North Nova SPCA- Receptionist & Animal Care Attendant

Location: 15 Heritage Avenue, Stellarton NS
Number of Positions: 2-3
Job Start Date: ASAP
Job Competition Closes: When position is filled
Job Type: Casual – Part Time
Salary: $16 /hr

A Shelter’s Receptionist and Animal Care Attendant is a key member of the Nova Scotia SPCA team. This individual participates in the day-to-day animal care and operational practices of an Animal Shelter making sure they are compliant with the Society’s animal care standards.

Responsibilities

Assures all nutritional, housing, grooming and medical needs are met on a daily basis according to approved processes. Is responsible for maintaining a safe and sanitary facility for animals and people. Provides humane handling and care for all shelter animals and exemplary service to the public requiring information and support as it pertains to the Nova Scotia SPCA.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

  • Answers general inquiries by phone, email and in-person, booking appointments, and providing support and coaching in a variety of sensitive matters.
  • Provides outstanding customer service with a friendly can-do attitude
  • Communicates to the public the principles that convey and impact an understanding of the policies and procedures of the Nova Scotia SPCA
  • Facilitates day-to-day cash management process
  • Assists with the scheduling and coordination of appointments
  • Responsible for all duties related to the care of animals (cleaning of the holding areas, assuring that animals receive food and water, bathing and basic grooming). Provides humane handling and restraining techniques.
  • Observe animals for signs of illnesses or injuries and report symptoms to the appropriate personnel. Administers medications and assists Animal Care Technicians as required by restraining animals, grooming, health checks, flea treatments and administering parasite
  • Administers medications and assists Animal Care Technicians as required by restraining animals,
    grooming, health checks, flea treatments and administering parasite control.
  • Performs continual maintenance duties that include repairs and upkeep. Cleans all equipment and work areas to maintain the highest standard of cleanliness and sanitation. Follows health and safety regulations and protocols
  • Maintain accurate records for animal inventory, health, medications, treatments, procedures and behaviour
  • Provide excellent customer service, handle phone calls, and provide rescue and adoption information.
  • Provide a wide range of administrative and clerical duties and work well with low supervision.
  • Maintaining positive interactions with the public, staff and volunteers in a fast-paced, sometimes hectic and noisy environment while remaining calm, focused resourceful and efficient is critical to this role.
  • In addition to the duties listed above, the SPCA expects the following of each employee: adhere to policies and procedures; work in a safe manner; act as a role model within and outside the shelter; perform duties as workload necessitates; maintain a positive and respectful attitude; demonstrates exceptional customer service; communicates regularly with supervisor about issues; demonstrates efficient time management and prioritizes workload; consistently reports to work on time prepared to perform duties of the position; participates in events and on committees as needed or required; and completes other duties a

Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each task satisfactorily. The requirements listed
below are representative of the knowledge, skill and ability required.

  • Demonstrates animal control knowledge, including proper restraining techniques. Knowledge of animal
    behaviours, and basic obedience training methods
  • Ability to identify species, breeds, age and sex of animals.
  • Ability to identify signs of animal illnesses, diseases and injuries.
  • Ability to identify different medications and methods of administration.
  • Ability to perform sanitation procedures and general maintenance.
  • Ability to perform the SPCA’s basic medical intake process and other duties as outlined in SPCA Manuals
  • Employee must demonstrate ability to work effectively with others (including co-workers, customers,
    volunteers and others) by sharing ideas in a constructive and positive manner; listening to and
    objectively considering ideas and suggestions from others; keeping commitments; keeping others
    informed of work progress, timetables and issues; and addressing problems and issues constructively to
    find mutually acceptable and practical business solutions.
  • Employees must demonstrate regular and consistent attendance and punctuality.

Experience: 

1-3 years of animal care experience in a Veterinary clinic, Grooming, Doggy Daycare or other Pet related experience.

Additional Information:

  • This position requires a flexible schedule. Evenings and weekends will be part of the regular weekly schedule, must be willing to
    work a flexible schedule.
  • Driver’s license is required
  • Applicants interested in this position must be 18+ years old to apply.

Physical Requirements:

  • Physical ability to walk and/or stand on your feet throughout a normal workday required.
  • Physical ability to lift and carry 40 pounds regularly.
  • Working conditions include working alone, working outside in varying weather conditions, frequent interruptions, and some meetings.

Nova Scotia SPCA is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all qualified applicants, regardless of gender, race, age, sexuality, or disability. SPCA provides a competitive salary and a rewarding work environment. Preference will be given to candidates who self-identify as African Nova Scotians, racially visible persons, persons with disabilities, Aboriginal persons and persons of the LGBTQ+ community. We encourage applicants to self-identify.

Interested applicants are asked to submit their resume and cover letter indicating salary expectations to resumes@spcans.ca. As long as this job description remains posted it is an indication that the position has not been filled and we are still accepting resumes.

Please quote “SPCA North Nova” in the subject heading in your email reply.

As a part of our hiring process, we require applicants to complete behavioural and cognitive assessments. You will be sent the links along with screening questions after submitting your resume.

We thank all applicants for their interest in a career at the Nova Scotia SPCA, however, only those selected for screening will be contacted.