Recreation Assistant I (Dog Walker)

RECREATION ASSISTANT I
Dog Walker
City of Salina, Kansas
Parks & Recreation / Animal Services
Intermittent Part-Time · Permanent

Apply: jobs.salina-ks.gov

The Recreation Assistant I provides safe & engaging outdoor exercise for dogs of various breeds & sizes. This role requires monitoring the dogs’ well-being, adhering to walking schedules, & ensuring proper handling with attention to safety. Recreation Assistant I’s maintain clear communication with Animal Services staff, reporting any health concerns & providing updates on dog behavior. Additional responsibilities include picking up after dogs, following set walking routes, & maintaining compliance with local animal care regulations. The position requires physical stamina, a positive attitude, & reliable availability for scheduled shifts.

On-the-Job Training: Training for our Recreation Assistant I position is led by experienced Animal Services staff, providing hands-on guidance in a supportive & friendly environment. This training ensures that our employees are confident in handling dogs safely, recognizing animal behaviors, & understanding Salina’s animal care regulations. New employees will learn effective communication skills to share valuable insights about the dogs’ health & behavior with the team. By gaining these skills, new employees not only enhance their own expertise but also contribute to a safer, more enjoyable experience for Salina’s citizens & their pets.

Duties:
· Walks dogs of all sizes & breeds, ensuring they get adequate exercise, socialization, & potty breaks.
· Makes sure that every dog receives a safe & enjoyable walk.
· Ensures the safety & well-being of the dogs at all times.
· May walk up to four (4) dogs at any one time.
· Checks to see that dogs are wearing collars with leashes.
· Makes sure that dogs are well-fed & hydrated.
· Gives dogs treats to maintain their focus.
· Picks-up after the dogs during walks & disposes of waste appropriately.
· Adheres to walking schedules & routes provided by management staff.
· Monitors the dogs for any signs of distress or health issues & reports them immediately to management.
· Maintains effective communication with Animal Services staff, providing updates & feedback on the dogs’ behaviors & activities.
· Adheres to all company policies & local regulations regarding dog walking & animal care.
· Knowledgeable of city ordinances & state laws regarding animal care.
· Fills out appropriate paperwork.
· Arrives on time & provides excellent service.
· Performs other duties as assigned.

Education: High school diploma or G.E.D.

Experience:
· One (1) year previous experience in dog walking or pet care is preferred but not required.
· Previous volunteer work in animal care.

Desired Qualifications
· Ability to handle dogs of various sizes, breeds, & temperaments.
· Must be able to follow instructions.
· Maintains a high standard of customer service.
· Maintains positive & cooperative working relationships.
· Works outdoors in changing environmental conditions; must be able to work in temperatures which often exceeds 90 degrees.
· Communicates well with Animal Services patrons of various ages from diverse backgrounds.
· Demonstrates kindness to Animal Services patrons & presents professional attitude at all times.
· Must be able to communicate verbally & in writing.

Requirements:
· Must be eighteen (18) years of age or older.
· This is a non-driving position.
· Must pass a background check.
· Must have reliable transportation to-and-from work.
· Must be available to work shifts.
· Follows scheduling protocols & obtains monthly work schedule.
· Follows time & attendance guidelines.
· Adheres to payroll requirements.
· Attends required trainings & meetings.
· Reviews posted event calendars.
· Performs all job tasks according to rules, guidelines & expectations of Animal Services Manager.
· Responds in a timely manner to all forms of communication regarding City of Salina employment by way of phone calls, emails, texts, etc.

Work Type:
· Moderate, exerting up to 80 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.
· Must be physically fit & able to walk steadily for 20-30 minutes or for extended periods in various weather conditions.
· Must have the ability to physically handle both dogs & maintenance responsibilities.

Hours: Works flexible hours, including mornings, evenings, & weekends.

Starting pay: $13.00/hr. EOE

Application Deadline: Until filled

Apply: jobs.salina-ks.gov