(Archived) Animal Care Attendant I

CHENEGA RELIABLE SERVICES, LLC

Lackland AFB

The Animal Care Attendant will assist in the transport and handling of Government Working Dogs (GWDs) during Veterinary procedures involving diagnostic imaging, surgery, medicine, rehabilitation, critical or general clinical care or any combination of veterinary support work in support of various Department of Defense Military Working Dog Veterinary Service (DODMWDVS) departments. The animal care attendant is primarily responsible for retrieval and return of patients to their kennel location, providing for restraint for veterinary exams and procedures, as well as other comprehensive care requirements for GWDs.

Responsibilities

• Aiding in the examination, evaluation, and vaccination of canines. This incorporates the handling of the dog in pre and post exam, concisely conveying the information to the veterinarian, and providing support in the retrieval of vital signs (heart rate, respiratory rate, temperature, hydration status, attitude, etc.) of animals presented for sick call or medical evaluation clinics. Sanitizes exam room and treatment areas between canines or as needed.
• Provides medications by various routes under the direction and supervision of Veterinary Staff.
• Assists in loading and transporting dogs to and from different locations as required. Uses proper and prescribed safety methods and practices to include safety procedures outlined in appropriate Air Force Instructions, regulations, manuals, and other directives. Escorts personnel as required.
• Conduct health checks on Government Working Dogs (GWDs).
• Monitors the appearance and activity of dogs for signs of illness, wounds, disease, and discontent.
• Examines the health and welfare of assigned GWDs and takes the applicable steps to prevent or resolve issues.
• Specifically surveys for and identifies any signs of injury, illness, and substantial changes in personality, weight loss, bloat, and changes in physical condition. Informs anything uncharacteristic to Veterinarian Staff.
• Observes recovery of GWDs after surgery by tracking respiratory rate, heart rate, blood pressure, tissue perfusion, hydration, body temperature, state of consciousness, and reflexes.
• Identifies post-operative complication (shock, hemorrhage, respiratory distress, hypothermia, etc.) and informs veterinarian.
• Supports Rehab Team’s examinations and implementation of therapeutic modalities for patients recovering from surgery, healing from orthopedic or neuromuscular injury, or other responsibilities.
• Keep GWDs under control during radiographic studies.
• Observes vital signs of GWDs undergoing radiological procedures.
• Administers medications to GWDs canines during early morning shift, evening shift, and weekends. Canines are housed at Medina MWD Clinic and the Lackland Veterinary Hospital.
• Administers medications by various routes, to include topically, orally, otic, ophthalmic.
• Performs other duties as assigned to include daily cleaning and sanitation primary enclosures, cage change-outs, and in vicinity (inside and out) of animal facilities.
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Minimum one (1) year of experience working with animals
• Must have and maintain a driver’s license
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a military driver’s license

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to provide care for GWDs, including large trained and untrained working breed canines, according to specific schedules and routine methods.
• Experience handling large trained and untrained working breed canines; Military Working Dog experience preferred.
• Ability to clean and maintain facilities housing GWDs, including large trained and untrained working breed canines, to maintain their health and welfare.
• Ability to communicate orally and in writing, and to work harmoniously with personnel and supervisors.
• Ability to catch, handle, hold, and transfer GWDs, including large trained and untrained working breed canines, without injuring the animal or endangering self or others.
• Knowledge of effective dosing and administration of medication to GWDs, including large trained and untrained working breed canines.
• Ability to apply knowledge of the normal appearance and activities of GWDs, including large trained and untrained working breed canines, to recognize obvious changes such as excessive loss of fur, fighting, refusal to feed, malaise, etc.
• Knowledge of effective facility sanitation to prevent injury and illness in program animals.

Chenega Corporation and family of companies is an EOE.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

Native preference under PL 93-638.

We participate in the E-Verify Employment Verification Program.