Animal Experience Manager

FOOTHILLS ANIMAL SHELTER•Golden, CO

2d•$60,000 - $65,000•Onsite

About The Position

Foothills Animal Shelter seeks an Animal Experience Manager who believes exceptional animal care is shaped by more than daily husbandry. This role brings together people, systems, and strategy to ensure every animal in our care benefits from thoughtful decisions, strong collaboration, and a shelter designed to help them thrive. As an open admissions shelter, we are committed to being here for families and their pets in Jefferson County, Colorado. We identify as a socially conscious shelter, caring for over 9,000 dogs, cats, and small animals every year with a compassionate team of staff and volunteers who are committed to the physical and emotional wellbeing of every pet we serve.

Requirements

2 years of supervisory experience, including experience training and leading a team
Prior experience in animal sheltering or a similar professional animal care field
Demonstrated aptitude for safe animal handling, including dogs, cats, and small animals
Physical ability to stand and walk for extended periods on hard surfaces, lift and carry up to 50 pounds regularly, and handle dogs of all sizes, including dogs weighing over 100 pounds
Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions year-round
Ability to maintain regular and reliable attendance to ensure consistent coverage for essential daily operations
2 years of experience in a supervisory role required
Prior experience in animal sheltering or similar professional animal care field required
Must obtain and maintain euthanasia certification within six months of hire
Must obtain and maintain rabies pre-exposure vaccination series within six months of hire
Must obtain Fear Free Shelter certification within 60 days of employment
Demonstrated aptitude for safe animal handling including dogs, cats, and small animals
High attention to detail and ability to complete work without supervision
Strong interpersonal and written communication skills
Ability to utilize effective problem solving/decision making skills
Ability to extend compassion and empathy to staff and volunteers under a variety of circumstances
Ability to maintain confidentiality when dealing with proprietary information and sensitive situations
Ability to communicate and collaborate with a variety of people and personality types
Basic proficiency with computers; ability to learn and use cloud-based shelter management software for daily recordkeeping
Ability to maintain professional composure and emotional resilience when working with sick, injured, or at-risk animals
Ability to stand and walk for extended periods on hard surfaces with minimal sedentary work
Ability to bend, twist, kneel, and squat frequently throughout the shift
Ability to lift, carry, and move up to 50 pounds regularly throughout the shift
Ability to handle dogs of all sizes on leash, including dogs weighing over 100 pounds
Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions year-round including heat, cold, rain, and snow
Ability to push and pull loaded carts, kennels, and equipment regularly throughout the shift
Ability to reach above shoulder height and below knee level frequently throughout the shift
Ability to work in confined spaces including animal kennels and housing areas
Ability to work safely on wet and slippery floor surfaces throughout the shift

Nice To Haves

Prior experience in a physical work environment preferred
Valid driver license with insurable driving record preferred

Responsibilities

Oversee shelter population management, animal movement, and housing strategy to support capacity for care, timely progression through the shelter, and the best animal experience possible.
Lead and develop two Animal Care Supervisors who oversee a team of 10–14 Animal Care Technicians and Leads.
Partner with peers across the organization to identify and remove barriers to an animal’s progression.
Develop, implement, and maintain standard operating procedures that reflect current best practices in animal welfare and sheltering.
Use shelter data and daily observations to identify opportunities to improve length of stay, organizational efficiency, and the animal experience.