Animal Care Associate I

Seattle Humane • Bellevue, WA

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The Animal Care Associate I provides direct care for animals in Seattle Humane’s shelter and supports other shelter operations. The Shelter Care Program serves dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, hamsters, gerbils, rats, and mice. Daily care includes cleaning, feeding, socializing, exercising, enriching, and medicating animals as instructed, as well as keeping animal areas and supplies clean and stocked. Associates follow animal movement plans, monitor each animal’s condition, record observations in the pet database, and communicate concerns promptly. The role also includes basic grooming, helping unload transfer animals, and working with volunteers and teammates to complete care duties.

Animal Care Associate I is an entry-level position within the Animal Care Associate team, with opportunities to advance into species specialization or staff and volunteer training. Associates manage assigned daily work independently or with volunteer support, assist teammates when their assignments are complete, and adapt to changing priorities in a fast-paced environment. The role requires effective communication, attention to detail, sound judgment, problem-solving, customer service, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team. This is a union-represented position; union membership is mandatory as a condition of employment.

This is a full-time, non-exempt position scheduled for 40 hours per week over four or five days. The schedule may vary based on staff coverage, holidays, or emergencies. Work takes place in a general office and animal shelter environment, with potential exposure to animal bites, zoonotic diseases, dander, noise, hay, and other allergens, as well as upset customers. The position may involve entering and leaving work areas alone before sunrise or after sunset.

Requirements

• Good communication skills, including the ability to write clearly and listen effectively.
• Basic computer knowledge or experience.
• Ability and willingness to learn to administer medications.
• Ability to solve problems and make clear decisions quickly.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to produce accurate work despite frequent interruptions.
• Ability to work independently without direct supervision and function effectively as part of a team.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and respond flexibly to changing tasks.
• Ability to communicate effectively and display cultural competency with people from varied backgrounds.
• Good customer service skills.
• Ability to be sensitive to other opinions, perspectives, and cultures.
• Initiative and motivation in performing duties.
• Good hearing, vision, and sense of smell, including the ability to distinguish odors.
• Ability to stand for long periods and walk quickly.
• Good dexterity and reflexes, especially when restraining or moving an animal.
• 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 on a leash.
• Willingness to work a schedule that may vary based on department coverage, holidays, or emergencies.
• High school graduate or GED preferred.
• 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 diploma or GED.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct care for shelter animals, 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, bathing, and brushing, as needed.
• Work with volunteers to complete care duties.
• Participate actively in project and group meetings.
• Follow standard operating procedures and processes.
• Adhere to the Five Freedoms of Animal Welfare.
• 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.

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision coverage and more, with employer contribution.
• Three weeks of paid time off.
• Ten paid holidays.
• 403(b) with a 2% employer match.
• Pet care reimbursement.
• Discounted pet food and select veterinary services.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED