RECREATION ASSISTANT I
Dog Walker
Parks & Recreation / Animal Services
Part-Time · Temporary/Seasonal

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.
· Position available from November to December 2025.

Starting Pay:
· $13.00/hr.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Drug-Free Workplace: We consider applicants for all jobs without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, or familial status.  Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations to the application and/or interview process should notify a representative of the Human Resources Department at 785-309-5710.

TH 10/30/2025