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Interested in working at C.A.R.E.? Review open positions below and fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly! We can't wait to hear from you.

Open Positions:

Canine Kennel Assistant

Purpose: To oversee assigned dog/puppy care shifts and ensure a safe, healthy, humane  environment for both dogs/puppies and volunteers caring for them in the kennel and  associated areas within and outside of C.A.R.E. 

Type of Position and Work hours: Part-time, including nights and weekends, up to 20  hours per week. 

Location: Community Animal Rescue Effort (C.A.R.E.), Skokie, Illinois

Job Summary: 

On assigned shifts, the Canine Kennel Assistant is responsible for supervising effective and  efficient daily operations of our kennel in accordance with the organization’s mission,  philosophy, policies and procedures; with the safety of people and animals at the forefront of all activities; and with direction from the Canine Program Manager. 

Qualifications: 

  • A passion for lifesaving and motivation to advocate for animals in need.

  • Strong understanding of basic care and behavior of dogs 

  • High school diploma or GED 

  • Attention to detail and multi-tasking skills 

  • Communication and interpersonal skills 

  • Experience working in a team environment 

  • Ability to work a flexible schedule including nights, weekends and holidays

  • Fear Free Certification or willingness to complete certification within three weeks of employment (highly desirable) 

  • Ability to maintain composure and emotional maturity in a high stress environment 

Physical Requirements & Work Environment: 

  • Ability to lift and transport items weighing up to 65 pounds 

  • Ability to handle animals effectively and humanely 

  • Have a high level of manual dexterity, the ability to bend and squat, and the ability to stand and sit for significant periods of time 

  • Be comfortable working with animals who may be stressed or who have experienced trauma 

  • Ability to maintain composure and emotional maturity in a high stress environment 

  • Exposure to disinfectant solutions, zoonotic diseases, and loud noises

  • Subject to animal bites and scratches

Key Responsibilities: 

  • Work directly with the Canine Program Manager to build, train and retain a skilled team of canine volunteers that work with integrity and efficiency

  • Shift oversight and direction of the volunteers including team huddles, floor  management, daily communications, check outs, etc. 

  • Assisting with development and implementation of training programs, stays up to date on current trends and best practices 

  • Oversee day to day care and husbandry of the dogs 

  • Clean and sanitize animal areas/ensuring that all animal areas are sanitized and spot cleaned daily 

  • Administer daily medications 

  • Weekly Inventory of supplies

  • Ensure that the shelter remains clean and organized at all times, that common areas are free from clutter/donations from dog items 

  • Monitor animals and check that they are properly marked and documented per policy and procedure 

  • Communicate up regarding health or behavior issues developing among the population 

  • Delegate tasks and rearrange volunteers as needed to ensure cleaning is done as  effectively and efficiently as possible 

  • Confirm cleaning protocols are being followed correctly and make corrections to  incorrect cleaning methods 

  • Follow all PPE protocols and Isolation guidelines for our dogs

  • Complete final walkthrough after all volunteers are done for the day

  • Enrichment - Work with Canine Program Manager to ensure kennel enrichment takes place each day 

  • Coordinate with kennel staff and volunteers

  • Prepare enrichment activities ahead of time