Job Description

Location: Kanab, Utah

Hiring Range: This position’s hiring range is anticipated to be $22.00-$25.00 per hour, depending on experience, plus great benefits!

Providing the hands-on care for the animals at the Sanctuary, working with all departments to find those animals homes wherever possible, and serving as mission and brand ambassadors for the tens of thousands of guests, volunteers, and adopters who visit the Sanctuary annually.

Culture Statement and Responsibility: We believe in treating everyone with kindness and compassion, building trust through authenticity and following through on commitments. We prioritize well-being alongside our mission, fostering strong relationships through open communication and transparent feedback. Diversity and inclusion are integral to our culture, enriching team dynamics by valuing diverse perspectives. Each team member is responsible for creating an inclusive environment where all voices are respected and contributing to a workplace that embodies our shared values and commitment to progress. By consistently aligning our actions with our Guiding Principles, we strengthen our culture and ensure that our values are lived every day.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support lifesaving objectives throughout the department, providing feedback and support for outcome plans, assist with all aspects of the adoption process, regularly update animal photos and bios, providing superior customer service to visitors, volunteers, and adopters.
• Serve as a Sanctuary ambassador, representing Best Friends’ work to visitors and volunteers, and speaking to the Sanctuary’s special role in Best Friends’ no-kill goals.
• Support a “volunteers-first” team giving every volunteer the opportunity to maximize their skills and value towards Best Friends’ lifesaving activities, and inspiring visitors to continue the work in their communities.
• Provide for the safety and hands-on training of volunteers, both individuals and groups, including orienting them to the assigned area and tasks; answering questions as needed.
• Greeting and conduct tours, speak about specific animals, the work of Horse Haven and the sanctuary, answer questions and assist visitors with their needs.
• Work alongside and support interns, workshop attendees, and other categories of visitors.

Animal Care

• Provide basic and routine care for animals per department guidelines which includes, but not limited to feeding, watering, transporting, and light grooming.
• Support animals with medical issues, which may include zoonotic disease, by medicating, treating, preparing special diets, observing and reporting, and assisting in the maintenance of required veterinary records.

• Provide socialization, enrichment, and exercise for animals as outlined by leadership, which may include working with animals that may be considered challenging or dangerous; identifying behavioral issues and sharing observations with team members and leaders; following behavior or training plans as developed for the department or specific animals.
• Clean and restock work areas and preserving physical appearance of buildings and grounds.

General

• Deliver superior customer service relating to all visitors, adopters, fosters and transfer partners in a friendly, informative and professional manner.

Skills/Experience

• Previous experience with equines, potbellied pigs, goats, and sheep preferred.
• Previous experience working with equines with natural horsemanship techniques preferred.
• Demonstrates approachability when dealing with the general public. Experience in interacting with the general public (customer service) preferred.
• Ability to professionally advocate Best Friends Animal Society’s and Horse Haven’s positions on issues.
• Strong problem-solving skills with a focus on finding solutions.
• Demonstrates ability to create and encourage a positive work environment.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team while effectively managing individual responsibilities.
• Exhibits emotional resilience, adaptability, and professionalism in challenging or high-pressure situations.
• Strong interpersonal skills, i.e., ability to develop positive relationships with others and demonstrate sensitivity to the thoughts, feelings and perspectives of others.
• Demonstrates personal accountability to ensure that all responsibilities are completed effectively and in a timely manner.
• Accurate, appropriate, clear and concise written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong listening skills.
• Basic computer experience preferred (Microsoft Word, Gmail, etc.).
• Experience operating a variety of vehicles (manual and automatic) and pulling a trailer preferred.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and qualify for BFAS insurance.
• Must be willing to work weekends and holidays.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to perform strenuous and repetitive physical activity on a daily basis including but not limited to: shoveling, mucking, poop scooping, lifting, carrying, reaching, stooping, squatting, bending, walking, climbing up and down ladders, and climbing into and out of vehicles.
• Must be able to routinely lift 80 – 100 pounds.
• Must be able to work outdoors in all weather conditions, with temperatures ranging from below freezing to 100+ degrees.
• Must be able to work around allergens like hay, dust, and animals.

Thank you for your interest in pursuing a career at Best Friends Animal Society. Best Friends Animal Society is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, marital status, or domestic partner status.

Applicants for employment in the U.S. must have valid work authorization that does not now and/or will not in the future require sponsorship of a visa for employment authorization in the U.S. by Best Friends Animal Society.