Benefits:
401(k)
Dental insurance
Health insurance
Paid time off
Vision insurance
Employment Status: Full or Part Time Location: Lebanon, Oregon
Who We Are:
New Life Asher House is the adoption focused rescue & sanctuary location of The Asher House organization, a sister property located on the western edge of Oregon’s Willamette Valley. Situated on 140 acres with fields to run in, a creek to splash in and plenty of friends to play with. It is a true wonderland for dogs! Founded in November 2023, New Life Asher House is the 2nd Sanctuary location of The Asher House organization, born of the collaboration with Family Dogs New Life Shelter; who’d been an established part of Portland’s rescue community for 20 years before joining The Asher House. We knew that together our two organizations would bring a unique and inspiring approach to animal rescue. Our mission is to provide a safe, peaceful, enriching environment for the animals in our care until their adoptive families can be found. Allowing them a place to be loved and protected for as long as needed. Our Adoption Center located in Portland Oregon gives families the opportunity meet our sanctuaries’ adoptable dogs, complete all adoption paperwork and take their new pup home.
Job Description: As a Companion Animal Caretaker, you will play a crucial role in the care and well-being of animals, and their behavioral health and enrichment. Your responsibilities will include being able to assess, monitor, and enhance the behavioral aspects of companion animals under your care, as well as providing daily care for the animals. Working closely with a team of animal care professionals, you will implement behavior management plans and enrichment activities to ensure the physical and mental health of the animals and be responsible for the general caretaking of the animals. This position requires much of the time to be spent outdoors and the desire to be part of a team setting.
*Note: Please read the full job description and required qualifications. Only candidates that meet all criteria will be considered for the position.
Responsibilities
Daily care includes:
Feeding, watering, medicating, exercising, and providing daily enrichment.
Clean and sanitize animal housing areas.
Monitor animal health for signs of illness, or unusual behavior. Make notation and report any problems regarding health and behavior of the animals to the appropriate staff to ensure the necessary medical appointments and follow ups are made.
Follow proper protocols and procedures to ensure the safety and highest quality of care for the animals, including animals that may be in insolation and quarantine.
Prompt communication around animal supply levels/inventory and work with staff to ensure that the necessary amount and type of equipment/supplies are always organized and maintained on the premises.
Assist in loading and unloading animal supplies at the sanctuary.
Ensure animals are always supervised.
Monitor play groups and ensure dogs are safely playing and engaging with one another.
Ensure animals are in secured areas of the sanctuary when visitors arrive to the property for the sake of safety to both animals and people.
Act as a responsible and compassionate representative of New Life Asher House at all times.
Behavior Assessment:
Conduct behavioral assessments of animals to identify specific needs, challenges, and opportunities for enrichment.
Develop a comprehensive understanding of each animal's behavioral profile.
Enrichment Planning and Implementation:
Design and implement behavior enrichment programs tailored to the individual needs and species-specific behaviors of animals.
Create and introduce a variety of stimulating activities, toys, and environmental enhancements to promote natural behaviors.
Training and Positive Reinforcement:
Utilize positive reinforcement techniques to train animals in cooperation with veterinary procedures, handling, and basic commands.
Collaborate with staff to address and modify undesirable behaviors through positive reinforcement and behavior modification plans.
Documentation and Reporting:
Maintain detailed records of behavioral observations, interventions, and progress for each animal.
Communicate behavioral changes, challenges, and improvements to relevant team members.
Collaboration and Communication:
Work closely with staff members to develop and implement cohesive care plans.
Stay current on best practices in animal welfare.
Other job duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
3-5 years experience working with companion animals, preferably in a shelter, sanctuary, or similar setting. (REQUIRED)
Strong knowledge of animal behavior and positive reinforcement techniques.
Excellent observational and analytical skills.
Effective communication and collaboration skills.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Physical fitness and agility to work in various environments and handle animals safely.
New Life Asher House is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, disability, as well as any other characteristic protected by federal, provincial, or local law.