Animal Care Specialist

under general supervision and direction from the kennel supervisor, drives ascmv animal transport vehicles for several hour spans at a time. Performs duties to support shelter operations. Provides compassionate and attentive care of the animals at all times, maintains a clean, healthy environment for the animals and the public, and assists with animal adoptions at the animal services center of the mesilla valley (ascmv).

• operates a variety of transport vehicles in a safe manner, in compliance with all state laws and regulations to support the safe and reliable transport of animals on a timely schedule. Provides transportation of animals to and from the ascmv for rescue partnership transfers, vet appointments, adoption events, community cat returns, or anywhere needed in support of shelter operations; maintains a driving log and animal manifest.
• assists in the preparation of animals for potential rescue partnership transfers, such as vaccinating, microchipping, blood drawing, holding animals for medical exams, bathing, behavior/temperament testing, obtaining photos and video of the animals, and other tasks as needed.
• prepares animal transport vehicles for transport, including refueling, checking tires, checking fluid levels, cleaning and disinfecting animal holding areas, cleaning the inside and outside of the vehicle, restocking supplies, and other tasks as needed.
• loads and unloads animals of various sizes along with additional cargo, while following strict disease control protocols.
• works closely with rescue coordination staff and others to manage deadlines, arranging potential transports, providing accurate and timely information to rescue partners, preparing documentation and paperwork, posting photos and information on social media platforms for potential transfers or foster placements, and other assignments as needed.
• provides a healthy, safe, clean, and pleasant environment and facilities for the animals and the public; daily, thorough cleaning of all animal areas, including inside/outside housing and holding cages, cart areas, floors, dishes, bedding, and stocking supplies and doing laundry; spot cleaning of animal and public areas throughout the day.
• treats all animals humanely, properly, and with compassion at all times, regardless of the situation or circumstance; feeds the animals, including providing special diets as needed; monitors the health of the animals on an ongoing basis and rapidly identifies any potential health problems or conditions (medical or behavioral) and immediately reports it to the supervisor, or medical staff; medicates animals as directed.
• responds promptly and courteously to questions and inquiries from customers and rescue groups; educates the public and rescue groups about ascmv procedures and mission; works with volunteers and partner agencies as assigned.
• removes or assists in the removal of deceased animals as needed, ensuring safe humane handling of animals during procedure.

position involves competing demands, performing multiple tasks, working to deadlines, occasional work beyond normal business hours, including weekends, nights, holidays, and responding to customer issues. Position is subject to drug and alcohol testing in accordance with applicable state and federal regulations and animal services center of the mesilla valley policies. Regular attendance is an essential function of this job to ensure continuity of services.

exposure to a variety of domestic and wild animals, animal body fluids, wastes and infectious materials and surgical instruments; cleaning solvents and material; outdoor and or inclement weather conditions; may be exposed to hostile or abusive members of the public

moderate to heavy lifting of fifty (50) pounds or more; bending, stooping, kneeling, crawling; sitting or standing for prolonged periods of time; operating various equipment. Occasional use of a personal computer.

first consideration may be given to current ascmv and/or city of las cruces employees who meet the minimum requirements.

meeting or exceeding the minimum qualifications does…