Animal Care & Community Coordinator

Position Summary The Animal Care & Community Coordinator is a hands-on, people- and animal-centered role at the heart of our humane society's daily operations. This position works directly under the supervision of the Executive Director and plays a key role in the health and wellbeing of dogs and cats in our care, the success of our foster and adoption programs, and the strength of our volunteer community. We are seeking a compassionate, organized individual who brings enthusiasm for animal welfare and community engagement. Experience in dog training or animal behavior is preferred; candidates without this background but with a genuine willingness to learn will be considered, as we are committed to providing training and professional development. Key Responsibilities Dog Socialization & Behavioral Support Conduct regular, structured one-on-one socialization sessions with dogs at the county shelter to reduce stress, build confidence, and improve adoptability Assess dog behavior and temperament upon intake and on an ongoing basis, documenting observations in shelter management software Identify behavioral concerns and collaborate with the director and/or outside trainers to develop individualized enrichment or behavior modification plans Implement positive reinforcement techniques during daily handling, feeding, and exercise interactions Provide behavioral guidance and coaching to volunteers & fosters working with dogs Foster Program Coordination Recruit, screen, onboard, and support foster caregivers for both dogs and cats Match animals to appropriate foster placements based on the animal's needs and the foster family's experience and home environment Serve as the primary point of contact for active foster caregivers, providing ongoing guidance, supply coordination, and troubleshooting Maintain accurate records of all animals in foster care, including medical needs, behavioral notes, and placement timelines Coordinate veterinary care, supply distribution, and transport logistics for foster animals Develop and update foster caregiver resources, including handbooks and care guides for dogs, cats, neonates, and medical fosters Adoption Events Attend and help coordinate Saturday adoption events, including setup, teardown, and animal handling Represent the humane society in a positive, professional manner and communicate effectively with prospective adopters Assist prospective adopters in identifying animals that are a good match for their lifestyle and home environment Support post-adoption follow-up as needed to ensure successful placements Volunteer Coordination Recruit and help onboard new volunteers for shelter, foster, and event roles Schedule and coordinate volunteers for daily animal care tasks, socialization, and community events Serve as a point of contact for active volunteers, answering questions and providing training and support Assist in developing volunteer training materials and orientation resources Qualifications Required Genuine passion for animal welfare and humane society mission Strong interpersonal and communication skills; able to work effectively with a wide range of community members, volunteers, and staff Ability to handle dogs of various sizes, breeds, and temperaments safely and calmly Highly organized with strong attention to detail; able to manage multiple active cases and priorities Reliable, self-motivated, and able to work independently with minimal supervision Proficiency with basic computer skills including email, data entry, and document creation Valid driver's license and reliable transportation Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and perform physical tasks including bending, kneeling, and standing for extended periods Preferred (not required) Experience in dog training, behavior assessment, or a related animal behavior discipline Familiarity with positive reinforcement and the use of behavioral tools Prior experience in a shelter, rescue, veterinary, or animal welfare setting Experience coordinating volunteers, community programs, or similar logistics Compensation & Benefits This is a full-time, hourly position. Compensation is commensurate with experience. Benefits may include paid time off, continuing education support, and opportunities for professional development in animal behavior and training. To Apply Please submit a resume and a brief cover letter describing your experience with animals and your interest in this role to president@grandrivershumane.org Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

Benefits:

Paid time off

Experience:

Animal Handling:

2 years (Preferred)

Location:

Grand Junction, CO 81507 (Preferred) Shift availability: Day Shift (Required)

Work Location:

Hybrid remote in Grand Junction, CO 81507