Walton County Sheriff's Office - Kennel Technician I

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Job Overview

Department Walton County Sheriff's Office
TypeCivilian
Job TitleKennel Technician I
Salary$38,500 Minimum (Based on Experience)
Contactwork@waltonso.org
Location Defuniak Springs , FL


Job Announcement

Walton County Sheriff's Office, FL Police Jobs

General Statement of Job 

 The Kennel Technician must be able to perform all duties and tasks specific to the position.  The member evaluates animals for potential adoption and assists with socializing animals at the Walton County Animal Shelter. The position requires the member to be able to work a variable schedule that requires working some weekends/holidays, and member must be able to work with inmates.  Kennel Technicians must have sufficient physical strength, mobility, and stamina to lift and/or move heavy pets and objects, confidence to administer medications and the ability to monitor pets for signs of disease or distress.  Genuinely enjoys working with animals.


 Minimum Qualifications 

  • High School Diploma or GED or equivalent.
  • Must be at least 18 years of age.
  • Must be able to work with inmates and receive Inmate Work Program Training within six (6) months of hire.
  • Ability to obtain Florida Euthanasia Certification within six (6) months of hire.
  • Must have a valid driver’s license. (must be maintained for duration of employment)
  • Experience handling animals is preferred.

Essential Job Functions 

  • This list of functions, duties, responsibilities, skills, and physical abilities is not intended to be all-inclusive, and the employer reserves the right to assign additional functions and responsibilities as deemed necessary.
  • Regular and prompt job attendance.
  • Provides compassionate care for all the animals.
  • Ensure the Walton County Animal Shelter is opened at the required times.
  • Notifies the Walton County Health Department of all bite cases and sends paperwork as required. (if cross-trained)
  • Cleans kennels and surrounding work areas within the shelter in accordance with proper disease control.
  • Ensures proper care of animals within the shelter facility is maintained in all phases of shelter operation.
  • Can follow a regular schedule for cleaning and sanitizing all cages, runs, and related areas, changes litter boxes, and changes food/water bowls.
  • Can assist Veterinary Technicians when needed with the administration of medications or restraints.
  • Must administer medication when Veterinary Technician is unavailable to do so.
  • Can collect urine and fecal specimens.
  • Can maintain laundry for the kennels.
  • Be willing and able to teach the trustees assigned to the shelter and other staff members kennel skills.
  • Follow OSHA standards, be able to find Material Safety Data Sheets quickly.
  • Receives animals turned in by the public, strays, owner turn-ins, or for safekeeping.
  • Responsible for their proper identification and recording their respective locations.
  • Releases animals to their owners, adopters, or rescues.
  • Assists and/or performs human animal euthanasia when deemed necessary for sick, aggressive, or injured animals and/or space if necessary.
  • Maintains positive attitude with the public and other employees.
  • Daily kennel review to verify the number of animals in our care.
  • Transport trustees to and from the jail.
  • Perform additional duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 

  • Proper telephone etiquette and customer service skills
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills
  • Basic computer skills (Microsoft Office, e-mail)
  • Strong organizational skills with ability to multi-task and still attend to details

 Standards to Perform Job Functions 

  • Dependable attendance is required.
  • Any allergies to animals must be controllable through medication.
  • Must be able to lift 40 pounds.
  • Must be willing to work long or irregular hours under pressure conditions.
  • This position requires the ability to walk, bend, stand and reach constantly during a minimum 8-hour day.
  • Visual acuity sufficient to maintain accurate records, recognizes people and understands written directions.
  • Ability to speak and hear sufficiently to understand, give information in person and over the telephone.
  • Fine motor skills adequate for utilizing office equipment such as computers, telephones, copiers, fax machines, etc.

Environmental Hazards

  • This job risks exposure to bright/dim light, dusts, pollen, extreme heat and/or cold, wet or humid conditions, extreme noise levels, fumes and/or noxious odors, toxic/caustic chemicals.
  • Exposure to animal waste and/or bodily fluids. 
  • Regular exposure to animal hair and dander.
  • The noise level in the work environment can be moderate/high

Walton County Sheriff's Office is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Walton County Sheriff's Office will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. Veterans are encouraged to apply. Pursuant to applicable state and federal law, preference and priority shall be given to certain service members and veterans (including spouses and family members of such service members and veterans), and certain service members may be eligible for waiver of post-secondary educational requirements as provided in Chapter 295, Florida Statutes. 

Please direct questions regarding this position to work@waltonso.org


Jobs close at 11:59 PM (Eastern) on the deadline date specified, or when the position capacity has been met, or unless otherwise specified in the announcement. If the deadline date is not specified in the announcement, the agency has sole discretion on setting the deadline and jobs may close without notice. It is the applicant's responsibility to thoroughly read and understand the deadline requirements and capacity limits as outlined by the agency.

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