Overview
Animal Care Specialist Jobs in Pagosa Springs, CO at Humane Society of Pagosa Springs
Job Overview
Are you looking for a rewarding, meaningful job? Do you want to go home tired knowing you cared for and advocated for abandoned animals who cannot speak or care for themselves?
The Humane Society of Pagosa Springs is seeking a dedicated, compassionate, and reliable Animal Care Specialist to join our team. This position plays a critical role in providing daily care, enrichment, and support for the homeless pets in our shelter while helping create a safe, clean, and positive environment for both animals and visitors.
The ideal candidate is hardworking, dependable, team-oriented, and passionate about animal welfare and quality care for shelter pets. Above-average dependability and attendance are essential, as the animals in our care rely on us every single day.
Job Responsibilities
Provide daily care for shelter animals, including feeding, cleaning, exercising, and enrichment activities.
Conduct important enrichment and training programs to help ensure all dogs and cats in our care receive current, proven, stress-reducing enrichment and behavioral support on a daily basis.
Monitor animal health and behavior and promptly report concerns to supervisors.
Maintain cleanliness and organization of kennels, cat rooms, play yards, and animal housing areas.
Safely and effectively handle dogs and cats during daily care, enrichment, intake, and emergency situations.
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Work Environment: This position is performed in an active animal shelter environment that is frequently loud, fast-paced, and unpredictable. Employees must be able to work effectively amid continuous barking, animal odors, frequent interruptions, changing priorities, and the emotional demands of caring for sick, injured, frightened, or abandoned animals.
Physical & Environmental Requirements:
- Ability to work in an environment with constant barking and other loud animal noises.
- Ability to tolerate animal hair, dander, cleaning chemicals, and odors.
- Ability to remain composed and make sound decisions during emergencies and emotionally difficult situations, including animal illness, injury, neglect, and euthanasia.
- Ability to safely work around animals of varying sizes, temperaments, and behaviors, including fearful, stressed, or reactive animals.
- Ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities in a fast-paced shelter environment while maintaining professionalism and attention to detail.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience handling dogs and cats in a shelter, veterinary, kennel, daycare, or related setting preferred.
Strong customer service and communication skills.
Ability to remain calm and compassionate in a fast-paced environment.
Reliability and consistent attendance are critical to the success of the team and the well-being of the animals.
Professional dog training certifications or prior shelter experience may qualify for higher starting pay.
Additional Requirements
Reliable transportation and a good driving record are required.
Ability to work weekends and holidays as needed.
Above-average dependability and attendance are essential, as the animals in our care rely on us every single day.
Benefits
Employee discounts on pet-related items and at our thrift store
Paid sick time
Paid time off
Opportunities for training and career growth within animal welfare
Equal Employment Opportunity
The Humane Society of Pagosa Springs is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal and Colorado employment laws. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.
If you are passionate about helping homeless pets and want to make a meaningful difference in the lives of animals in our community, we encourage you to apply.
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
Pay: $17.50 – $18.50 per hour
Expected hours: 24.0 – 40.0 per week
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
Work Location: In person
Title: Animal Care Specialist
Company: Humane Society of Pagosa Springs
Location: Pagosa Springs, CO
Category:
