BrightSide Animal Center (BrightSide) is a high-save shelter dedicated to providing sheltering, placement, and prevention services to reduce animal homelessness and unnecessary euthanasia. As an independent, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, BrightSide has been helping people and animals in Central Oregon for more than 30 years.

This is a unique opportunity to be a part of a dynamic team who will usher in a new phase of growth and innovation at BrightSide. We are a passionate, high-performing team who believe that collaboration is key to our success. We do our best work by leveraging each other’s strengths and making sure to create opportunities for the work to be fun and meet our individual goals.

As a Socially Conscious Shelter, BrightSide strives to ensure the best possible outcomes for every homeless animal in our care and community. We envision a better world for animals and the people who love them, and we’re dedicated to making that vision a reality.

Do you have a passion for helping animals and people in the community? Are you interested in a career path in animal welfare? Are you a team player who wants to join a cohesive team with individuals who are passionate about their job? Are you self-motivated with a strong work ethic? If your answer is YES, we invite you to apply for the role of Animal Care Technician at BrightSide Animal Center.

Qualifications and Duties

The Animal Care Technician (ACT) focuses on all aspects of shelter operations and helps maintain consistency between the front and back of the shelter. ACTs handle animals with compassion and understanding and all work is to be accurately and efficiently documented as needed. ACTs provide excellent customer service to any person seeking services from BrightSide Animal Center. The position participates in and promotes animal safety and wellness within the shelter and during special events, both at the shelter and offsite.

Responsibilities

• Feed and care for our sheltered animals.
• Clean animal kennels, cages, and holding areas, as well as basic cleaning throughout the shelter, including but not limited to cleaning/disinfecting, dusting, mopping, and vacuuming.
• Identify symptoms of animal diseases.
• Assist veterinary staff with the treatment of animals and administering daily medications.
• Greet, direct, and assist shelter volunteers and visitors.
• Provide intake services for animals brought into the shelter by the public.
• Help clients and animals in all aspects of shelter operations from intake to outcome.
• Support management with the training and guidance of fellow staff members.
• Assist with all public services when needed, including but not limited to, adoptions, reclaims, and customer service.
• Ensure that all work performed is accurately entered into PetPoint per BrightSide policy and procedure.
• Ensure that the dog and cat enrichment board is kept up to date with the most accurate information daily.
• Ensure each animal in our care is housed appropriately and provided adequate enrichment daily.
• Understand and support BrightSide’s policies and position statements regarding animal welfare subjects.
• Share information to enhance the public’s knowledge of animal welfare and BrightSide’s mission and programs.
• Perform any other duties delegated to you by Shelter Management.

Requirements

• High School graduate or equivalent.
• Must have excellent verbal and writing skills in English and be able to communicate with the public in a consistently positive and professional manner.
• Basic computing skills (Microsoft Office) and ability to learn appropriate shelter management software and digital record keeping (PetPoint, Sling).
• Knowledge of basic animal care and handling desirable.
• High attention to detail.
• Able to work weekends and holidays.
• Willingness to learn, embrace, and support BrightSide’s philosophy, mission, and goals.
• Maintain a professional appearance, exercise sound judgment, and maintain professional composure when dealing with youth, volunteers, staff, and the public.
• Demonstrated ability to handle stress in a positive manner in the work environment.
• Passion for providing access to care for animals and making a difference in the community.
• Flexibility in learning new techniques and skills to meet the growing shelter needs.
• Willingness to collaborate and communicate with a team.

Other:

• Must possess a valid State Driver’s License and insurable driving record.
• Location: Residence in or relocation to the BrightSide service area.

Working Conditions:

Work may be performed in noisy indoor and outdoor environments. You may encounter exposure to the elements, including severe cold and heat, be exposed to zoonotic diseases and aggressive animals that may result in scratches, bites, kicking or cause other bodily injuries. People assigned to this position may encounter high levels of stress. Position requires lifting up to 50 pounds, bending, stretching, and standing for long periods of time, computer work, writing, and filing. You must have the physical and mental ability to safely perform the full range of duties of the position without creating a hazard to self or others.

Nature of Employment

The Animal Care Technician reports to the Shelter Manager. This is a full-time and/or part-time position. May include weekends, nights, and holiday work.

Compensation

The hourly wage is $16 per hour. Starting wage is dependent upon experience. Benefits include paid time off and health, vision and dental insurance. (for full-time, 40 hours)

How to Apply

Email your one-page cover letter and resume to:

Hannah at: hloftis@brightsideanimals.org

Acknowledgement will be emailed upon receipt of your cover letter and resume. Applications will be reviewed as they are received.