Animal Welfare & Response Team Member

Animal Rescue League Of Iowa • Des Moines, IA

6h • Hybrid

About The Position

The Animal Rescue League of Iowa is seeking a dedicated and experienced Animal Welfare & Response Team Member to support animal welfare investigations, cruelty and neglect response, rescue operations, public education, and disaster relief efforts across Iowa. This role serves as an important resource in helping alleviate animal suffering, address welfare concerns, and support safe outcomes for animals and communities. This is a great opportunity for someone with animal services, field services, investigations, law enforcement, animal welfare, emergency response, or public safety experience who is comfortable working in challenging situations, collaborating with multiple agencies, and advocating for animals through professional, thoughtful, and legally sound action.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required.
• At least three years of relevant experience in animal services, field services, investigations, animal welfare response, or related work required.
• Valid driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record required.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, travel, and respond to operational needs as required.
• Strong communication, documentation, problem-solving, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to work effectively with law enforcement, animal welfare partners, community organizations, peers, supervisors, and the public.
• Ability to remain calm, professional, and legally sound in fast-paced, stressful, or emotionally challenging situations.
• Knowledge of, or ability to quickly learn, animal services practices, animal welfare laws and ordinances, safety procedures, program promotion, and response planning.
• Ability to apply sound judgment and logic quickly under physical, emotional, or intellectual stress.
• Basic math skills and strong attention to detail.
• Commitment to animal welfare, public safety, collaboration, and professional integrity.

Nice To Haves

• Law enforcement experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct investigations and research related to animal cruelty, neglect, and welfare concerns.
• Collaborate with law enforcement and other agencies to address animal welfare situations and develop action plans through resolution.
• Develop and support rescue operation plans as needed.
• Assist members of the public in appropriately reporting animal cruelty and welfare concerns.
• Maintain detailed records of cruelty complaints, investigations, case information, and response efforts.
• Support partnerships with animal welfare organizations, law enforcement agencies, nonprofits, and community partners.
• Help organize and provide training for animal welfare organizations, law enforcement, and the public related to cruelty, neglect, and animal welfare response.
• Assist with disaster relief efforts in partnership with the Animal Welfare & Response team and Animal Welfare & Disaster team.
• Maintain Animal Welfare & Response equipment and vehicles to support safe and effective operations.
• Travel as needed for rescue operations, investigations, training, collaborative efforts, and response needs.
• Communicate professionally and educationally while promoting ARL programs, services, mission, and community resources.
• Must be comfortable with testifying in court on cases and media appearances.
• Follow ARL policies, safety procedures, legal requirements, and established animal welfare response practices.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Employer-paid long-term disability and basic life insurance
• Supplemental insurances, including short-term disability, supplemental life insurance, accident, and critical illness insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with an employer contribution
• Veterinary benefits
• Work-life balance through our expansive holiday and paid time off policies

What This Job Offers

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