Animal Welfare & Response Team Member

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Full Time Manual Labor Des Moines, IA, US

2 days ago Requisition

Animal Welfare & Response Team Member

Help protect animals and respond when they need us most.

The Animal Rescue League of Iowa is seeking a dedicated and experienced Animal Welfare & Response Team Member to support animal welfare investigations, cruelty and neglect response, rescue operations, public education, and disaster relief efforts across Iowa. This role serves as an important resource in helping alleviate animal suffering, address welfare concerns, and support safe outcomes for animals and communities.

This is a great opportunity for someone with animal services, field services, investigations, law enforcement, animal welfare, emergency response, or public safety experience who is comfortable working in challenging situations, collaborating with multiple agencies, and advocating for animals through professional, thoughtful, and legally sound action.

Schedule

• Schedule may include weekdays, evenings, weekends, travel, and emergency response needs based on animal welfare, rescue, and disaster response operations.

About the Animal Rescue League of Iowa

The Animal Rescue League of Iowa is Iowa’s largest nonprofit animal welfare organization, helping animals and the people who love them through sheltering, adoption, veterinary care, animal services, community programs, and pet support resources. Across multiple locations and programs in the Des Moines metro, the ARL works every day to provide compassionate care, practical support, and trusted resources for animals and families in our community.

What You’ll Do

• Conduct investigations and research related to animal cruelty, neglect, and welfare concerns.
• Collaborate with law enforcement and other agencies to address animal welfare situations and develop action plans through resolution.
• Develop and support rescue operation plans as needed.
• Assist members of the public in appropriately reporting animal cruelty and welfare concerns.
• Maintain detailed records of cruelty complaints, investigations, case information, and response efforts.
• Support partnerships with animal welfare organizations, law enforcement agencies, nonprofits, and community partners.
• Help organize and provide training for animal welfare organizations, law enforcement, and the public related to cruelty, neglect, and animal welfare response.
• Assist with disaster relief efforts in partnership with the Animal Welfare & Response team and Animal Welfare & Disaster team.
• Maintain Animal Welfare & Response equipment and vehicles to support safe and effective operations.
• Travel as needed for rescue operations, investigations, training, collaborative efforts, and response needs.
• Communicate professionally and educationally while promoting ARL programs, services, mission, and community resources.
• Must be comfortable with testifying in court on cases and media appearances.
• Follow ARL policies, safety procedures, legal requirements, and established animal welfare response practices.

What We’re Looking For

• High school diploma or GED required.
• At least three years of relevant experience in animal services, field services, investigations, animal welfare response, or related work required.
• Law enforcement experience preferred.
• Valid driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record required.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, travel, and respond to operational needs as required.
• Strong communication, documentation, problem-solving, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to work effectively with law enforcement, animal welfare partners, community…