Animal Care & Placement Specialist (PT)

CommonSpirit Health • Dripping Springs, TX

4d • $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 across Texas. The position cares for animals, gets to know their individual needs, and helps visitors and potential adopters connect with pets and understand what each animal needs to succeed. The role requires managing daily priorities, staying organized, using data or feedback to inform decisions, and following through reliably with minimal oversight.

This is a hands-on, mission-driven position in a volunteer-centric organization. The specialist works alongside and supports volunteers during daily tasks, helping foster an inclusive environment, shared effort, and mutual respect. The role requires shift and schedule flexibility, weekend hours, and high responsiveness. It is a part-time, nonexempt temporary assignment with potential for permanent placement, offering up to 29 hours per week based on business need. The position starts at $17 per hour; eligible employees may receive a discretionary stipend of up to $2 per hour after successfully completing internal APATec certifications.

The position reports to the PAWS Shelter Director & Manager, currently Mara Hartsell, or another individual designated by APA!. Work is based at PAWS Kyle, with the listed Dripping Springs address and offsite locations also noted. The work environment may include contagious diseases, animal waste, disinfectants, hazards, and high noise levels. Occasional after-hours or weekend work may be required.

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 delivering an exceptional, inclusive customer experience.
• Passion for working effectively with staff, volunteers, and customers and helping people feel successful, appreciated, and connected to APA!’s mission.
• Strong commitment to volunteer engagement and support, including working well with volunteers across roles.
• Comfort working cross-functionally and serving as a liaison between volunteers, customers, and team members.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills and ability to interpret rules, procedures, and instructional materials.
• Self-starter with strong time-management skills and the ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and a calm, professional presence in all situations.
• Strong attention to detail and high standards for quality.
• Adaptability, dependability, accountability, good judgment, and ability to respond productively to change.
• Ability to work autonomously when given goals and deadlines and in a high-volume, fast-paced, high-stress environment.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed, with flexible shifts and schedules.
• Ability to routinely lift 40–50 pounds, walk large dogs that pull and jump, and remain on their 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 of varying health levels, including animals that may carry zoonotic diseases.
• Ability to visually observe people and animals up to 150 feet away, hear normal speech at close contact and shouting up to 150 feet away, and discern soft and loud dog vocalizations.
• Ability to sit for prolonged periods at a desk and work on a computer.

Responsibilities

• Feed and water cats and dogs, and clean their living spaces daily according to shelter protocols.
• Monitor animals for signs of illness, injury, or behavioral changes according to APA! protocol.
• Provide enrichment, exercise, and socialization, helping animals become more comfortable and prepared for placement.
• Communicate important information about animals 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 suggest personalized matches with suitable animals.
• Use an adoption approach that removes unnecessary barriers, replaces judgment with open conversations, and helps people and pets succeed together.
• Inform adopters about animal histories, behavior notes, and care requirements.
• Process administrative documents, applications, paperwork, and fees.
• Conduct follow-up communication with new adopters as needed.
• Promote adoptable animals through in-person interactions, photos, or social media support.
• Partner with volunteers during shifts, share daily work collaboratively, and help create an inclusive and welcoming environment.
• Welcome and orient new volunteers and support volunteer recruitment and onboarding.
• Encourage, guide, and provide feedback to volunteers; recommend strong volunteers for deeper involvement or specialized roles 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, maintain communication with supervisors and colleagues, and partner with Volunteer Managers to support volunteers.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Employee Assistance Program access
• Discounted Perks Programs
• Fully subsidized pet insurance
• Time off incentives
• Eligible employees may receive a discretionary stipend of up to $2 per hour after completing internal APATec certifications

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Education Level: No Education Listed