Animal Care & Placement Specialist (FT)

CommonSpirit Health•Dripping Springs, TX

5d•$17 - $19•Onsite

About The Position

The Animal Care & Placement Specialist supports Austin Pets Alive!’s intake-to-placement programs at the PAWS Kyle location, contributing to animal care, customer service, and the organization’s goal of increasing live release rates. The role involves caring for animals, learning about their individual needs, helping visitors and potential adopters find suitable matches, and following through on steps that support each animal’s success. The specialist manages daily priorities, maintains reliable and high-quality work, and uses data or feedback to inform decisions, with minimal oversight. This hands-on, mission-driven position works closely with staff and volunteers in a volunteer-powered organization. The specialist helps make volunteer participation welcoming and effective by supporting onboarding, orientation, training, engagement, and recognition as part of daily work. The role requires schedule flexibility, high responsiveness, and the ability to work in a fast-paced, high-stress environment. The position is full-time, nonexempt, averaging 40 hours per week. It is described as a temporary assignment with potential for permanent placement. The starting pay is $17 per hour. Eligible employees may receive a discretionary stipend of up to $2 per hour within approximately six months after successfully completing internal APATec certifications. The position reports to the PAWS Shelter Director & Manager, or another individual designated by APA!. Work is based at PAWS Kyle and may also involve the listed Dripping Springs location and travel to offsite locations as needed.

Requirements

Commitment to APA!’s core values of Innovation, Respect, Drive, Resourcefulness, and Inclusion, and cultural values of Humble, Hungry, and Smart.
Commitment to APA!’s customer experience expectations and to providing an exceptional, inclusive customer experience.
Strong commitment to volunteer engagement and support, and ability to work well with volunteers across roles.
Ability to work cross-functionally and serve as a liaison among volunteers, customers, and team members.
Effective written and verbal communication skills, including ability to interpret rules, procedures, and instructional materials.
Self-starter with strong time-management skills and ability to work independently and collaboratively.
Strong interpersonal skills and a calm, professional presence in all situations.
Strong attention to detail and high standards for quality.
Adaptability, dependability, accountability, reasoning, and good judgment; ability to respond productively to change and work autonomously toward goals and deadlines.
Ability to work in a high-volume, fast-paced, high-stress environment.
Ability to routinely lift 40–50 pounds, walk large dogs that pull and jump, and remain on one’s feet for multiple hours.
Ability to work around animals, including diseased, injured, or potentially aggressive animals; loud noises; chlorine or other chemicals; and inclement weather.
Comfort interacting with cats and dogs at various health levels, including animals that may carry zoonotic diseases.
Ability to visually observe people and animals from up to 150 feet away; hear normal speech at close contact, shouting up to 150 feet away, and dog vocalizations of varying volume.
Ability to sit for prolonged periods at a desk and work on a computer.

Responsibilities

Feed, water, and clean living spaces for cats and dogs daily according to shelter protocols.
Monitor animals for signs of illness, injury, or behavioral changes according to APA! protocols.
Provide animals with enrichment, exercise, and socialization, and help prepare them for placement.
Communicate important animal information according to standard operating procedures.
Identify animals who have stalled in the shelter and brainstorm practical ways to help them move forward.
Welcome potential adopters and match them with well-suited animals using an approach that focuses on open conversations and helping people and pets succeed together.
Explain animal histories, behavior notes, and care requirements to adopters.
Process administrative documents, applications, paperwork, and fees, and follow up with new adopters as needed.
Promote adoptable animals through in-person interactions, photographs, or social media support.
Work collaboratively with volunteers during shifts to complete daily tasks and help maintain an inclusive, welcoming environment.
Welcome and orient new volunteers; help with volunteer onboarding and training.
Encourage, guide, and provide feedback to volunteers, and recommend volunteers for specialized or deeper involvement to a supervisor or volunteer manager.
Recognize volunteer contributions and provide clear task instructions, hands-on guidance, and in-the-moment support.
Attend required training sessions and meetings; communicate consistently with the supervisor and colleagues.
Work with Volunteer Managers to learn about volunteer programs and support volunteers interested in the department.
Perform other related duties as assigned.
Work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.

Benefits

Subsidized employer-sponsored medical coverage.
Subsidized and voluntary life insurance.
Voluntary dental, vision, and short-term disability options.
Voluntary wellness and emergency sick plans.
Up to 2% match on the 401(k) retirement plan.
Supplemental benefits and flexible spending accounts.
Additional life coverage.
10 paid holidays for full-time employees.
10 days of paid time off accrued during the first year, with an additional 5 days of PTO accrual after 12 months of employment.
Professional development opportunities.