ANIMAL SHELTER EDUCATION SPECIALIST 5423

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

An employee in this class is responsible for educating the community and animal shelter employees in the proper training, obedience, and care of animals. This employee is responsible for teaching animal temperament and evaluation to new shelter employees, assisting and instructing with restraining of frightened and aggressive animals for medical exams or euthanasia. Work is reviewed through conferences and reports. Does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

Evaluates animals for adoption;

Helps animals to settle into shelter environment;

Conducts animal safety training classes for staff;

Conducts dog obedience and animal behavior classes for potential adopters and Town residents;

Provides community outreach programs on animal behavior to local groups, nursing homes, and schools;

Visits schools to teach pet ownership responsibility and care;

Trains staff in the proper techniques of presenting an animal for adoption to prospective adopters;

Assists prospective owners with training tips or enrollment in training classes;

Creates and maintains updated curriculum for Humane Education program;

Provides telephone consultations for residents/adopters;

Maintains records and statistics for program.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Thorough knowledge of all phases of kennel duties in an animal shelter operation; thorough knowledge of animal behavior in order to teach group obedience classes; basic knowledge of the care, feeding and diseases of common domesticated animals; ability to answer public inquiries regarding animal behavior and training; ability to express oneself clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the general public; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

OPEN COMPETITIVE

Graduation from a standard senior high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma, and two (2) years of experience, in a business or institutional setting, providing education in the proper training, obedience, and care of animals.

R 8/8/19

SUFFOLK COUNTY

Competitive