Playing one of the most crucial roles in the direct care of all PAWS Chicago internal animals, Animal Care Associates are responsible for the daily care and cleaning of all animals in the adoption program within PAWS Chicago. This includes: daily feeding, medicating and cleaning of all animal areas (both dogs and cats), washing dishes, completing laundry and other shelter chores.  Also may require walking of dogs if no volunteers available. 

Animal Care Associates must be willing to work closely with volunteers/staff. Animal Care Associates are responsible for closely monitoring and following through with the medication and medical/behavior observation logs to ensure each animal is receiving the PAWS Chicago care standard. They must obey any animal exercise restrictions.  

In addition to caring for all of the internal animals at PAWS Chicago, Animal Care Associates are also responsible for ensuring that common areas that are a part of the rescue and recovery area are clean and maintained. This includes: vacuuming, mopping and taking out trash for all kennels and common areas (playroom, walkways dog bathing room & laundry areas). 

Duties and Responsibilities 

• Responsible for ensuring the checklist items are done on a daily basis as assigned. 
• Ensuring the housing areas are organized and presentable. The cat room should have matching (as best as we can) blankets, towels, and bedding. The dogs should have a dog house and/or Kuranda bed, a blanket, toys, etc. 
• Animal Supplies Inventory. Notify appropriate individual to replenish stock with adequate notice to maintain a stocked position.
• Animal Health. Coordinate with Animal Care Manager – Intake or Team Lead Animal Caregiver on any changes observed and as policy directs.
• Prepare Animals for Sx procedures. Ensure food and/or water is withheld when necessary and proper notice is displayed as requested.
• Animal Behavior. Ensure information on health or behavior changes are communicated to Animal Care Manager – Intake or Team Lead Animal Caregiver and as policy directs.
• Cleaning Supplies Inventory. Notify appropriate individual to replenish stock with adequate notice to maintain a stocked position.
• Be able to drive transport van and assist with transport of animal’s offsite.  
• Other duties as requested or needed by supervisors. 

Requirements 

• Passion for animals and animal welfare
• Must be able to work one weekend day and holidays.
• Are expected and relied upon to work the hours scheduled and to directly notify their supervisor by telephone or in person 2 hours in advance of schedule start time if they will not be able to work their scheduled hours.  

Physical Requirements 

• Balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting and grasping.
• Standing for sustained periods of time.
• Walking and moving about to accomplish tasks, particularly for long distances or moving from one work site to another.
• Able to lift 50lbs occasionally, 30lbs frequently and 10lbs constantly.
• Must be able to walk/hold large dogs on outdoor walks and on stairways.
• Repetitive motion.
• Able to work in small confined places. 

Benefits  

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through Blue Cross Blue Shield
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer match
• Paid time off, including vacation and sick days 

NOTE:  PAWS Chicago reserves the right to modify, interpret, or apply this job description, as it desires.  This job description in no way implies that these are the only duties, including essential duties, to be performed by the employee occupying this position.  This job description is not an employment contract, implied or otherwise.  The employment relationship remains “at-will”.  The aforementioned job requirements may be changed to fulfill any obligation(s) to reasonably accommodate qualified individuals with disabilities.