Animal Shelter Attendant

Salary : $21.64 Hourly

Location : Missoula, MT

Job Type : Temporary

Job Number : 202500158

Department : Missoula Public Health- Animal Control

Opening Date : 10 / 10 / 2025

Bargaining Unit : Non-Union Personnel Plan

Work Site : Missoula County Animal Control

Scheduling / Hours of Work : Full-time temporary employment for one year. Eligible for benefits.

Definition

This is a temporary (one year), full-time opportunity with benefits! As a Missoula County employee, you will be part of a team that is committed to positively impacting the community. The pay rate for this position is $21.64 per hour.

The Missoula County Animal Control Department is seeking an ANIMAL SHELTER ATTENDANT to join their team. This position performs a variety of duties for the City / County Animal Control Shelter including animal care, dispatching, cleaning, customer service, public education and administrative support to ensure the health and safety of domestic animals and the community.

Details : Priority screening will begin on Friday, October 24, 2025 It is in your best interest to apply by this date. Applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established, or the position is filled.

To Apply :

• Please complete all sections of the online application, even if a resume is submitted.
• Please include with a complete application the following attachments : A letter of interest.
• Incomplete applications will be disqualified.
• Complete job description available upon request to the Department of Human Resources.

Representative Examples of Work

Feeds and waters animals, cleans cages, outdoor kennels and other areas within the building, does dishes and laundry. Observes animals for signs of illness, injury and behavioral issues. Schedules vet appointments for treating sick / injured animals and spay / neuter surgeries, authorizes medical procedures. Administers first aid, medications and vaccinations; and inserts microchips. Answers phones and emails; takes complaints from the public; prioritizes calls and dispatches animal control officers; records and relays required information; and works with the public to provide for animals in emergency situations (wildfires, floods, etc.). Provides information to the public about animal ordinances, animal care, licensing, adoption and spay / neuter programs. Performs data entry, handles cash and makes deposits, produces reports, coordinates records retention, and orders all supplies for the shelter including medications, vaccines, food, litter, cleaning supplies, microchips, gravel, etc. Responsible for processing animals into and out of the shelter; reviews, researches and approves adoption applications; verifies rabies vaccinations; issues dog and kennel licenses; writes citations for unlicensed dogs; collects fees; balances cash drawer daily and makes deposits. When necessary, recommends euthanasia of animals to the supervisor. Coordinates outreach and adoption events; ensures staffing; prepares supplies. Drives a county vehicle with a trailer to pick up donations, care for off-site animals, and set up for events. Updates and maintains the Animal Control website, uploads photos and descriptions of stray animals on social media. Promotes dog licensing through social and traditional media outlets; develops promotional and educational materials; canvasses neighborhoods to identify unlicensed dogs; finds creative ways to promote licensing. Follows up on expired licenses by sending letters, making follow up calls, and working closely with animal control officers to contact owners. Participates in quality improvement projects, performance management and strategic work plans. Works within the incident command structure during emergencies.

Minimum Qualifications

Physical / Environmental Demands

Work requires regular physical activity including standing and walking on hard surfaces; bending; reaching; stooping; and medium range lifting (25-50#). Requires occasional heavy lifting (50#). Work involves spraying water on floors which can be slippery; involves use of disinfectants and strong cleaners. Coveralls, eye protection and rubber boots must be worn when using some chemicals. Works regularly with animals, primarily dogs and cats, of all sizes and temperament. Occasional bites and scratches are likely. Requires exposure to strong odors and the removal of animal feces. Requires regularly scheduled weekend work. Drives county vehicle on a daily basis to care for animals at off-site locations and to pick up donated food and supplies.

Located halfway between Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks and home to the University of Montana, Missoula is an academic center situated in an outdoor enthusiast's paradise. Depending on the season, you can hike, ski, fish, float rivers, ride mountain bikes, or just sit back and marvel at the surrounding scenery. Join us in a scenic, sophisticated, and service-oriented Missoula!

Missoula County covers over 2,618 square miles of mountain lands varying in topography and climate from temperate river valleys to snow-capped peaks. Five large valleys and two major rivers wind through this mountainous region.

Missoula County is large and diverse, featuring everything from the spectacular scenery of Clark Fork River running through town to lush ranches and a growing economy of small business. Skiers, outdoor enthusiasts, wildlife watchers, mothers and fathers, business owners, vacationers, fisherman, retirees, students, and many others have grown to love Missoula County's boundless opportunities.

This summary outlines the benefit programs; actual benefits may vary depending on bargaining unit and employment status.

Missoula County will reward your contributions to our community with competitive compensation and generous benefits, including but not limited to :

Excellent Medical Health Benefits - Group health benefits, including dental and vision coverage, are available to eligible County employees. The medical health benefits premium is covered for full-time employees. The County contribution is pro-rated on hours paid for part-time employees. The employee pays the premium portion for dependent coverage. Family health benefits coverage is $258.00 per pay period.

Medical deductible is $500 for an individual and $1,000 for a family.

Flexible Benefits Plan - Pre-tax out-of-pocket medical expenses and day care expenses.

Voluntary Life Insurance Coverage, Long and Short-Term Disability, Critical and Accident Insurance are offered through Mutual ofOmaha.

Public Employees Retirement System - Montana public employees of the state, university system, local governments and certain employees of school districts are covered by the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). New members to the PERS have an opportunity to choose between two retirement plan options : the Defined Benefit Plan or the Defined Contribution Plan.

Sheriffs' Retirement System (SRS) - A public pension plan for all Montana Sheriffs hired after July 1, 1974 and Detention Officers hired after July 1, 2005.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness - Working for Missoula County may qualify you to receive student loan forgiveness. Look to learn more and understand whether you may be eligible.

Supplemental Retirement Benefits are offered through Valic or Nationwide.

Sick Leave - Full-time employees accrue 7.38 hours per month and are eligible to use sick leave once you have been an employee for 90 days. The accrual is pro-rated for part-time employees.

Vacation Leave - Full-time employees accrue 9.24 hours per month and are eligible to use leave after continuous employment for a period of 6 full months. The accrual is pro-rated for part-time employees.

Holidays - The County observes eleven legal holidays in even numbered years and ten legal holidays in odd numbered years.

Paid Parental Leave (PPL)- In recognition of the importance of bonding and care of a newborn child or a child placed for adoption, Missoula County 6 continuous weeks of PPL to eligible full-time employees that have been with the county for 180 days. The hours are pro-rated for part-time employees.

Tuition Assistance - Because we value the professional and personal development of our employees, Missoula County is proud to offer reimbursement of certain education expenses.