Animal Caregiver

Role Overview:
The Animal Caregiver is an essential team member responsible for medicating and caring for sick and injured rabbits, preparing them for adoption, and maintaining a clean and healthy environment for all rabbits at our facility. The role involves working closely with volunteers and assisting adopters by providing insights into individual rabbits' personalities.

Responsibilities:
Administer medications and maintain accurate treatment records
Observe and report on rabbit health and behavior
Feed and provide water to rabbits
Clean litter boxes, rabbit habitats, and common areas
Train and supervise volunteers in animal care tasks
Greet and assist visitors in a friendly and helpful manner
Check boarding rabbits in and out
Treat people and rabbits with respect and contribute to effective teamwork

Qualifications:
Passion for Animal Welfare:
Genuine love and compassion for animals
Strong desire to improve the lives of sick and injured animals
Experience and Education:
Prior experience in animal care, veterinary assistance, or a related field (paid or volunteer)
High school diploma or equivalent required; relevant certifications or degrees preferred
Spanish-speaking skills are preferred

Medical Knowledge:
Basic understanding of common animal illnesses and injuries.
Familiarity with administering medications, basic first aid, and wound care, taking rectal temperatures, and giving subcutaneous fluids.

Physical Stamina:
Comfortable performing physically demanding tasks, including cleaning and maintaining rabbit enclosures on the floor, walking and standing for long periods.
Ability to lift 40-50 lb bags of rabbit pellets/litter and move them within the building or to a car.
Exposure to allergens, including rabbits and grasses/hay.

Emotional Resilience:
Ability to handle emotional stress and grief associated with caring for sick and injured animals.
Understanding of the difficult decisions made regarding animal welfare.

Communication Skills:
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to interact with staff, fellow caregivers, volunteers and the public effectively.
Courteous and effective customer service skills in a diverse environment
Reliability and dependability

Attention to Detail:
Meticulous record-keeping for each rabbit’s treatment plan.
Observant in monitoring changes in rabbit’s behavior, health, and ability to handle animals safely
Ability to understand and follow detailed instructions and manage time effectively

Team Player:
Willingness to collaborate with other caregivers and shelter staff.
Ability to follow instructions and protocols diligently.

Problem-Solving Skills:
Quick thinking and adaptability to new information and in emergency situations.
Ability to work both independently and as part of a team

Compassionate Care:
Gentle handling of animals, particularly those in pain or distress.
Patience and understanding in providing comfort and reassurance.

Hygiene and Safety:
Commitment to maintaining high standards of cleanliness to prevent the spread of disease.
Adherence to safety protocols to protect both animals and staff.

Commitment to Shelter Mission:
Dedication to the mission and values of House Rabbit Society
Willingness to engage in ongoing education and training related to animal care.

Hours/Days:
8-hour shifts on Mondays and 5-hour shifts Tuesdays and Wednesdays (9am-2pm)
Availability for occasional extra shifts is a plus
Willingness to work holidays that fall on regular shift days
Part-time, non-exempt position
Supervisor: Executive Director

Compensation & Benefits:
$20/hour, based on experience
25% employee discount in the Hop Shop
Discounted rabbit boarding
Discounted on-site veterinary care for pets
Paid sick time (5 days/year)
Convenient access to BART and available parking

To Apply:
Email your cover letter and resume with the subject line "Animal Caregiver Application." Please include any relevant rabbit experience and professional animal care experience (paid or volunteer) in your application.

Non-Discrimination Policy:
House Rabbit Society is committed to a non-discrimination policy in hiring staff, engaging volunteers, and serving our community. We do not discriminate based on gender, race, color, religion, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, or any other protected classification.

About House Rabbit Society:
House Rabbit Society is a 501c3 nonprofit organization headquartered in Richmond, California. We partner with municipal animal shelters, primarily in Northern California, to rescue rabbits at risk of euthanasia due to space, veterinary care limitations, or behavioral issues. Our goal is to place every rabbit in a loving home through adoption, foster placements, or long-term sanctuary foster placements for special needs rabbits. House Rabbit Society also provides extensive educational resources and services to support rabbit care and adoption.
We are an agile, professional, and supportive organization operating within a diverse community. Our services include educational resources, adoption assistance, community services, and low-cost spay/neuters to ensure domesticated rabbits find suitable homes as indoor companions.