JOB TITLE: Canine Care Specialist (Team Lead)
DEPARTMENT: Canine Care
REPORTS TO: Director of Operations
CLASSIFICATION: Full-Time, Exempt
The Canine Care Specialist is both a department lead and team lead supervising the flow of dogs through the shelter from intake to adoption. In conjunction with other management, Veterinary Team, and Adoptions and Animal Care Staff; assist in making placement recommendations based on behavior, medical, and historical data for each dog. Oversee and participate in daily care of dogs in the shelter. Serve as a key provider of outstanding and compassionate service to clients seeking surrender, adoption, or other assistance from NHHS.
Supervisory and Management:
• Oversee and assist all animal care technicians scheduled in Canine department
• Ensure all cleaning and handling protocols are being followed correctly and ensure daily that department facility grounds are kept clean and organized
• Assist in providing training for animal care staff and volunteers in your department. Provide feedback on ways to improve the volunteer program as it relates to Canine care
• Maintain proper care supplies and equipment and tracking when a reorder is necessary
Intake
• Field inquiries regarding the surrender of dogs and counsel surrendering owners on the intake process and offer alternatives to relinquishment when appropriate
• Assist with coordination of transports and other intakes as seamlessly as possible while allowing for emergency situations and avoiding overcrowding. Use good judgement and understanding of the community and the cyclic nature of shelter populations
Adoptions and Foster Care
• Assist as needed with Canine adoptions (processing and interviews)
• Provide excellent customer service to potential adopters. Model open, honest, and positive adoption process for other animal care staff
• Assist in coordinating foster care for dogs as needed, including the identification of dogs in need of foster care, training and assignment of foster volunteers, and scheduling of medical care and return of fostered dogs to the shelter
Record Keeping / Data Management / Reports:
• Assist in maintaining thorough records of all Canine transfers, surrenders, and adoptions as well as all records (medical and otherwise) related to each dog while in our care.
• Identify potential behavior or other problems that may affect the adoptability of individual dogs and report these to the management and the adoptions team.
• Collaborate with a variety of staff members when medical and/or behavioral problems are not responding to interventions
Population Management:
• Maintain census of dogs available for adoption keeping management and other animal care staff apprised of changes that impact placement options
• Provide regular updates to the medical team on the Canine population in order to facilitate an efficient flow of dogs from intake to the adoption program. Inform medical team of any new, changing, or ongoing medical needs of individual dogs
• Maintain close communication with the team regarding intakes, major issues with customers, or when a situation arises that may need management approval or input
• Assist with Canine inquiries (including but not limited to those via phone, email, or the NHHS website) pertaining to lost or found dogs, dogs available for adoption, returning stray dogs to owners, or other Canine-specific matters, delegating to other animal care staff as appropriate and necessary to ensure prompt and complete customer care
As well as other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
• Experience working with canines is required, animal shelter experience preferred
• Dog Training Experience and/Certification is highly desirable
• Ability to communicate effectively with staff, volunteers, and the public in a professional, courteous, respectful, and compassionate manner
• Excellent organizational skills
• Sense of humor
• Must be comfortable providing feedback to other animal care direct reports
• Ability to work in a high-paced dynamic environment, multi-task, and handle stress
• Able to perform the entire essential job functions of animal care
• Knowledge of pet behavior and care and a willingness to continue learning
• Motivation and ability to work independently and as a member of a team
• Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite and internet-based database
• Good judgment, professionalism, and ability to set a positive example for other staff
• Ability to lift 40 pounds and sit or stand for extended periods of time
• Must support the NHHS mission of compassionately connecting people and pets
Work Hours and Compensation: This is a full-time position. Schedule offers some flexibility based on the needs of the organization. Some weekends and holidays are required. Starting salary is $15.00 hourly / $31,200 annually and includes paid time off and a competitive benefits package. Additional compensation is available for certified trainers.
Hiring Policy: Acknowledging a lack of diversity in the animal welfare industry, all members of the New Hampshire Humane Society team are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce, board, and community of supporters who advocate for and love animals. Discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated here. Come as you are, offer your best.
To Apply: Submit a letter of interest and resume including animal-specific credentials to lisac @nhhumane .org. Place “Canine Lead Application” in the subject line.