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Job Description
Watauga Humane Society is looking to grow our team with people who share our passion and enthusiasm for progressive animal lifesaving!
About Us:
Since 1969, Watauga Humane Society (WHS) has had a mission to keep our community of pets happy, healthy, and safe by providing top notch pet care and enrichment, public education, and supportive pet parent programs. We are a 501c3 nonprofit humane society with a county contract to provide animal sheltering services for Watauga County Animal Care and Control. There are over 1,500 animals that come through our doors each year with varying needs. As an open admission shelter, we maintain a 90% and higher save rate through dedicated lifesaving programs that not only help animals in our care, but also serve animals in their family homes. Become an integral part of our organization and mission today!
Job Summary:
Animal Caregivers are an essential part of ensuring every companion receives humane and compassionate care daily. In this position, you will help provide a clean and healthy living space along with mental and physical enrichment to each animal, and conduct adoption counseling with interested adopters. Animal Caregivers work together with WHS volunteers to uphold our work culture of learning, teamwork, creativity, compassion, dedication, and fun!
Key Responsibilities and Duties:
Uphold and model Watauga Humane Society's standards of care by attending to each animal's physical, medical, behavioral, and environmental needs. Responsible for the daily cleaning, feeding, enrichment, and consistent monitoring of animals to ensure a sanitary and healthy space for all. Learn and apply best practices in animal care, including disease control, safety protocols, grooming, medication administration, and species-specific behaviors. Proactively perform general building cleaning, laundry, dish washing, and restocking functions. Collaborate with fellow animal care staff to observe animal behavior, implement care plans, and problem-solve to support individualized needs. Accurately complete care logs and documentation for resident animals. Participate in team meetings and all-staff gatherings to ensure alignment and shared mission. Support volunteer engagement and help guide their work with animals on-site. While on the job, stay up to date on email communications and actively maintain contact with the Animal Care team to ensure consistency, transparency, and timely updates on resident needs. Work closely with other departments to ensure smooth flow of operations and effective communication. Create and uphold an inviting, compassionate, and inclusive environment for all. Assist the public with animal engagement, navigating WHS processes, and sharing community programs in alignment with the WHS mission.
Animal Caregiver positions currently open:
Seeking one part-time (15-25hrs) Kennel Attendant, and up to two full-time (35-40hrs) Cattery Attendants.
Availability:
Caring for animals happens 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Our primary cleaning shift is every day, 8am to 11:30am, and public hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 12:30 to 5:00pm. We are looking for a team member that is available to work 32 - 40 hours each week, with reliable transportation. Weekend and holiday flexibility are required as this is an "essential" position.
Education:
High School Diploma or higher
Experience and Skills:
This is an entry level position where we can train you from the ground up! Passion for helping both animals and people and working collaboratively are important attributes for applicants. We are looking for a teammate that is: Interested in animal care/welfare with a minimum of three months of related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience. (preferred) Self-motivated and able to effectively work independently and within a team. Capable of balancing multiple priorities in an often fast-paced environment. Able to take direction professionally and follow-through on assigned tasks in a timely and efficient manner. Equipped with strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills. Reliable with minimal unscheduled absences with the ability to work on weekends and holidays. Comfortable with interacting and handling dogs, cats, and small critters. Enthusiastic about the Watauga Humane Society mission and helping both animals and people in our community.
Work Environment:
Exposure to high noise levels and odors Exposure to outside elements and weather Exposure to animal disease Potential exposure to fumes or airborne particles and toxic or caustic chemicals Frequent standing, walking, bending, lifting, stooping, carrying, and reaching
Physical Demands:
Must be able to lift and move up to 50lbs Must be physically able to walk and control large dogs
