Animal Care Technician I - Foster Counselor - Pima Animal Care Center

Pima County•Tucson, AZ

About The Position

Pima Animal Care Center is hiring a part-time Foster Counselor for its Traditional Foster Team. The role works directly with Pima County residents to match dogs and cats with appropriate foster homes, helping shelter animals get a break and supporting foster caregivers with follow-up. The position requires working at least three days per week, including one weekend day, with non-traditional hours such as mornings and evenings. The first application review is scheduled for November 13, 2026. The job is classified as County position 5931, Animal Care Technician I, salary grade 3, with a hiring rate of $18.79 per hour. The work involves humane animal care and handling, customer service, foster and adoption support, animal behavior and health observations, recordkeeping, and facility upkeep. Employees may work outdoors in all weather, handle animals that are injured or frightened, use County vehicles to transport animals and supplies, and perform frequent physical tasks, including lifting objects up to 100 pounds. A post-offer background screening, physical and/or drug screen, and proof of required immunizations and/or TB screening are required. Employees must receive the full series of pre-exposure rabies immunizations within nine months of appointment unless an approved medical exception applies.

Requirements

High school diploma or General Education Development (G.E.D.) certificate; relevant experience and/or education from an accredited college or university may be substituted.
Document qualifying education and experience in the application’s Education and Work Experience sections.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual in English and Spanish.
At least one year of customer service experience.
At least one year of experience working in an animal shelter or another relevant animal care setting.
Experience working or volunteering with dogs and/or cats.

Responsibilities

Provide humane care and safe handling for dogs, cats, and small pets while monitoring their behavior and health.
Work outdoors in all weather and safely handle live animals, including animals that may be injured, frightened, or offensive.
Provide customer service to the public and volunteers by answering questions, addressing concerns, and guiding decisions about intakes, outcomes, redemptions, and animal care in accordance with PACC policies.
Handle animals for behavioral assessments and playgroups, identify placement or behavior concerns, and participate in outcome decisions, including euthanasia.
Organize and document animal behavior, history, medical records, and outcomes using shelter software and other recordkeeping, communication, and scheduling systems.
Administer vaccinations and medications under veterinary guidance; assess animals for illness or injury and document and communicate health concerns.
Support adoption and foster processes through enrichment, behavioral evaluations, meet-and-greets, matchmaking, and review of notes.
Support intake and admissions by identifying appropriate intake pathways, checking animals for health concerns, identifying ages and breeds, and finding kennel placements.
Maintain clean and sanitary kennels, workspaces, public lobbies, and treatment spaces.
Perform physical tasks such as lifting and carrying heavy objects, bending, stooping, and reaching.
Safeguard and account for scheduled drugs and funds received for PACC services.
Operate County-owned vehicles to transport animals and supplies.