Animal Care Expert; Grade 1

Department:
Operations

Reports To:

Shelter Manager

Classification:
Full-Time/Part-Time, Non-Exempt

Pay Scale: $20.15-$22.86 (hourly)

Starting Range: $20.15-$21.63 (hourly)

Location:

Shelter

You find job satisfaction in creating meaningful change – whether that’s turning a poop-covered kennel into a clean and cozy sleeping space or finding just the right squeaky toy to bring a shy dog out of hiding. You like working on your feet, staying calm when things get busy, and finding the sparkles of joy that keep you motivated in a caring profession.

You can keep yourself on task while also recognizing when priorities need to shift or a teammate needs help. You approach animals with curiosity and compassion, paying attention to what their behavior may be telling you rather than making assumptions. You take pride in doing excellent work while understanding that sheltering is a team effort – and that communicating, asking for help, and learning from mistakes are part of doing the job well.

You understand that everyone’s work contributes to the health and welfare of the animals in our care and you take ownership of keeping our facility clean, safe, and welcoming for both two-legged and four-legged animals.

The Animal Care Expert – Grade 1 (ACE1) provides excellent daily care that supports the physical and emotional health of animals housed at HSCO.

• Clean and sanitize kennels, animal housing areas, and associated work spaces including dishes, laundry, storage areas, and common spaces.
• Feed animals according to established instructions and ensure access to clean water and appropriate daily care.
• Observe animals during routine care and promptly communicate changes in physical health, behavior, appetite, or overall wellbeing to the appropriate staff member.
• Provide daily enrichment, social connection, and physical and mental exercise appropriate to individual animals.
• Provide targeted enrichment and support for long-stay animals or animals experiencing greater barriers to placement.
• Follow established animal handling, sanitation, safety, and disease-prevention practices.
• Organize and prioritize assigned work to ensure essential animal care needs are completed while remaining responsive to changing needs through the day.
• Communicate with teammates when priorities conflict, concerns arise, or additional support is needed.
• May assist with dog playgroups and other animal enrichment activities based on training and operational needs.

• Animals consistently have clean, safe, and comfortable living spaces and receive attentive daily care.
• Changes in an animal's physical or emotional well-being are noticed and communicated promptly, including appropriate documentation.
• Animals receive meaningful enrichment, exercise, and social connection to support their individual needs.
• Essential work gets done even when the day doesn't go according to plan because priorities are adjusted and teammates communicate and help one another.
• Coworkers can rely on you to take ownership of your work, ask for help when you need it, and contribute to the needs of the larger team.
• You continue building your animal care knowledge and skills through feedback, curiosity, practice, and experience.

• You prefer to start work later than 6am or you aren’t available to work weekends or holidays.
• You need a work environment without strong smells, loud noises, or physically demanding cleaning.
• You aren’t prepared with strategies to support your self while working in an environment that can sometimes be stressful or emotional.
• When something doesn’t look right, you’re more likely to assume someone else will handle it, rather than ask…