Lead Animal Care & Enrichment Assistant

Asheville Humane Society•Asheville, NC

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Lead Animal Care & Enrichment Assistant is responsible for being a point of contact and support for the Animal Care team as well as the direct care of the animals housed at the Buncombe County Animal Shelter and Asheville Humane Society Adoption Center. This position provides hands-on animal care while helping support the day-to-day operations of the Animal Care team. Responsibilities include serving as a primary on-site resource for Animal Care staff, assisting with daily workload as needed, and providing routine care such as cleaning, feeding, medicating, enrichment, and walking. This position also helps safely move animals throughout the facility, leads designated dog playgroups, supports adoption meet-and-greets, assists with veterinary transportation, and helps train and guide Animal Care Assistants and volunteers. The role works closely with staff and volunteers to promote consistent adherence to animal care, safety, behavior, medical, and operational procedures.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED required.
Minimum of six months of experience caring for and handling animals in an animal shelter or other professional animal care environment.
Basic computer skills and the ability to learn and effectively use shelter software.
Ability to safely handle animals and apply appropriate handling techniques based on individual animal temperament and behavior.
Ability to work professionally and collaboratively with coworkers and volunteers.
Ability to provide clear direction, training, and support to staff and volunteers.
Dependable and able to maintain regular and reliable attendance for scheduled shifts.
Ability to work weekends and holidays as needed.
Must complete Fear Free Shelters certification within the first 90 days of employment.
Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record if required to operate organizational vehicles or transport animals.

Responsibilities

Maintain working knowledge of the animals housed at the Shelter and Adoption Center.
Perform daily cleaning of all animal areas, including laundry, dishes, and disinfection of public areas as needed.
Monitor animal care supply inventory and report restocking needs, equipment issues, and facility repairs.
Assist with properly storing and inventorying donations.
Respond to departmental requests requiring animal care assistance.
Report animal temperament, behavior, and medical concerns to the appropriate department.
Assist the medical and behavior teams with handling, restraining, moving, and medicating animals.
Provide training and on-the-job guidance to new hires, animal care staff and volunteers by demonstrating proper procedures and offering support.
Respond promptly to calls for assistance from staff including handling support or retrieving supplies.
Fill in during staff callouts, breaks, or shortages to ensure smooth operations.
Report personnel concerns, issues, and positive performance observations to the Animal Care Supervisor.
Serve as the designated Animal Care point person on assigned days ensuring clear communication, consistent animal care, and appropriate task coordination.
Set up and distribute enrichment activities and monitor and maintain enrichment supplies as needed.
Coordinate administration of medications for off-campus dog walking and hiking groups and ensure accurate documentation.
Perform other duties as assigned.