Animal Care Associate I

Seattle Humane•Bellevue, WA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Animal Care Associate I (ACA I) provides direct care for animals in Seattle Humane’s shelter and supports other shelter operations. The Shelter Care Program cares for dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, hamsters, gerbils, rats, and mice. Daily work includes feeding, cleaning, socializing, exercising, enriching, and medicating animals as instructed, as well as cleaning and restocking animal areas. ACAs follow daily work circuits individually or with volunteers and help teammates after completing their assignments. The role also supports animal pathway planning from intake through outcome, with an emphasis on minimizing length of stay and meeting each animal’s individual needs. This is an entry position within the Animal Care Associates, with opportunities to advance into species specialization or staff and volunteer training. Successful candidates can work independently and as part of a team, enjoy problem-solving, and adapt to a fast-paced environment where priorities and circumstances can change. The position requires attention to detail, effective communication, cultural competency, and an appreciation for working with both animals and people. The role is part of a union-represented bargaining unit, and union membership is mandatory as a condition of employment. This is a full-time, non-exempt position scheduled for 40 hours per week across four or five days. The schedule may vary based on department coverage, holidays, or emergencies. Work takes place in a general office and animal shelter environment, with possible exposure to animal bites, zoonotic diseases, animal dander, noise, hay and other allergens, and upset or irate customers. The position may involve entering and leaving work areas alone before sunrise and after sunset.

Requirements

Good communication skills, including the ability to write clearly and listen effectively.
Basic knowledge of or experience with computers.
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Willingness to learn to administer medications.
Ability to solve problems and make clear decisions quickly.
Good attention to detail and ability to produce accurate work despite frequent interruptions.
Ability to work independently without direct supervision and within a team setting.
Ability to manage multiple priorities, respond flexibly to varied tasks, and maintain concentration amid interruptions.
Ability to communicate effectively and display cultural competency with people from varying backgrounds.
Good customer service skills.
Initiative and motivation in performing duties.
Good hearing, vision, and sense of smell, including the ability to distinguish between odors.
Ability to stand for long periods and walk quickly.
Good dexterity and reflexes, especially when restraining or moving animals.
Ability to lift and carry at least 50 pounds with or without accommodation; crouch, bend at the waist, and kneel; and control dogs up to 200 pounds when on a leash.
Ability to work in an animal shelter environment with potential exposure to animal bites, zoonotic diseases, animal dander, noise, hay and other allergens, and upset or irate customers.
Ability to work in areas alone before sunrise and after sunset.
Commitment to Seattle Humane’s core values: Collaboration, Compassion, Accessibility, Respect, and Adaptability.
Union membership is mandatory as a condition of employment.

Nice To Haves

Animal handling experience.
Experience working compassionately with people in high-stress situations.
High school graduation or GED.

Responsibilities

Provide direct care for all shelter pets, including feeding, cleaning, socialization, enrichment, exercise, and medication as instructed.
Keep animal areas and supplies clean, tidy, and restocked.
Enter observations and notes into the pet database.
Monitor animals’ input and output and watch for signs of stress or illness.
Carry out animal movement plans.
Promptly communicate concerns to a supervisor.
Offload transfer animals.
Support teammates in completing their duties.
Provide basic grooming, including nail trims, baths, and brushing, as needed.
Work with volunteers to complete animal care duties.
Participate actively in project and group meetings.
Follow standard operating procedures and processes.
Adhere to the Five Freedoms of Animal Welfare and focus on disease prevention and safe working practices.
Maintain appropriate files and records in accordance with retention policies and procedures.
Support other staff teams as needed and perform other duties as assigned.