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

Pima County•Tucson, AZ

3d•Onsite

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 suitable foster homes, help shelter animals receive a break from the shelter, and support foster caregivers in sharing detailed observations about the animals in their care. The position calls for customer service, animal advocacy, and follow-up support. The role provides humane care and safe handling for dogs, cats, and small pets; monitors animal behavior and health; and supports foster, adoption, intake, and other shelter processes. Work may include outdoor duties in all weather conditions, handling animals that are injured or frightened, maintaining facility sanitation, documenting information in shelter systems, and transporting animals and supplies in County-owned vehicles. Schedules include non-traditional hours, including mornings, evenings, and weekends, with a minimum of three workdays per week, including one weekend day.

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.
Minimum one year of customer service experience is preferred.
Minimum one year of experience working in an animal shelter or other relevant animal care setting is preferred.
Experience working or volunteering with dogs and/or cats is preferred.
Some positions require a valid Arizona Class D driver's license at the time of application or appointment.
Must receive the full series of pre-exposure rabies immunizations within nine months of appointment, unless medically excused or physiologically unable to develop immunity; prior immunization or medical inability must be verified by the County Physician.
Must complete a post-offer physical and/or drug screen and provide required proof of immunization(s) and/or complete a TB screening.
Must be able to perform physical activities including bending, climbing, crawling, kneeling, reaching, squatting, stooping, and grasping; frequently lift, push, or pull objects weighing up to 100 pounds.
Must have the vision abilities needed to operate a motor vehicle, distinguish color, perceive depth, and have peripheral vision; must be able to hear and speak in person, by phone, and by radio, including in noisy areas.

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 other 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 behavior and health.
Work outdoors in all weather conditions and safely handle live animals, including animals that are 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 systems for recordkeeping, communication, and scheduling.
Administer vaccinations and medications under veterinary guidance, assess animals for signs of illness or injury, and document and communicate health concerns.
Support adoption and foster processes through enrichment, behavioral evaluations, animal meet-and-greets, matchmaking, and review of notes.
Support intake and admissions by providing 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.
Safeguard and account for scheduled drugs and funds received for PACC services.
Operate County-owned vehicles to transport animals and supplies.