Position Summary:

The Nursery Animal Keeper (Seasonal) provides daily care and support for neonatal animals (primarily kittens and puppies) in the shelter’s nursery program during the peak kitten season. This seasonal role typically runs from April 1, 2025 – November 1, 2025 The ideal candidate is patient, detail-oriented, and understands the basics of neonatal animal care, including feeding, temperature regulation, hygiene, and disease prevention. Maintaining a clean and disinfected environment is essential to protect the health of these vulnerable animals.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Provide daily care for neonatal animals, including bottle-feeding, stimulating for elimination, and ensuring proper warmth and hydration.
• Follow detailed nursery protocols to maintain the health and safety of fragile animals, including regular weight checks and feeding schedules.
• Disinfect and clean nursery areas, enclosures, and equipment thoroughly and consistently to prevent the spread of disease.
• Monitor animals closely for signs of illness or distress and report concerns promptly.
• Maintain accurate records of feedings, weights, health observations, and other care tasks.
• Assist with the intake of new nursery animals, ensuring proper setup and initial health checks.
• Support a calm, quiet environment in the nursery to reduce stress for young animals.
• Collaborate with team members and volunteers to ensure consistent care and support.
• Help prepare animals for transition to foster homes, adoption, or other shelter programs as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the nursery program and shelter operations.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Basic understanding of neonatal animal care, including feeding, hygiene, and temperature control.
• Awareness of the importance of cleaning, disinfecting, and maintaining a sanitary environment to protect animal health.
• Willingness to learn and follow detailed care protocols.
• Ability to work in a physically demanding environment, including lifting up to 30 pounds, standing for long periods, and handling animals of varying sizes.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to meticulous record-keeping.
• Patience and compassion for fragile animals requiring specialized care.
• Ability to work as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Previous experience with animals (personal or volunteer) is helpful but not required.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or GED
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends and holidays as needed
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal

Preferred (optional)

• Demonstrated Microsoft Office skills 
• BS or MS in a biological science
• Experience working in an animal facility or Veterinary Hospital
• Knowledge in animal facility operations
• Knowledge of animal health and management issues