About Our Job

The City and County of Denver utilizes a hybrid model workplace that balances the responsibilities of public service with the benefits of a flexible work environment, where allowed by workload and operational needs. At Denver Animal Protection, telecommuting is not a standard practice and may be allowed on a case-by-case basis depending on the agency’s need.

Please apply as soon as possible as this posting could close without notice.

This is a limited position with an expected end date of December 31, 2024.

Denver's Department of Public Health and Environment (DDPHE) is dedicated to advancing Denver's environmental and public health goals. DDPHE works collaboratively with city, state and community partners to conduct education, community engagement, and enforcement to promote healthy people, healthy pets, and a sustainable environment. DDPHE oversees a number of services related to public health and the environment and is comprised of six divisions: Division of Shared Services and Business Operations; Community & Behavioral Health; Public Health Investigations; Denver Animal Protection; the Office of Medical Examiner; and Environmental Quality. For more information on DDPHE’s programs and services, visit the DDPHE website at: Denver Department of Public Health and Environment.

We foster an inclusive culture by respecting the values, customs, and authenticity of everyone and by implementing equitable public health strategies so Denver communities can thrive.

Denver Animal Protection (DAP) protects the safety and welfare of Denver’s animals and residents by fostering the human animal bond. DAP emphasizes public and animal safety and health, encourages responsible pet ownership through education and enforcing compliance with animal-related municipal code requirements, and cares for animals at the Denver Animal Shelter (DAS). More information can be found at: DDPHE: Denver Animal Protection.

DAP is seeking an Animal Care Attendant to perform caretaking work for animals in custody of the shelter. In this role, you will ensure that all animals have a clean-living environment, drinking water and food as per feeding instructions. Reports health concerns to veterinary staff. Shelter attendants are expected to perform a high level of animal care and customer care.

If you’re looking for non-traditional work, Denver Animal Shelter may be what you’ve been looking for!

During the next several months, this position will be heavily focused on cleaning all areas of the shelter. This is due to our higher-than-normal volume of animals and longer than usual lengths of stay. It is not uncommon to stay past the scheduled end of your shift to complete all tasks assigned to you, but we do try to minimize this whenever possible.

Shift times and starting pay:

• 6:30am – 3pm, Monday through Friday

• 10:30am – 7pm, Monday through Friday

• 9:30am – 6pm, Saturday and Sunday (7% shift differential on salary)

• The average starting pay in this position $20 per hour

Additionally, the Animal Care Attendant:

• Provides compassionate care including the basic needs of animals in the shelter and ensures that all animals have a safe and clean shelter environment.

• Cleans and sanitizes all cages and kennels per shelter protocols and keeps the facility, equipment, and tools clean.

• Works well in a team setting

• Has excellent verbal communication skills

• May participate in breed evaluations for members of the public and for animals in the shelter

• May participate in behavioral assessments on animals in the shelter, socializes animals that can be rehabilitated for adoption and provide enrichment for all shelter animals.

• Observes animal appearance and activity for any behavioral changes or concerns, reporting these changes to shelter management and recording observations in computer software.

• Performs intake on animals entering the shelter and administers vaccinations when needed.

• Documents information about animals and facility operations per standard procedures including an inventory of animals and entering changes, head counts, daily logs, and other required information.

• Along with all department staff, this position will actively participate on an emergency preparedness and response team to support DDPHE’s responsibilities outlined in the City’s Emergency Operations Plan. This may require being ‘on-call’ from time to time to help respond to emergencies. Additional training commensurate with assigned duties will be provided.

• Other duties as assigned.

This position is physically demanding, physical activity. Physical demands include lifting, standing for long periods of time, stooping, bending, climbing, pulling, pushing, and sometimes awkward physical movements. Each employee in this position is required to take a Health Performance Evaluation (HPE) on an annual basis regarding this type of work.

About You

Our ideal candidate will:

• Have one (1) year of experience in animal care which includes working in a veterinary office, animal hospital, animal shelter, pet store, or other animal care facilities.

• Take initiative to help when needed and to complete projects

• Be able to lift/carry up to 75 lbs.

We realize your time is valuable so please do not apply if you do not have at least the following required minimum qualifications:

• Education Requirement: Graduation from high school or possession of a GED, HiSET or TASC Certificate.

• Experience Requirement: One (1) year of experience performing technical or administrative work assisting in an environmental public health program as related to the assignment.

• Education and Experience Equivalency: A combination of appropriate education and experience may be substituted for the minimum education and experience requirements.

• License/Certification Requirement: Requires a valid Driver's License at the time of application.

• Licenses and certifications must be kept current as a condition of employment.

About Everything Else

Job Profile

CE3348 Environmental Public Health Technician I

To view the full job profile including position specifications, physical demands, and probationary period, click here.

Position Type

Limited (Fixed Term)

Position Salary Range

$19.72 - $29.58

Starting Pay

Based on education and experience.

Agency

Dept of Public Health & Environment

The City and County of Denver provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information, age, or any other status protected under federal, state, and/or local law.

For information about right to work, click here for English or here for Spanish.