Animal Welfare Specialist II

Nebraska Humane • Omaha, NE

5d

About The Position

The Animal Welfare Specialist II supports the health and well-being of animals under the care of the Nebraska Humane Society. The role performs daily animal care, kennel and cattery sanitation, general cleaning, humane animal handling, animal retrievals, volunteer training, and dog playgroup assistance. It also includes preparing paperwork for euthanasia, assisting with or performing humane euthanasia by injection, and handling related crematorium and cooler duties.

The position is scheduled Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., with a minimum of 40 hours per week. The schedule may exceed 40 hours during most of the year. Rotating holiday work is required, and evening or weekend work may be necessary during emergencies, staffing shortages, or special events. The role involves exposure to animals, variable shelter temperatures, possible zoonotic diseases and hazardous chemicals, and animal noise.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Display affection and compassion for animals and concern for their welfare.
• Adhere to high ethical standards; demonstrate trustworthiness, maturity, sound judgment, professionalism, and appropriate personal appearance.
• Work effectively with culturally diverse staff and community members.
• Be considerate, respectful, and helpful toward employees, volunteers, and customers.
• Work cordially, safely, and efficiently in fast-paced, stressful conditions.
• Cope with the loss of animal life resulting from illness, injury, and euthanasia.
• Manage the emotional aspects of end-of-life services and humane euthanasia, and support employees in high-emotion circumstances.
• Demonstrate the organization's core values: compassion for all animals, respect and dignity for all, striving for excellence, and teamwork.
• Safely and humanely handle animals.
• Give and receive feedback respectfully.
• Work independently and as part of a team.
• Work in close proximity to others.
• Work around all types of animals without allergic reaction.
• Be self-directed and self-motivated.
• Be flexible and resilient in changing conditions.
• Have strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.

Nice To Haves

• Previous experience in an animal welfare agency, such as a veterinary office or animal shelter.
• Previous experience using an animal sheltering computer program such as Chameleon.
• Associate degree in a science-related field.
• Certification in euthanasia by injection.

Responsibilities

• Clean and sanitize kennels and/or cattery areas daily according to Nebraska Humane Society Standard Operating Procedures.
• Perform general cleaning, including laundry and dishes.
• Provide animal care focused on food, water, enrichment, and living conditions.
• Handle animals humanely and safely according to Standard Operating Procedures.
• Retrieve animals for owner reclaims and cremation services.
• Train new Welfare volunteers to assist with daily animal care.
• Assist with daily dog playgroups as assigned.
• Report animal behavior or medical observations that could compromise animal welfare.
• Complete shelter closing procedures according to the closing checklist before the end of the shift.
• Check and enter paperwork in preparation for euthanasia.
• Assist with and/or perform daily euthanasia by injection.
• Load deceased animals into the crematorium.
• Clean the crematorium and cooler.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

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