Job Description

For more information on our benefits offerings, visit our website  

Responsibilities:

Responsibilities include but are not limited to: 

Functional Duties

• Provide a safe and compassionate environment for animals in our care, our staff, and for our clients by using low-stress handling techniques

• Read and follow all kennel signage regarding animal treatment and care.

• Proactively monitor adoptions pipeline, ensuring adequate resources to expedite placement

• Maintain open lines of communication with the Adoption Center in NYC, arranging transfer and/or exchange of animals based on the greatest potential for successful and expedient placement

• Maintain up to date knowledge of each dog in care and ready for placement

• Provide compelling biographical information for public facing dog adoption profiles, showcasing each animal’s positive attributes as well as challenges

• Work directly with adopters to ensure high quality placements, creating a positive experience for dogs and potential adopters, eliminating ineffective barriers to adoption

• Collaborate with veterinary, behavioral, and sheltering colleagues to develop a transition plan for each dog, minimizing post-adoption setbacks and pain points

• Conduct post-adoption follow-up calls and/or emails and serve as a point of contact for adopters in need of advice or assistance post-placement

• Provide back-up support for transport, working directly with internal and external partners to plan and execute the transfer of animals, as needed

• Safely and humanely transport dogs, some of which are medically and/or behaviorally compromised, to and from ASPCA facilities, veterinary partners, off-site adoption events, and potential adopter meetings

• Assist the Coordinator, Transport in maintaining the R&R Center’s fleet and transport supplies, as needed

• Provide back-up support for the Care & Enrichment Team, assisting in daily animal care tasks as the need arises and time allows

• Provide support in the collection and management of animal health and behavior data

• Assist as requested in behavior treatments and evaluations as a “novel person”

• Maintain handling skills and develop strong collaborative relationships with colleagues by participating in playgroup, behavior treatment, loading dogs for transport, veterinary exams, and humane euthanasia as needed and when appropriate

Administrative and Operational Duties

• Attend and meaningfully contribute to all relevant R&R Center and ASPCA meetings

• Assume financial accountability for work-related expenses 

• Maintain all receipts and prepare monthly expense reports 

• Understand and follow all ASPCA expense and travel policies 

• Accurately track and report time worked, time off, and work-related expenses  

• Responsibly steward R&R Center assets  

Qualifications

• Must provide a valid driver’s license upon hire and pass a motor vehicle history check demonstrating a safe driving history. As part of the driving requirements of this role, must also pass a Department of Transportation Medical Exam.

• Fluent in the use of MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint; familiarity with shelter software systems or Salesforce a plus  

• Excellent written and oral communication skills; Artfully flexes communication styles to best support diverse individuals 

• Able to regularly witness animals suffering medically and/or behaviorally 

• Comfortable with humane euthanasia in theory and in practice  

• Displays concern for the safety and well-being of self, animals and others, especially under stress 

• Fosters collaboration by creating strong connections with colleagues at all levels and in all areas; Builds strong work relationships based on trust, respect, and listening to understand 

• Freely and generously shares knowledge, skills, and expertise with others  

• Demonstrates genuine interest in the thoughts, ideas, and expertise of others  

• Proactively problem-solves and takes appropriate initiative to implement solutions  

• Flexible; can easily adapt to changes and help others do the same  

• Resilient; bounces back from difficult and disappointing situations quickly 

• Positive and engaging demeanor; enjoys working with people

• Cultivates a climate in which diverse perspectives are solicited, encouraged, valued, and respected  

• Sets a high standard by exemplifying transparency, integrity, honesty and strong ethical principles 

• Unafraid of hard conversations and approaches them openly, quickly, and kindly ; Views conflict as generative, using disagreement to drive innovation, improve communication, clarify and articulate values, and build stronger relationships  

• Work takes place in a variety of environments and weather conditions, including indoor climate-controlled spaces where it may be noisy and outdoors where surfaces may be wet or uneven and extreme heat, cold, or precipitation is possible

• Ability to drive up to 8 hours per day, 5 days per week, and extended travel away from home as needed.

• Ability to sit for extended periods while driving, or working at a desk or computer

• Ability to lift and carry animals (50 pounds unassisted, 100 pounds with assistance) and equipment, such as food bags, bedding, and cleaning supplies; Comfort and ability to handle and restrain animals safely and humanely, particularly in stressful situations

• Ability to work in a physically demanding environment that requires standing, walking, bending, squatting, and/or kneeling for extended periods of time

• Work involves exposure to chemical and biological hazards such as medications, cleaning products, urine, feces, blood, and sharp objects

• Ability to wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment, including but not limited to disposable coveralls, respirators or face masks, and booties

• Ability to exemplify ASPCA’s core values and behavioral competencies.

Education and Work Experience

• High School Diploma, GED required or equivalent experience

• Professional or volunteer experience with animal adoptions in a shelter setting is required

• Professional, academic or volunteer animal care experience with dogs is required

• A minimum of five years driving experience required

• Experience in professional animal transportation or veterinary/animal shelter services preferred

• Previous experience working in an animal shelter preferred

• Animal shelter experience with dogs strongly preferred

• Fear Free® Shelter Program certification (approximately 5 hours) required or completed within 60 days of hire 

Language:

English (Required), Spanish

Education and Work Experience:

High School Diploma, GED, or Equivalent Experience (Required)