Animal Attendant

Job Overview

**WORK TYPE**:

- Part Time**LOCATION**:

- North Melbourne**JOB TYPE**:

- Shelter and Animal Attendant**DATE POSTED**:

- 15 Oct 2024 AUS Eastern Daylight Time**APPLICATIONS CLOSE**:
**About us**:
At The Lost Dogs’ Home, we are a foundation in Victoria's animal welfare landscape, celebrated for our compassionate care of around 18,000 lost and abandoned dogs and cats every year. Beyond caring for animals, we are dedicated to providing diverse animal welfare and community programs, all aimed at giving animals the best chance of a happy and healthy life. Our mission is upheld by passionate individuals who embody a profound affinity for animals, community, and advocacy.

**About the Role**:
We have exciting part-time opportunities available in our Animal Attendant Team. Our Team Leaders strive to accommodate the needs of our 30-person team by rotating designated work areas and sharing responsibilities.

As a North Melbourne Animal Attendant, your day starts at 8:00 am on weekdays or 7:00 am on weekends. You'll review your assigned areas, gather necessary equipment (radio, ear protection, PPE, etc.), and begin your tasks, which include cleaning, feeding, and enriching the lives of our animals. Your animal handling skills will be put to use in our cattery, kennels, or caring for pocket pets, birds, or other exotics.

You play a vital role in our operation by reporting any health or behaviour changes to our vets and vet nurses and, when needed, administering medication. Accurate record-keeping for all animals in your care is essential, and you may assist with lost and found inquiries.

Additional duties might include handling laundry, conducting food stock takes, or transporting animals between our shelter and council partners. Your workday ends at 4:30 pm (or 6:00 pm for later shifts), knowing you've contributed to giving each animal the best chance at a happy, healthy life - which aligns with our vision at The Lost Dogs’ Home.

**In addition to the above, other duties may include**:

- Moving animals across the shelter
- Assisting the public with lost and found inquiries
- Liaising with the public and council officers
- Maintaining the shelter, including laundry, animal pens, and vehicles
- Keeping accurate records of all impounded animals
- Recording food stock levels

**Skills and Experience**:

- Experience working with animals in a professional capacity
- A recognised animal-related qualification (desired)
- Excellent customer service skills
- A current driver's licence
- Sound emotional maturity and ethics regarding animal welfare
- The ability to display initiative and motivation
- A reasonable level of fitness and the ability to work in a physically demanding role.

**About our culture**:
At The Lost Dogs’ Home, we cultivate an inclusive work environment that celebrates diversity. Our team enjoys a vibrant culture that fosters meaningful connections, both professionally and socially. Led by our dedicated social committee, we organise a wide range of engaging activities such as Paint and Sip Nights, Bowling, Trivia, and regular after-work gatherings. These events create opportunities for our team to relax, bond, and forge lasting friendships. We take pride in our diverse team where every individual is encouraged to be their authentic self, regardless of their role within the organisation.

**What we can offer**:

- A purposeful animal welfare career,
- Fantastic career development and opportunities,
- Discounts at our general practice clinic, Frank Samways Veterinary Clinic,
- Access to our Employee Assistance Program,
- Access to the Foster Care Program,
- A unique and friendly working environment (surrounded by animals),
- Rewarding work with animals in need of a forever home.

**_ The successful applicant will be required to satisfactorily complete background screening checks._