Animal Welfare Officer - Shelton

Humane Society of Mason County•Shelton, WA

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Animal Welfare Officer is responsible for the safe retrieval and care of stray animals, prioritizing reuniting lost pets with their families. This role involves maintaining a clean and safe shelter environment, ensuring animals receive daily enrichment and species-specific care, and coordinating transport and veterinary services. The officer will respond to community requests for assistance with stray, injured, or at-risk animals, and engage in outreach to promote responsible pet ownership. Responsibilities also include investigating animal neglect or cruelty, enforcing local and state animal welfare guidelines, and maintaining detailed records. Collaboration with the communications team to promote adoptable animals and building relationships with volunteers, fosters, and the community are key aspects of this role. The officer will represent the humane society at events and serve as a public resource. Occasional travel to Belfair headquarters for training/meetings and availability for evening/weekend emergency calls are required.

Requirements

Exceptional communication skills with a calm, collaborative demeanor, especially in sensitive or high-pressure situations.
Ability to exercise sound judgment with minimal supervision, particularly in emotionally charged or urgent circumstances.
Comfortable using radios, field equipment, and basic tech tools to document work and communicate with the team.
High proficiency in learning new software systems.
Extensive knowledge and experience handling various types of animals who may be frightened, aggressive or in need of medical care.
Must be comfortable administering injections and medications.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
Compassionate and empathetic approach to working with animals and people.
Demonstrate ability to quickly, calmly, and efficiently meet deadlines, juggle multiple and competing priorities, and maintain a positive, engaging atmosphere.
Excellent interpersonal skills; authentic team player and demonstrate de-escalation tactics and resolve conflict.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Associate degree or certificate in Animal Science, Veterinary Technology, or a related field; 1–3 years of direct experience in animal care, shelter work, or rescue operations will substitute for degree or certification credentials.
Certifications from the National Animal Care & Control Association as Animal Control Officer I & II, within timeframe for next certification cycle.
Level I Professional Animal Cruelty Investigator from National Animal Cruelty Investigations School, within timeframe for next certification cycle.
Must possess a valid Driver’s license and clean driving record.
Must pass background check.

Nice To Haves

Embrace the organizational mission of providing a second chance for companion animals.
Adhering and contributing positively to our team core values: Team over ego, solutions over blame, psychological safety, progress not perfection, and a “compassion first” approach.

Responsibilities

Safely retrieve and care for stray animals while prioritizing reuniting lost pets with their families.
Maintain a safe and clean environment within the shelter; ensure animals receive daily enrichment and species-specific care.
Coordinate transport and veterinary services to support medical recovery and wellness of shelter pets.
Respond to community requests for support with stray, injured, or at-risk animals in alignment with our humane protocols.
Engage in outreach efforts to promote responsible pet ownership, including spay/neuter education, licensing, and microchipping.
Investigate reports of animal neglect or cruelty, documenting findings and coordinating with legal or rescue partners as needed.
Provide respectful enforcement of local and state animal welfare guidelines, always seeking voluntary compliance before legal action.
Keep detailed records of intakes, adoptions, reclaims, and any field activities.
Collaborate with our communications team to promote adoptable animals and share their stories across various platforms.
Build relationships with volunteers, foster caregivers, and community members to extend our reach and impact.
Represent the humane society at local events and serve as a knowledgeable, empathetic resource to the public.
Travel occasionally to Belfair headquarters for training and/or meetings.
Availability evening and weekend hours for emergency calls.
Perform other duties, as assigned.