Job Description

Brief

The Crematorium Attendant plays a vital role in PAWS' pet cremation service, Resting Paws. This position requires not only technical skill but also deep compassion and empathy, ensuring that every pet is treated with dignity and respect throughout the cremation process. The successful candidate will actively support PAWS' charitable initiatives, contributing to the organization's mission of providing humane and compassionate care.

Responsibilities include picking up and receiving cremations, conducting cremations, packaging cremains, and ensuring timely return to families. The Attendant works closely with other PAW teams and reports directly to the Operations Manager, adhering to high standards of customer service and ethical handling practices.

The role is best suited to someone with excellent customer service skills, a warm and friendly demeanor, attention to detail and great organizational skills. Secondary responsibilities involve supporting other departments as needed, always upholding the values of PAWS and maintaining a compassionate presence in interactions with clients and colleagues.

Although the primary role revolves around pet aftercare, secondary roles revolve around assisting other departments with needs as required. At all times, professionalism is expected and required. This role is ideal for someone who is compassionate, detail-oriented, and dedicated to supporting PAWS' mission of providing humane, respectful care for animals and their families. If you are passionate about making a meaningful difference in the lives of animals and people, we welcome your application.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Foster a culture of compassion and high-quality customer service for both internal and external customers.
• Treat all animals and people with kindness, respect, and empathy at all times.
• Receive and collect deceased animals from the public and commercial clients with professionalism and sensitivity.
• Safely operate crematorium equipment and ensure cremains are prepared and returned in a well-presented, timely manner.
• Fulfill pet owners' wishes regarding urns, memorials, and other remembrances, ensuring a meaningful and respectful tribute to their beloved pets.
• Support and advocate for PAWS' charitable initiatives, reinforcing the organization's mission of humane care.
• Think critically and problem-solve to create positive outcomes for clients while diffusing conflicts when necessary.
• Maintain adequate stock of cremation supplies and monitor crematorium machinery as per manufacturer standards.
• Keep detailed and accurate records
• Ensure compliance with organizational policies and operational guidelines.
• Communicate respectfully with PAWS staff, clients, volunteers, and the general public.

Secondary Responsibilities:

• Assist other departments when primary duties allow.
• Support outreach and offsite adoption events.
• Mentor new employees, providing guidance during their onboarding process.
• Work towards the successful completion of assigned SMART goals.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support PAWS' mission.

Skills and competencies:

• Demonstrated compassion and sensitivity when handling animals and interacting with grieving clients.
• Experience working with a commercial crematorium is preferred.
• Strong customer service skills with an emphasis on empathy and professionalism.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities to address customer needs effectively.
• Class 5 driver's license required.
• High school diploma.
• Experience working in close-knit teams is beneficial.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Prior experience working with animals and knowledge of animal behavior is preferred.
• Physical fitness required: must be able to lift and carry up to 50lbs and able to preform repetitive tasks.

Working conditions:

This role is based at the shelter location but the incumbent will also be expected to travel in order to pick up/drop off animals and supplies at client locations. Due to this, exposure to various weather conditions when transporting animals or supplies is to be expected. Operation of the crematorium machinery will result in higher temperature work environments and will, at times, require suitable use of personal protective equipment. This position can at times be emotionally demanding. Exposure to a range of noises, odours and fumes despite working in areas with adequate ventilation may occur.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $16.18-$17.98 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Company pension
• Dental care
• Employee assistance program
• Extended health care
• On-site parking
• Paid time off
• Store discount

Flexible language requirement:

• French not required

Schedule:

• Day shift

Licence/Certification:

• Driving Licence (required)

Work Location: In person