Adoption Supervisor Position Summary The Adoption Supervisor is a full-time, hands-on leadership role and part of the management team, reporting directly to the Executive Director. This is a working position - the Adoption Supervisor is expected to actively work alongside adoption staff, not simply oversee them. The Adoption Supervisor oversees the adoption counselors, who are responsible for finding good homes for shelter animals both at the shelter and at off-site adoption events, all while creating a positive experience for prospective adopters. The ideal candidate is friendly, outgoing, and has strong customer service skills along with experience working with a variety of animals. The role combines strong people-management skills with genuine animal-handling experience and the composure to navigate a fast-paced, emotionally complex environment involving both animals and the public. Supervisory Role Within CBHS As a member of the Cedar Bend Humane Society (CBHS) management team, the Adoption Supervisor helps manage the adoption department as assigned by the Executive Director. Supervisors provide guidance, direction, and support to ensure that projects and tasks are completed successfully. This includes setting goals, assigning tasks, providing direction, coaching team members, and resolving conflicts as directed by the Executive Director. Supervisors also act as a liaison between staff and upper management to help ensure timely task completion and clear communication in both directions. Key Responsibilities Staff Supervision & Management Oversee adoption center staff, including hiring, onboarding, and training. Conduct performance reviews and administer warnings or other disciplinary action as needed. Maintain a proper staff schedule and provide coverage or arrange fill-in staffing in the event of an employee absence. Actively work the floor alongside adoption staff, filling in on shifts as needed. Animal Care & Facility Upkeep Assist in the daily care, feeding, and cleaning of animals in the adoption center, including cats, dogs, and small animals. Keep the lobby, meet-and-greet rooms, and adoption floor clean, orderly, and presentable to the public. Monitor animal behavior and wellbeing, escalating medical or behavioral concerns to the medical or behavior team as appropriate. Customer Service & Conflict Resolution Provide excellent customer service to adopters, visitors, and the general public, including greeting visitors and helping adopters find the right fit for their household. Handle customer questions, concerns, and complaints with professionalism and sound judgment. Apply strong problem-solving skills to resolve difficult animal-related and customer-related situations. Remain calm and level-headed under pressure; not easily rattled by difficult people or situations. Adoption Placement & Adopter Support Screen prospective adopters and help match animals with suitable, adoptable homes. Track adoption records and animal placement outcomes. Communicate each animal's medical history and vaccination status clearly to adopters. Coach new adopters on topics such as house/potty training, introducing a new pet to the home, and introducing pets to children and other animals. Policy Development & Implementation Help develop and implement adoption policies, spay/neuter policies, and animal care policies within the adoption center. Ensure staff understand and consistently apply center policies and procedures. Community Outreach & Marketing Support Oversee and help coordinate adoption events, both at the shelter and off-site. Generate ideas to promote adoptable animals within the community. Assist the marketing department by gathering photos, videos, and other material for adoption-related social media posts. Cross-Departmental Collaboration Work closely and communicate effectively with volunteers, kennel staff, and the medical department to coordinate animal care and adoption readiness. Communicate with both shelter veterinarians and outside/private veterinarians as needed regarding animal medical needs. Regulatory Knowledge & Compliance Maintain working knowledge of applicable city ordinances, including household pet limits, leash laws, and breed restrictions, and communicate these to adopters as needed. Qualificiations Required Prior supervisory or management experience. Prior experience working with animals in a shelter, veterinary, or similar setting. Friendly, outgoing personality with excellent customer service and interpersonal communication skills. Strong problem-solving skills and sound judgment in difficult situations. Comfortable and confident handling a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, and small animals. Ability to multitask and stay organized in a fast-paced environment. Ability to work effectively with people of varying personalities across multiple departments. Reliable attendance and strong dependability. Valid driver's license with a good driving record. Ability to lift up to 50 pounds. Availability to work the scheduled shift: Tuesday-Saturday, 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM. Preferred Basic knowledge of animal vaccination requirements and general medical care. Understanding of common animal social behaviors and body language. Experience coaching or advising new pet owners on topics such as training and pet introductions. Familiarity with local ordinances related to pet ownership (household pet limits, leash laws, breed restrictions). Physical Requirements & Work Environment Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds. Ability to stand, walk, bend, and move throughout the adoption center for extended periods. Regular exposure to animals, animal dander, noise, and shelter odors. Some exposure to animals that may be frightened, stressed, or difficult to handle. Fast-paced environment involving frequent interruptions and shifting priorities. Pay Range $18.00 - $20.00 per hour, depending on animal care and managerial experience Schedule 40 hours/week — Tuesday through Saturday, 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Employment Type Full-Time, Non-Exempt (Hourly) Benefits Paid Time Off (PTO). Discounted veterinary services. Medical insurance. About Cedar Bend Humane Society Cedar Bend Humane Society is an open-admission, full-service animal shelter serving Black Hawk County. We are dedicated to placing animals in lifelong, loving homes and providing care for animals in need. Cedar Bend Humane Society is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. How to Apply Send your resume to: executivedirector@cedarbendhumane.org

Pay:

$18.00 - $20.00 per hour Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Benefits:

Employee discount Health insurance Paid time off

Work Location:

In person