Pet Care Specialist

Department: Nexus Pets

Reports to: Programs Manager, Pets

Supervises: Volunteers

Type: Full-time, Nonexempt Employee

Purpose of Position: The Pet Care Specialist is dedicated to the daily care and enrichment of animals within our facilities. This role also involves coordinating with off-site adoption partner locations such as PetSmart and Petco, maintaining a clean and organized environment, and assisting with facilitating successful adoptions to help our animals find loving homes.

Responsibilities:

• Clean and disinfect animal runs, kennels, cages, receiving areas, holding areas, and yard areas daily.
• Feed, water, and provide daily enrichment activities for animals to reduce stress.
• Monitor and report signs of illness, disease, or behavioral concerns.
• Assist in the medical treatment of sick and injured animals, including administering medications and vaccines under supervision.
• Maintain cleanliness in both animal and public areas, including spot cleaning throughout the day.
• Clean, fold, and stock kennel laundry and cleaning supplies.
• Wash and sterilize water buckets, food bowls, toys, litter boxes, crates, traps, and other equipment.
• Ensure all equipment used for animal care is in good working condition.
• Coordinate and transport animals to and from adoption locations and events, ensuring all necessary paperwork and supplies are prepared.
• Set up and manage off-site adoption locations, including cleaning and sanitizing the area and managing inventory.
• Assist potential adopters who want to visit with a pet they are considering for adoption.
• Clean and sanitize work areas and vehicles regularly to maintain a safe and hygienic environment.
• Deliver exceptional customer service to internal and external partners, fostering productive and lasting collaborations.
• Utilize standard operating procedures (SOPs) to guide operations and provide feedback for continuous improvement.
• Ensure accurate and timely data entry for all pet-related activities.
• Maintain inventory of food, cleaning, and care supplies.
• Actively engage with volunteers, providing support and proactively improving our volunteer program.
• Serve as an ambassador for Nexus, sharing our mission and various ways to support our work with your network.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Competencies:

• Attention to detail
• Organizational skills
• Communication skills
• Adaptability to Change and Ambiguity
• Customer and Community Focus
• Team Collaboration
• Excellence

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Valid driver’s license and insurable driving record
• Excellent organizational skills with strong attention to detail
• Strong customer service skills
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced environment
• Proficiency in Google Workspace and Microsoft Office programs
• Professional experience in animal welfare or working with dogs, cats, and small mammals (desired)

Work Conditions and Physical Requirements:

• Handle and restrain animals of various sizes, weights, and temperaments.
• Subject to animal bites or scratches.
• Work performed in areas with high noise levels and exposure to cleaning chemicals, fumes, dust, animal dander, and feces.
• Physical efforts require constant bending, stooping, standing, and walking.
• Frequent lifting of animals and objects with reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to drive a company vehicle for the duration of a typical workday.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $13.50 - $15.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• On-the-job training
• Opportunities for advancement
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location: In person