Shelter Services Specialist

FOOTHILLS ANIMAL SHELTER • Golden, CO

1d • $21 - $21 • Onsite

About The Position

Foothills Animal Shelter seeks a Shelter Services Specialist to provide quality, compassionate customer service to patrons visiting the shelter. This part-time role is scheduled approximately 20 hours per week, with opportunities to pick up additional hours when available. The position supports shelter programs and services, animal visits for prospective adopters, and the admissions process for people relinquishing pets for adoption or end-of-life services.

The role involves frequent handling of companion animals of various species and sizes, communicating with patrons by phone, email, and in person, and providing accurate information about shelter programs and services. Shifts are ten hours and include at least one weekend day per week; the schedule may include holidays. The work is fast-paced and physical, with regular exposure to animals, cleaning products, emotionally challenging situations, and varied weather and facility conditions.

Requirements

• Must obtain Fear Free Shelter certification within 60 days of employment.
• Demonstrated aptitude for excellent customer service with a diverse clientele.
• Strong interpersonal and written communication skills.
• Working knowledge of common animal breeds and colors.
• Demonstrated organizational skills.
• Ability to use effective problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Ability to show compassion and empathy to patrons in varied circumstances.
• Ability to multitask and remain composed while providing courteous service in a fast-paced environment, including with difficult, emotional, or frustrated clients.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality when handling proprietary information and sensitive situations.
• Ability to communicate and collaborate with people with varied personalities and backgrounds.
• Ability to leash and manage animals of all sizes.
• Computer proficiency with Microsoft Office, including word processing, spreadsheets, meeting software, and email; proficiency with animal management software and databases.
• Ability to stand and walk for most of a scheduled shift on hard surfaces, with minimal sedentary work.
• Ability to bend, twist, kneel, and squat frequently throughout a shift.
• Ability to lift, carry, and move up to 50 pounds regularly throughout a shift.
• Ability to physically restrain and handle animals of all sizes and temperaments, including dogs weighing over 100 pounds.
• Ability to work outdoors year-round in all weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, and snow.
• Ability to respond quickly to emergencies requiring immediate physical intervention.
• Fine motor skills and manual dexterity for handling leashes and animal-handling equipment, processing paperwork, and providing veterinary restraint.
• Ability to push and pull kennel doors, carts, and equipment.
• Ability to work ten-hour shifts with at least one weekend day; the schedule may include holidays.
• Ability to work amid regular noise, odors, chemical fumes, animal hair and dander, allergens, zoonotic diseases, infectious agents, and cleaning chemicals.
• Ability to work in emotionally challenging situations involving sick, injured, or deceased animals, euthanasia procedures, end-of-life decisions, and grieving or distressed patrons.
• Frequent hand washing and use of personal protective equipment as required.
• Prior customer service experience in a fast-paced environment is preferred.
• Experience in animal welfare or another professional animal care field is preferred.

Nice To Haves

• Prior customer service experience in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience in animal welfare or another professional animal care field.
• Spanish/English bilingual ability; bilingual specialists receive additional hourly pay after passing a Spanish oral proficiency exam.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate animal visits for individuals and families considering adoption, including handling a variety of companion animals and species.
• Communicate with patrons by phone, email, and in person, providing accurate information about shelter programs and services.
• Support individuals and families making the difficult decision to relinquish pets for adoption or end-of-life services with compassion and understanding.
• Provide exceptional customer service across all shelter programs and services.
• Handle and manage animals of all sizes and temperaments, including leashing and restraint as needed.
• Use animal management software and databases, process paperwork, and perform related administrative tasks.
• Use cleaning equipment and tools to support animal care and facility maintenance.
• Respond quickly to emergency situations requiring immediate physical intervention.

Benefits

• Part-time employees working 20 or more hours per week accrue paid vacation and paid sick leave based on hours worked.
• Part-time employees receive 20 hours of floating holidays after one year of service.
• Eligible part-time employees may enroll in the retirement plan after six months, with up to a 4% employer match and immediate vesting.
• Pay may increase to $22.00 per hour after successful training completion and demonstrated proficiency in daily tasks.
• Spanish/English bilingual specialists receive an additional $1.00 per hour after passing a Spanish language oral proficiency exam.
• Foothills Animal Shelter is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness employer.
• Meaningful work that positively impacts the lives of animals and people.
• Work with a team of animal welfare professionals dedicated to shelter animals’ well-being.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed