Animal Welfare Associate

The Animal Foundation•Las Vegas, NV

About The Position

The Animal Welfare Associate is responsible for the general care and well-being of shelter animals in accordance with the Association of Shelter Veterinarian Standards of Care guidelines. The role includes feeding and watering animals, cleaning and disinfecting their housing areas, moving animals, providing enrichment and socialization, and observing and reporting their physical and mental well-being. The associate helps ensure appropriate feeding, cleanliness, sanitation, behavioral well-being, and stress reduction for animals in shelter care. The position also supports volunteers and guests, maintains animal inventory and organized work areas, and contributes to the organization’s service and continuous-improvement culture. Work involves regular exposure to animals and animal-related materials, cleaning chemicals, noise, potentially hazardous conditions, and outdoor weather.

Requirements

Education equivalent to a high school diploma.
General knowledge of companion animal care, welfare, behavior, breeds, and species.
Knowledge of guest-service principles and interpersonal skills for working with team members, volunteers, and the public in person, in writing, and by telephone.
Correct conversational English, including spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
General computer skills.
Demonstrated concern for the welfare of people and animals, treating them with respect.
Interpersonal sensitivity and cultural competency for working with diverse populations and providing non-judgmental, compassionate guest service.
Ability to deal tactfully and effectively with team members, volunteers, and the general public.
Effective oral and written communication skills.
Ability to work efficiently without close supervision in standard work situations.
Ability to follow established guidelines, protocols, and standard operating procedures.
Ability to contribute to team or work-unit goals, objectives, and activities.
Ability to gather, compile, and maintain accurate information and records, and prepare accurate reports and summaries.
Basic mathematics skills for counting and totaling numbers.
Physical ability and stamina to stand, walk, reach, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, and crawl, sometimes for extended periods.
Ability to lift and/or move materials weighing up to 50 pounds frequently and 75 pounds occasionally.
Vision sufficient to read printed materials.
Ability to work with continuous exposure to animals, animal waste, pet dander, peanut butter, potentially harmful cleaning chemicals, high noise, and potentially hazardous conditions, including risk of animal bites.
Ability to work outdoors for extended periods in cold, rain, and extremely hot temperatures.

Responsibilities

Support the health and overall wellness of animals in the organization’s care.
Document observed medical or behavioral abnormalities in the organization’s animal database.
Prepare and provide appropriate food and water to assigned animals.
Clean and disinfect kennels and animal housing areas according to organizational protocols.
Assist with administering oral behavior medications under guidance from the Shelter Veterinary Team.
Set up kennels to maximize animal comfort and minimize stress.
Review kennel and facility signage for accuracy and report when updates are needed.
Clean, disinfect, and properly store supplies and equipment in a timely manner.
Keep assigned and common areas and vehicles clean, organized, orderly, and stocked with needed supplies and equipment.
Sort, move, and stock food, supplies, materials, and donations as needed.
Move animals within the shelter and assist with offsite animal care and transportation, including at events, when necessary.
Help achieve high animal participation in enrichment activities.
Maintain accurate, up-to-date animal inventory.
Help create a welcoming atmosphere for volunteers, participate in volunteer training, and provide volunteers with support and resources.
Suggest improvements and contribute as an active member of a work team.
Provide responsive, meaningful, and compassionate service to guests.
Perform other duties as assigned.