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Posted: January 28, 2026 (1 day ago)

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Animal Caretaker - Permanent Part-time

City of Norfolk

General Services

Fresh

Location

Salary

$40,768 - $46,791

per year

Closes

February 12, 2026

Job Description

Summary

This part-time job involves taking care of animals at a city shelter in Norfolk, Virginia, by feeding them, cleaning their spaces, monitoring their health, and helping people adopt pets or find lost ones.

It's a hands-on role that requires compassion for animals and the ability to interact with the public.

A good fit would be someone with some experience handling animals who enjoys physical work and wants to contribute to the community through animal welfare.

Key Requirements

  • High school diploma or equivalency
  • Minimum six months of volunteer or paid experience in an animal care environment
  • Ability to read, write, and perform basic math for tasks like contracts and medication dosages
  • Physical ability to stand for long periods, bend, crouch, kneel, and lift/carry at least 50 pounds
  • Valid driver's license
  • Certification in Animal Euthanasia within one year of employment
  • Availability for flexible hours including nights, weekends, holidays, and reporting during inclement weather as an essential position

Full Job Description


Norfolk, Virginia is America's most authentic and urban waterfront city. Home to the world's largest naval station and the business, arts, and cultural center of Coastal Virginia, Norfolk has been rated a top place to live, work, play, and raise a family by numerous publications. Working for the City of Norfolk is an opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of others. With our commitment to competitive pay and a strong retirement package, you can do good for your community and do well for yourself. Join a caring workplace that proudly celebrates uniqueness, authenticity, and a shared commitment to improving the lives of our residents.

The City of Norfolk’s Department of General Services is seeking a Part Time Animal Caretaker who will be responsible for the daily care and maintenance of shelter animals. Duties include daily feeding, cleaning, watering, and socialization of various animals, assisting customers with the pet adoption process, and helping customers look for a lost pet.

Provides daily care for stray, impounded, or surrendered animals, including cleaning, disinfection, medical triage, behavioral assessment, and enrichment. Also vaccinates and medicates animals as directed by the Supervising Veterinarian. Assists the public with adoptions or finding lost pets.

Requirements

Responsibilities of the position include but are not limited to:

Cleans and maintains animal enclosures in a sanitary manner. Maintains overall shelter organization and cleanliness throughout the workday.Ensures that outside walkways and runs are clean.

Provides the highest quality animal care through feeding, watering, socializing, and offering various forms of enrichment.

Observes animals for signs of illness; monitors sick or injured animals and assists with vet-prescribed treatment. Assists the public with animal surrender or locating a lost pet.

Assists the public with selecting a companion for adoption. Requires ability to read and understand standard operating procedures.

Ability to stand for long periods; to bend, crouch, and/or kneel repeatedly; to lift and carry a minimum 50 pounds.

Ability to read adoption contracts, registration cards, cage or kennel cards, and medical sheets or prescription dosage on medications for the animals.Ability to write adoption contracts, quarantine and euthanasia paperwork, complete registration cards and time slips.

Ability to perform general math calculations.This is an Essential position; incumbent will be required to report to work during inclement weather when the City is closed.

Qualifications Work requires the ability to read and understand written instructions, to understand animal care protocols and the routine operation of animal handling and restraint equipment.

Level of knowledge equivalent to high school or equivalency.

Level of knowledge equivalent to high school or equivalency.Required:Minimum six months volunteer or paid experience in animal care environment.Preferred:Academic courses or areas on concentration: Veterinary Technology, Verterinary Science, Animal Care, or closely related field.

Additional Information Certified in Animal Euthanasia within one year of employment.Valid Driver's License required.This is an Essential position; incumbent will be required to report to work during inclement weather when the City is closed.

Work Schedule: Hours are scheduled Saturday through Friday, 32 hours per week. Hours may require additional flexibility, nights, holidays, and weekends.

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Posted on NEOGOV: 1/28/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 1/29/2026

Source: NEOGOV | ID: neogov-norfolk-4736801