Animal Care Research Technician (ACRT)

Animal Care Research Technician (ACRT)

Four Rivers Kennel is seeking dedicated individuals for the position of Animal Care and Research Technician (ACRT). As an ACRT, you will play a crucial role in providing exceptional care for our pet partners and supporting our canine research activities. This position encompasses a wide range of responsibilities, including animal care, hygiene and sanitation, food service, data collection, groundskeeping, equipment operation, and other tasks as required. This is an excellent opportunity to engage in feeding trials and nutrition research while expanding your knowledge and contributing to the research process.

Responsibilities:

1. Ensure high-quality care for animals by accurately preparing daily meals, including weighing and recording precise measurements.

2. Assist in the precise recording of animal body weights to support research activities.

3. Maintain a clean and sanitary environment by regularly cleaning and disinfecting canine group housing units, outdoor enrichment areas, and airing spaces. This includes diligent poop scooping.

4. Collaborate with team members to facilitate the daily movement of dogs in and out of airing yards.

5. Uphold cleanliness standards by washing and sanitizing dishes and maintaining the overall cleanliness of the feed and kitchen areas.

6. Administer medications, vaccines, and routine medical treatments as prescribed by a veterinarian.

7. Apply behavioral principles to improve animal behavior as part of a learning or treatment process.

8. Operate, calibrate, and check instruments, including scales, to ensure accurate measurements.

9. Support canine exercise trials when necessary.

10. Monitor canines for general wellness and report any concerns promptly.

11. Assist with miscellaneous tasks as needed, such as groundskeeping.

12. Learn, understand, and strictly adhere to Four Rivers Kennel's Animal Care and Use Policy, Standard Operating Procedures, and Employee Handbook.

13. Maintain a dependable presence by working weekends and holidays.

14. Ensure the physical capability to handle large, friendly dogs and lift objects weighing up to 50 lbs.

Qualifications:

- Previous experience in animal care or related fields is highly desirable.

- Attention to detail and the ability to maintain accurate records are essential.

- Strong organizational skills.

- Effective communication and teamwork abilities.

- Familiarity with behavioral principles and a passion for improving animal behavior.

- Commitment to upholding Four Rivers Kennel's Animal Care and Use policy and Standard Operating Procedures.

- Ability to work weekends and holidays.

- Physical ability to handle large, friendly dogs and lift objects weighing up to 50 lbs.

To apply for this position, please submit your work experience through Indeed or through our website!

Four Rivers Kennel is a drug-free workplace and an equal opportunity employer. Please no walk-ins.

Join our dedicated team and make a positive impact on the well-being of our pet partners!

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: From $15.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Application Question(s):

• You are supervising a yard of dogs, and you notice two dogs starting to posture stiffly at each other, tails high and growling softly. A third dog is starting to run toward them. Walk us through exactly how you handle this situation step-by-step.
• Working in a professional kennel involves a high volume of repetitive physical labor, including deep-cleaning runs, power-washing, scooping yards, and managing heavy laundry, often in extreme weather (heat/cold). Tell us about a previous job or experience where you had to maintain high energy and a positive attitude during a physically demanding, fast-paced shift.
• In a facility caring for multiple animals, keeping precise track of feeding schedules, medication doses, and behavioral notes is critical. If you noticed a discrepancy on a dog's chart—such as a missed morning medication entry or an unclear feeding instruction—what specific actions would you take?

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Preferred)

Work Location: In person