HERNANDO COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
AL NIENHUIS, SHERIFF

JOB TITLE:                     Lead Animal Care Technician
BUREAU:                        Law Enforcement Operations
SUPERVISED BY:           Animal Services Supervisor
PAY GRADE:                   10N                                  CREATED: 4/14/2026
FLSA STATUS:                Non-Exempt                    REVISED:


CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CLASS:

Under the direction of the Animal Services Supervisor, the Lead Animal Care Technician is a senior-level, working position responsible for performing advanced animal care duties while ensuring the consistent completion of daily Animal Care Technician (ACT) functions. This role helps coordinate and monitor daily workflows, provides guidance to ACT staff, and ensures that established standards for animal care, sanitation, and enrichment are maintained.

[NOTE]: These examples are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

A.     Facility & Sanitation

• Maintains and ensures completion of cleaning, disinfecting, and sanitizing of all kennels, cages, livestock areas, animal runs, floors, hallways, and public areas.
• Launders bedding, toys, and supplies. Performs custodial duties and basic preventative maintenance of equipment.

B.     Animal Care & Enrichment

• Provides daily care for all animals, including feeding, watering, and monitoring dietary needs.
• Ensures enrichment activities are completed in accordance with established guidelines to support behavioral and physical health.

C.     Workflow Support & Task Coordination

• Assists in coordinating daily assignments among ACT staff to ensure timely completion of required duties.
• Provides on-the-job guidance and support to staff and volunteers, helping ensure adherence to policies, procedures, and best practices.

D.     Animal Monitoring & Reporting

• Observes animals for signs of illness, injury, or behavioral concerns and promptly reports findings to supervisory or veterinary staff. Maintains accurate and detailed records.

E.     Intake & Animal Processing

• Assists with intake procedures including microchip scanning, vaccinations, deworming, medical and behavioral observations, and kennel assignment.
• Ensures accurate and complete documentation.

F.     Public Engagement & Events

• Participates in on-site and off-site adoption events and community outreach efforts to promote adoptable animals.

G.     Emergency & Field Support

• Responds to emergency situations, including large-scale animal intakes and field support, as directed.

H.     Euthanasia Support

• Performs and/or assists with humane euthanasia at the direction of the Veterinarian and/or Director in accordance with agency policy.

I.     Other Duties

• Performs other related duties as assigned.

J.     Emergency Operations

• May be designated as essential personnel during emergencies as determined by the Sheriff.

QUALIFICATIONS:

A. Training and Experience

• High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent.
• Valid Florida Driver License (must be maintained).
• Minimum of two (2) years of animal handling and shelter or boarding facility experience required.
• Successful completion of state-required euthanasia certification within one (1) year of employment.

B. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of animal shelter operations including animal care, behavior, disease recognition, sanitation, and safe handling.
• Ability to guide and support staff without formal supervisory authority.
• Ability to ensure compliance with established procedures and standards.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and maintain composure in high-stress environments.
• Strong attention to detail and recordkeeping ability.
• Ability to build effective working relationships with staff, volunteers, and the public.
• Proficiency in shelter software and standard office programs.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work in environments with aggressive or diseased animals and exposure to parasites and biohazards.
• Ability to safely use equipment, chemicals, and PPE.

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL SKILLS:

• Ability to lift and carry a minimum of 50 pounds.
• Ability to stretch, stoop, bend, kneel, reach and climb frequently.
• Ability to physically control highly active and/or aggressive animals, potentially weighing 80 pounds or more.
• Ability to sit and/or stand for long periods of time.
• Acceptable eyesight (with or without correction).
• Acceptable hearing (with or without hearing aid).
• Ability to safely operate a motor vehicle.