Animal Restoration Kennel Coordinator

Pima County•Tucson, AZ

About The Position

Pima Animal Care Center is seeking a detail-oriented, results-driven first Animal Restoration Kennel (ARK) Coordinator. The coordinator oversees the daily care, movement, and placement of animals involved in neglect, hoarding, and other complex cases. Working closely with Animal Protection Services, the role ensures animals from large impounds receive individualized medical treatment, behavioral support, and housing while progressing toward a live outcome. The coordinator supervises ARK animal care staff, coordinates animal movement through the shelter system, and serves as a liaison with internal PACC staff and external stakeholders, including rescue organizations and donation partners. When ARK activity is lower, the coordinator strengthens PACC’s rescue program by building relationships with local rescue partners, increasing placement opportunities for animals with medical or behavioral needs, and providing targeted support for animals with placement deadlines. This role is critical to maximizing lifesaving outcomes for vulnerable animals. Pima Animal Care Center is open seven days a week. Nontraditional work hours are required and may include weekends, evenings, and schedule rotations. The position requires a valid driver license at application and a valid Arizona driver license at appointment, as well as access to a registered and insured vehicle for business travel. A rabies vaccination cycle must be completed within two months of hire. The position is subject to background screening, a post-offer physical and drug screen, and review of the candidate’s driving record.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in public or business administration or a closely related field, as determined by the appointing authority, and two years of progressively responsible program administration experience or experience directly related to the program; relevant professional-level experience and/or accredited college education may be substituted.
Alternatively, three years of experience with Pima County as an Animal Care Technician or Animal Care Field Officer.
Alternatively, one year of experience as an Animal Care Placement Supervisor.
Valid driver license at time of application and valid Arizona driver license at time of appointment.
Access to a registered and insured vehicle for business travel at time of appointment.
Complete a rabies vaccination cycle within two months of hire.
Complete required post-offer, pre-employment background screening, physical, and drug screen.
Nontraditional hours, which may include weekends, evenings, and schedule rotations.

Nice To Haves

At least one year of experience working with animal behavior.
At least two years of experience in a leadership position or program/project management.
Experience working or volunteering with medically vulnerable animals in an animal care setting.

Responsibilities

Oversee and support daily operations of adoption, foster, and other placement programs, ensuring effective workflows and positive customer experiences.
Provide leadership and front-facing management to placement supervisors and counselors, including guidance, training, and support.
Assist adopters, fosters, and rescue partners with inquiries, matchmaking, and placement guidance across multiple channels.
Use data tracking and analytics to assess program performance, identify trends, and develop strategies to improve placement outcomes.
Prepare and present reports on placement activities, program success, and areas for improvement.
Handle dogs with varied behavioral backgrounds using appropriate techniques to ensure safety and assess behavior for safe placements.
Provide placement recommendations for dogs, including those with behavioral or medical challenges, and participate in euthanasia decision discussions while considering placement options, public safety, animal welfare, and shelter capacity.
Provide ongoing support and education to fosters and adopters on animal care, behavior, and integration into homes.
Support placement-focused events, including adoption and foster promotions, community engagement events, and off-site adoption opportunities.
Maintain accurate records of animal placements, communications, and interactions in the shelter database.
Help develop and implement placement strategies, including targeted promotions, marketing campaigns, and community outreach.
Collaborate with medical, Animal Protection Services, and shelter operations teams to prepare animals for placement and meet their needs.
Ensure compliance with shelter policies and procedures, including safety protocols and personnel responsibilities.
Oversee daily care, movement, and placement of animals involved in complex cases, and coordinate their movement through the shelter system.
Supervise ARK animal care staff and liaise with internal staff, rescue organizations, and donation partners.
During lower ARK activity, build local rescue partnerships, expand placement opportunities for medical and behavioral animals, and support animals with placement deadlines.