Animal Shelter Attendant at Missoula County, MT

About the Department

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.

• 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.

Position Duties

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

• High School graduation or GED.

• Requires one year of experience that includes one or more of the following: animal control; animal care or handling; animal research; and office clerical duties.   Requires experience working with the public and performing heavy physical labor.

• SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:   Requires a valid Montana Driver's License.  New employees will be asked to volunteer vaccination status for required vaccines upon hire and will be offered assistance during hiring to receive necessary immunizations. Employees who have not received the vaccines required for their positions or who are unwilling to voluntarily provide vaccination status for required vaccines will receive a reasonable accommodation where such accommodation does not require an undue hardship or endanger the health or safety of any person. Successful candidate will be subject to a pre-employment physical examination.

Other Qualifications

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.