Animal Evaluation and Welfare Specialist

Maricopa County • Mesa, AZ

1d • $21 - $26 • Onsite

About The Position

Are you passionate about animal welfare? We're seeking a dedicated Animal Evaluation and Welfare Specialist to lead behavioral assessments, monitor shelter animals, and implement enrichment activities that reduce fear, anxiety, and stress. This in-person, customer-facing role involves overseeing playgroups, evaluating behavior, and ensuring the overall well-being of animals in our care. Join our team and help make a lasting difference in the lives of animals! Please note that this position requires flexibility to work at either our West or East shelter locations, as needed, and is scheduled Thursday through Monday. East Shelter: 1920 S. Lewis in Mesa West Shelter: 2500 S. 27th Avenue in Phoenix

Requirements

• Two years of experience in an animal shelter, animal rescue, or similar facility directly handling dogs of a variety of sizes, temperaments, and dispositions
• High school Diploma or GED
• Must be flexible and able to work all shifts, which include starting as early as 5 am and finishing as late as 7 pm, working weekends, and holidays, determined by the needs of the Department
• A commitment to the use of positive reinforcement and fear-free training methods when engaging with dogs in our care
• Must possess, or have the ability to obtain by time of hire, a valid Arizona driver’s license
• Required to handle animals and must complete animal handling training within 3 months of hire
• Fear Free Shelters certification must be obtained within the first month of employment

Nice To Haves

• Animal behavior certifications such as CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA, KPA-CTP, CTC or equivalent
• Experience performing dog-to-dog introductions or playgroups in a shelter-like environment
• Experience leading or working directly with volunteers in an animal welfare setting
• 6 months or more performing dog-to-dog introductions or playgroups, preferably in a shelter or rescue environment

Responsibilities

• Ensure timely completion of behavior evaluations for animals ending their hold period, assigning handling levels, requirements, and recommendations, or submitting for review of alternate pathways to reduce length of stay
• Assist with handling for out-of-kennel enrichment activities such as Playgroups, dog-to-dog introductions, and Runbuddy by overseeing dog selection, staff/volunteer handling and assignments, overall monitoring, and intervening and assisting with emergent situations
• Review and complete all requested follow-up behavior evaluations on animals to make sure their assigned handling level is still accurate and still meets adoption criteria
• Oversee and complete daily monitoring of in-kennel stress for animals, reviewing animals’ previous observations and adding indicated animals to daily behavior monitoring while submitting animals for higher-level review when necessary
• Act as lead for directing, guiding, and coaching staff and volunteers in the performance and completion of daily shelter enrichment activities, including playgroups, out-of-kennel enrichment, and in-kennel enrichment.
• Train and mentor new staff and volunteers on playgroup and enrichment processes and procedures
• Perform click for quiet routine daily with animals in their kennels to improve in-kennel behavior
• Assist other divisions as needed as a skilled or secondary handler
• Assist other divisions as needed to complete necessary daily shelter operations, not limited to cleaning kennels, adoption meet and greets, releasing dogs, etc., and other duties as assigned

Benefits

• Work with a greater purpose
• Tuition reimbursement
• Exceptional work-life balance
• Opportunities for growth and development within Maricopa County
• Low-cost, high-value healthcare for you and your qualifying dependents
• Child care benefits, including access to our upcoming on-site center
• Maricopa County Kids Club, dedicated to serving Maricopa County families exclusively
• Paid vacation, sick time, and parental leave
• Extensive wellness program, including healthcare premium discounts
• Maricopa County participates in the Arizona State Retirement System. This defined retirement benefit requires a 12% monthly contribution rate and includes a 100% employer match on Day 1

What This Job Offers

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