Job Title: Animal Care Technician (ACT)
Location: HSGN Headquarters, or other locations as required
Reports to: Executive Director (ED) / Senior Manager of Operations / Senior Animal Care Technician (SACT)
Job Summary
Animal Care Technicians (ACTs) are key members of the Humane Society of Greater Niagara’s team, responsible for ensuring high standards of animal care, shelter cleanliness, and positive public interaction. This role places a strong focus on cleaning and sanitization, as well as customer service and community engagement. ACTs support the daily care of animals while serving as the public face of the organization, helping adopters, answering inquiries, and creating a welcoming environment for all visitors.
Primary Responsibilities
- Maintain a high standard of cleanliness and hygiene across all shelter areas, including kennels, cages, exam rooms, and public spaces;
- Disinfect and care for all equipment and supplies, such as food bowls, litter pans, crates, and utensils;
- Perform laundry duties to ensure constant supply of clean bedding, towels, and other care materials;
- Carry out daily feeding and watering routines for animals in care;
- Provide bathing and grooming as needed to support animal well-being and adoption readiness;
- Monitor animal health, administer basic medical treatments (e.g., vaccines, deworming), and report concerns to the SACT;
- Offer exceptional customer service, welcoming visitors warmly, assisting with adoption inquiries, and answering general questions in person and by phone;
- Guide adopters through the process with empathy, professionalism, and clear communication;
- Perform reception and administrative duties, including filing, data entry, and clerical support;
- Handle animal emancipation follow-up, contacting potential adopters based on intake notes;
- Maintain exterior areas as needed (dog runs, snow clearing, lawn upkeep) to ensure a safe and clean environment for all;
- Promote a positive public image of HSGN through courteous and knowledgeable interactions with community members and volunteers;
- Ensure compliance with HSGN policies and procedures and all Health & Safety and WHMIS regulations;
- Report safety issues, equipment failures, or incidents of injury, property damage, or harassment immediately;
- Attend training sessions, team meetings, and support other shelter functions as required;
- Perform other duties as assigned by the SACT, Senior Manager of Operations, or Executive Director.
Qualifications, Experience, and Personal Attributes
- Minimum High School diploma or equivalent;
- Prior experience in customer-facing roles, animal care, or cleaning/janitorial work preferred;
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with a genuine desire to assist the public and promote animal welfare;
- Compassion and empathy for animals, customers, colleagues, and volunteers;
- Ability to maintain professionalism and a positive attitude under pressure;
- Detail-oriented with a strong work ethic and ability to follow cleaning and care protocols;
- Must be a team player and flexible in taking on a variety of tasks;
- Comfortable working with cleaning agents, animal medications, and in a fast-paced, emotionally demanding environment;
- Must not have allergies that limit contact with animals;
- Understanding of animal behavior, handling, and shelter operations is an asset;
- Knowledge of WHMIS and Health and Safety procedures;
- Able to multitask, shift priorities, and work independently with minimal supervision.
Working Conditions
- Regular exposure to distressed or aggressive animals;
- Physical demands including lifting and handling animals and cleaning equipment;
- Frequent interaction with the public in emotional, sensitive, or urgent situations;
- Noisy and fast-paced environment requiring focus and resilience;
- Use of chemicals and potential exposure to zoonotic diseases;
- Potential for emotionally challenging experiences related to animal care and outcomes.
HSGN is an equal opportunity employer. Accommodation is available upon request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and the Ontario Human Rights Code.
Vacancy: This posting is for an existing position.
Equity Note: We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and do not require Canadian work experience.
Job Types: Part-time, Permanent
Pay: From $22.24 per hour
Benefits:
- Discounted or free food
- Extended health care
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
