and kenneling of all animals; handles and kennels animals and oversees the work of staff and volunteers performing these functions.
• Ensures provision of food, water and proper care for all shelter animals by adhering to schedules and protocols within departmental policy.
• 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 Animal Care and Control Manager.
• Receives domestic and wild animals at the Town animal shelter from Animal Control Officers and the public; places animals in appropriate shelter areas according to species and special requirements.
• Conducts daily walk-throughs of shelter.
• Provides care to impounded animals by providing food, water, baths, and comfort; observes animal behavior and health; isolates sick, quarantined, or injured animals; notifies supervisor or other staff members if an animal needs immediate veterinary care.
• Performs limited temperament testing, evaluation, selection and disposition of animals for euthanasia in accordance with established laws, departmental policy and procedures; performs the euthanasia of animals by injecting selected animals with controlled substances in accordance with established laws and departmental policy.
• Coordinates and participates in the screening and selection of animals to be made available for adoption.
• Maintains animal shelter and night drop facilities, including cleaning and disinfecting kennels, cages, and equipment.
• Provides input regarding the performance of lower level staff members, community workers and volunteers to the Animal Care and Control Manager for consideration in employee performance evaluations and reviews.
• Issues Town of Yucca Valley and County of San Bernardino licenses.
• Provides guidance to the public in claiming lost animals, relinquishing animals, or selecting pets for adoption; issues new and renewed dog licenses; collects various fees and fines, prepares daily deposits, and maintains related records.
• Reviews adoption applications to ensure the appropriate placement of animals; counsels citizens regarding animal behavior and temperament.
• Provides effective customer service; responds to complaints and requests for information; interprets and applys regulations, policies, and procedures in response to inquiries and complaints from public.
• Orders and stocks animal food and shelter supplies and maintains inventory records.
• Operates Town vehicle to transport sick/injured animals to veterinary clinics, pick up supplies, and deliver laboratory specimens; cleans and fuels vehicle as needed.
• Maintains records of impoundment, adoption, transfers of animals, and use of controlled drugs for euthanasia, tranquilization and treatment of animals.
• Performs dispatch and general office support work as required.
• Organizes and participates at shelter clinics and other shelter events.
• Participates in developing and implementing shelter goals.
• Attends training, meetings, and workshops as required to enhance job knowledge and skills.
• Directs and assists community service workers in the performance of animal shelter work.
• May open and close shelter facilities at designated times of day.
• Performs related duties as assigned. 

QUALIFICATIONS:
 
Knowledge of:
 

• Basic principles and practices of supervision.
• Principles of animal behavior and humane care.
• Methods and techniques for handling and caring for wild and domestic animals.
• Town Administration and department functions.
• Political environment and sensitivities within the organization and the community.
• Behaviors and disposition of various breeds of dogs, cats, and other domestic and wild animals.
• Health and safety issues related to handling and caring for animals.
• Species and breed identification of a variety of domestic and common wild animals.
• Symptoms and behavior associated with rabies and other common diseases of animals.
• Basic mathematical principles.
• Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment and applications related to the work.
• English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation.
• Safe driving principles and practices.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and Town staff.

• Interpret, explain, and apply federal, state, and local laws, codes, and ordinances pertaining to the care, handling, treatment, and impounding of animals.
• Apply policies and procedures related to shelter operations and animal care, feeding, handling, adoption, euthanasia, and disposal.
• Handle animals in a humane and compassionate manner.
• Respond calmly and effectively in emergency and stressful situations.
• Maintain accurate logs, records, and basic written records of work performed.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Identify and recommend solutions to problems which develop in kennel facilities.
• Make accurate arithmetic calculations.
• Organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.
• Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and specialized software applications programs.
• Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and legal guidelines in politically sensitive situations.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

• Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's License and a satisfactory driving record.
• Valid euthanasia certification as required by California Code of Regulations, Title 16, Sec. 2039.
• Possession of a current CPR and First Aid certificate.

Veteran's:

To Establish Eligibility for Veteran's preference for open recruitments, applicants must attach a DD214 or other documentary evidence to this application. 

WORKING CONDITIONS:
 
May be required to work weekends and holidays. 
 
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
 
Must possess mobility to work in a standard animal control facility and office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; to operate a motor vehicle; and to walk on uneven terrain; strength, stamina, and mobility to perform medium physical work; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone.  Incumbents are primarily assigned to an animal control facility with frequent standing in work areas and walking between work areas.  Wrist flexion and lateral rotation are necessary in combination with grasping to handle a snare and leash.  Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard, typewriter keyboard, or calculator and to operate standard office equipment.  Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information.  Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull animals up to 100 pounds, as necessary to perform job functions.
 
ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS:
 
Employees primarily work in an animal control facility with exposure to loud noise levels and may be exposed to animal hair, dust, and potentially hazardous physical substances.  Work involves potential exposure to wild, dangerous, and/or diseased animals, animals known to cause allergies, animal waste, and animal bites.  Employees may interact with upset residents and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures. 
 
DISASTER SERVICE WORKER:
 
All Town employees are, by State and Federal law, Disaster Service Workers.  The roles and responsibilities for Disaster Service Workers are authorized by the California Emergency Services Act and are defined in the California Labor Code.  In the event of a declaration of emergency, any employee of the Town may be assigned to perform activities which promote the protection of public health and safety or the preservation of lives and property.  Such assignments may require service at locations, times, and under conditions that are significantly different from the normal work assignments and may continue into the recovery phase of the emergency.  If a "Local Emergency" is declared during the employee's shift, the employee will be expected to remain at work due to the emergency needs of the community.  If a "Local Emergency is declared outside of the employee's shift, the employee must make every effort to contact his/her direct supervisor or department head to obtain reporting instructions as a Disaster Service Worker.