Animal Scientist jobs in Lompoc, CA

POSITION SUMMARY: Trains and supervises all animal care staff. Ensures routine care for animals housed at the shelter is complete and thorough. Ensures all animals receive adequate attention and exercise while in our care. Provides health and behavioral expertise and screening for adoption program.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Supervises all aspects of Pet Care Specialist positions including work duties, performance appraisals and disciplinary action when necessary.
• Hires kennel staff and trains all new staff in kennel procedure by following training checklists and guidelines
• Performs initial health and behavioral screening for all owner-surrendered animals. Determines if animals are able to be accepted into our facility based on results.
• Performs daily walk throughs and checks on all adoptable animals to ensure continued health and wellness.
• Responds to staff reports of health or behavior problems with animals
• Ablity to administers veterinary treatments to shelter animals in consultation with a veterinarian.
• Implements, supports, and supervises disease control and safety protocols to ensure a safe, healthy environment.
• Actively supports volunteer program, trains and supports Kennel Assistants in working with volunteers. Works with and supervises volunteer coordinator.
• Supervises socialization, training and exercise regimen for all animals.
• Supervises nutrition and feeding schedules for all animals and monitors weight gain/loss with conjunction of vet staff
• Communicates behavioral and medical needs of our adoptable animals to staff and counsels potential adopters as needed.
• Reviews, maintains and orders adequate inventory of general supplies and animal care supplies including pet food to ensure uninterrupted shelter operations within annual budget.
• Frequently checks maintenance on all equipment and calls general contractors when needed for plumbing, electrical work, etc.
• Assists Executive Director with operational tasks as needed.
• Any other task assigned to you.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• 3 years previous animal handling experience in a shelter
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to be on feet all day
• Basic computer knowledge in a Windows environment preferred

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES: Knowledge of animal breed, behavior and handling. Knowledge of animal health, ability to identify illness. Possesses strong verbal and written communication skills. Shows initiative and is a conscientious worker. Ability to handle multiple tasks at once in a fast-paced environment. Detail oriented and exercises good judgment when dealing with the public and animal-related concerns. Committed to the mission of the Santa Ynez Valley Humane Society in partnership with Dog Adoption & Welfare Group.

WORK CONDITIONS: Works in a moderate-high noise level area. Exposure to cleaning chemicals, fumes, dust, animal feces, bites, scratches, etc. Physical efforts require constant bending, stooping, standing and frequent lifting up to 50 lbs. Works on a rotating assignment schedule daily, never does the same thing each day. Safety procedures must be adhered to at all times.