Animal Caregiver

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!

Primary Responsibilities:

Working with team members and WHS volunteers, Clean and sanitize living quarters to ensure a safe and playful space for each animal. Provide basic care and necessities to each companion including fresh food, clean water, comfort, and basic bathing and grooming. Upkeep animal care items by restocking supplies, washing dishes and litterboxes, and laundering bedding and linens. Monitor animals for signs of illness or injury, and administer medication as instructed by the Medical Team. Carry out the enrichment program inclusive of creating, distributing, and cleaning up enrichment items. Match potential adopters with the best fitting companion through adoption counselling. Create and uphold an inviting, compassionate, and inclusive environment for the public.

Other job duties may include:

General building cleaning and groundskeeping. Running adoptions and maintaining animal records. Assisting the public with services such as spay/neuter appointments, dog park passes, and access to our community pet food pantry. Answering phones and assisting with general questions. Other duties as assigned.

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 has, Strong interpersonal, organizational, written, and communication skills. Ability to work with volunteers and co-workers in a professional manner. Enthusiastic and upbeat attitude when interacting with team members and the public. Strong attention to detail and a willingness to learn better lifesaving practices. Ability to work as a team, and independently. Ability to be physically upright and active all day. Basic computer and phone skills. Previous experience working with animals in a kennel, boarding, clinic, or grooming environment is a plus!

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

$13.00 per hour

Benefits:

Employee discount Flexible schedule Paid time off

Work Location:

In person