The Animal Services Specialist serves as the primary customer service representative for the Blount County Animal Center. This position coordinates adoptions, owner surrenders, volunteer support, and front office operations while providing exceptional service to the public. The specialist also provides administrative support and serves as a backup to the Office Manager. Customer Service Greet and assist visitors. Answer and direct phone calls. Respond to emails and online inquiries. Answer questions about shelter services, adoptions, and lost/found pets. Maintain a clean and welcoming lobby and front office. Intake and Adoption Services Assist adopters through the adoption process. Coordinate meet-and-greets with kennel staff. Process intake/adoption paperwork. Prepare intake/adoption packets. Complete adoption follow-up calls. Assist with adoption promotions and events. Manage the owner's surrender waiting list. Schedule surrender appointments. Explain intake procedures. Help identify resources that may allow owners to keep their pets when appropriate. Assist with volunteer coordination. Restock adoption packets and brochures as needed. Assist with community events when scheduled. Administrative Support Support volunteers and staff as needed. Serve as backup to the Office Manager. Enter data into shelter software. File documents and maintain records. Assist with reports and scheduling. Maintain office supplies. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Excellent customer service. Strong communication skills. Strong computer skills. Strong Organizational skills. Accurate record keeping. Ability to multitask. Ability to work independently Ability to prioritize competing tasks. Professional appearance and attitude. Compassion for both people and animals. It is mandatory for the Animal Services Specialist to: Bolster and sustain a professional demeanor at all times with the public, colleagues, volunteers, and other agencies; Cultivate and maintain strong relationships within BCAC, including but not limited to BCAC volunteers, and all stakeholders associated with the BCAC; and Capable of performing work assignments in all weather conditions and/or while surrounded by excess noise from animals: dogs barking, etc.; and Thrive in a diverse community and a fluid work environment.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM WORK

High School Diploma; Two (2) years of experience in customer service, administrative support, animal services, or a related field; Or equivalent training, education, and/or experience; Current euthanasia license or the ability to complete training and pass licensing requirements; Pre-exposure protection; three (3) doses of rabies vaccine are required and paid for by the County; and Valid driver's license.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to sit, stand, reach, and manipulate objects, tools, and/or controls for extended periods of time. The position requires mobility. Duties may involve regularly moving materials weighing up to 40 pounds and occasionally handling dogs and cats. Manual dexterity and coordination are required over 50% of the work period while operating equipment, such as a computer keyboard, mouse, calculator, and similar machines. The position requires hearing, mental acuity, speaking, and visual acuity.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Animal noise, odors, and cleaning materials are routine. Most work is performed in a well-lighted, modern kennel setting with centrally controlled heating and air conditioning, or outside in conditions which may include heat, cold, rain, or other inclement weather.

BENEFITS

Exceptional full-time benefits include medical, prescription, dental, vision, FSA, HSA, optional USAble, paid holidays, paid sick days, paid vacation, EAP, retirement planning, pension with Tennessee Consolidated Retirement Services, employee clinic, employee discounts, and more. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described. Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were actually written out in this job description. Blount County Government participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.