Steven Degand
Naperville,IL
Summary
Dynamic and adaptable professional with a strong background in animal care from the Animal Care Center of Downers Grove. Proven expertise in maintaining cleanliness and promoting safety, while delivering exceptional customer service. Skilled in animal handling and team collaboration, ensuring optimal care and comfort for pets during their stay.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Kennel Attendant
Animal Care Center of Downers Grove
Downers Grove, IL
10.2023 - Current
- Maintained cleanliness and sanitation of kennel areas and equipment.
- Assisted with feeding, watering, and exercising dogs as per care schedules.
- Monitored animal behavior and reported concerns to senior staff.
- Provided support during grooming sessions, ensuring comfort and safety for animals.
- Engaged with pet owners to provide updates on their animals' wellbeing.
- Learned effective handling techniques for various dog breeds to ensure safety during interactions.
- Maintained a clean and sanitary kennel environment through daily cleaning tasks, ensuring the comfort and well-being of all animals.
- Promoted pet safety through proper handling techniques, minimizing risk of injury or distress for both staff and animals.
- Reduced stress levels for animals during their stay by creating a calm and nurturing environment that catered to individual needs.
- Mixed and administered special food formulas to individual animals based on unique dietary needs.
- Assisted in the training of new staff members by sharing knowledge and expertise in kennel operations and animal care procedures.
Carpenter Apprentice
JSA Construction
Oswego, IL
03.2018 - 09.2023
- Maintained a clean and organized work environment to promote safety and efficiency.
- Developed proficiency in various woodworking techniques through hands-on experience.
- Kept job site cleaned up properly and all debris disposed of in respective containers.
- Followed established job site safety regulations and maintained safe and clean work area.
- Completed installations of building structures, trim, flooring, and cabinetry.
- Prepared materials accurately using hand and power tools to make precise cuts.
- Assisted with movement of materials and equipment to job sites.
Shop Worker
D2K Construction
Naperville, IL
04.2014 - 08.2016
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of work areas to enhance safety standards.
- Monitored inventory levels and restocked supplies as needed to prevent shortages.
- Maintained orderly and clean work areas for maximum productivity.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Checked incoming orders and organized new stock.
General Manager Trainer
Jets Pizza
Darien, IL
06.2012 - 12.2014
- (worked multiple locations and position)
- Provided coaching and mentoring to employees.
- Established and maintained quality control standards.
- Developed job-specific competencies and performance standards.
- Making schedules for employees
- Managing inventory
- Ordering Supplies needed for store
Kennel Attendant
Naperville Animal Hospital
Naperville, IL
02.2009 - 10.2011
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by providing attentive and compassionate service during pet drop-offs and pickups.
- Minimized animal injury risk by monitoring behaviors and eliminating safety hazards.
- Contributed to a positive workplace atmosphere by maintaining open communication with team members and proactively addressing issues or concerns.
- Streamlined daily routines by developing efficient systems for feeding, walking, cleaning, and medicating multiple animals throughout the day.
- Developed strong relationships with clients by effectively communicating updates on their pets'' stay at the facility.
- Collaborated with veterinary professionals to administer medications or treatments as needed, ensuring optimal animal health outcomes.
- Assisted in administrative duties such as record keeping, appointment scheduling, and inventory management for efficient kennel operations.
- Cleaned and maintained kennel areas for optimized hygiene, including cages, runs and yards.
- Trained new staff on kennel maintenance, animal care and feeding protocols.
- Followed effective process for bathing and grooming dogs to remove dirt, loose hair, parasites, and hair mats.
- Performed basic wound care and other medical aid, working with veterinarians to handle advanced cases.
Front End Cashier
Jewels Osco
Lisle, IL
08.2007 - 05.2009
- Greeted customers entering store and responded promptly to customer needs.
- Helped customers complete purchases, locate items, and join reward programs.
- Restocked and organized merchandise in front lanes.
- Stocked, tagged and displayed merchandise as required.
- Contributed to store success by maintaining high standards of cleanliness throughout the facility.
- Collaborated with team members to achieve sales targets and maintain a clean, well-stocked store environment.
Education
High School Diploma -
Naperville North High School
Naperville, ILSkills
- Maintaining cleanliness
- Animal care
- Adaptable and flexible
- Animal handling expertise
- Animal bathing
- Group management
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Customer service
- Problem-solving
- Honest and dependable
- Decision-making
- Supply unloading and storage
- Inventory management
- Time management
- Problem-solving abilities
- Multitasking
Timeline
Kennel Attendant
Animal Care Center of Downers Grove
10.2023 - Current
Carpenter Apprentice
JSA Construction
03.2018 - 09.2023
Shop Worker
D2K Construction
04.2014 - 08.2016
General Manager Trainer
Jets Pizza
06.2012 - 12.2014
Kennel Attendant
Naperville Animal Hospital
02.2009 - 10.2011
Front End Cashier
Jewels Osco
08.2007 - 05.2009
High School Diploma -
Naperville North High School