Specialist, Lifesaving And Care

Kanab, Utah / Hourly / Full time

Location: Kanab, Utah

Hiring Range: This position’s hiring range is anticipated to be $22 to $25 hourly, depending on experience, plus great benefits!

Interviews will start April 7th and occur weekly until the position is filled.

Summary: Providing the hands-on care for the animals at the Sanctuary, working with all departments to find those animals homes wherever possible, and serving as mission and brand ambassadors for the tens of thousands of guests, volunteers, and adopters who visit the Sanctuary annually.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Outcomes and Ambassadorship

• Support lifesaving objectives throughout the department, providing feedback and support for outcome plans, assist with all aspects of the adoption process, regularly update animal photos and bios, provide superior customer service to visitors, volunteers, and adopters.

• Serve as a Sanctuary ambassador, representing Best Friends’ work to visitors and volunteers, and speaking to the Sanctuary’s special role in Best Friends’ no-kill goals.

• Support a “volunteers-first” team giving every volunteer the opportunity to maximize their skills and value towards Best Friends’ lifesaving activities, and inspiring visitors to continue the work in their communities.

• Provide for the safety and hands-on training of volunteers, both individuals and groups, including orienting them to the assigned area and tasks; answering questions as needed.

• Greet and conduct tours, speak about specific animals, the work of Horse Haven and the sanctuary, answer questions and assist visitors with their needs.

• Work alongside and support interns, workshop attendees, and other categories of visitors.

Animal Care

• Provide basic and routine care for animals per department guidelines which includes, but not limited to feeding, watering, transporting, and light grooming.

• Support animals with medical issues, which may include zoonotic disease, by medicating, treating, preparing special diets, observing and reporting, and assisting in the maintenance of required veterinary records.

• Provide socialization, enrichment, and exercise for animals as outlined by leadership, which may include working with animals that may be considered challenging or dangerous ; identifying behavioral issues and sharing observations with team members and leaders; following behavior or training plans as developed for the department or specific animals.

• Clean and restock work areas and preserving physical appearance of buildings and grounds.

General

• Deliver superior customer service relating to all visitors, adopters, fosters and transfer partners in a friendly, informative and professional manner.

Skills and Experience:

• A minimum of one year caring for horses in a professional or volunteer setting is strongly preferred.

• Ability to work with and handle all horses, including those with health and/or behavior conditions/concerns; ability to identify and speak to medical and behavioral characteristics of horses including medicating, socializing, and performing behavior modification techniques.

• Customer-centric, non-judgmental approach to engaging with adopters, partners, visitors, volunteers, and colleagues; familiarity and comfort with an open adoption process.

• Resourceful, get-it-done attitude; initiative to assist in any area or process; problem solving, seeking answers independently and enthusiastically; flexibility to persist until lifesaving outcome goals are achieved; demonstrated leadership skills.

• Strong interpersonal skills, a team player, personable, professional, and able to get along with people from different backgrounds, as well as the ability to handle sensitive and confidential situations.

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with well-developed organization skills to juggle multiple competing tasks and demands.

Physical Requirements:

• Perform daily strenuous activity including, but not limited to lifting up to 40 pounds, carrying, reaching, stooping, squatting, cleaning, and bending.

• Work at a computer or driving a car for extended periods of time with repetitive typing, sitting, arm, and hand motion.

• Work indoors and outdoors in a variety of weather conditions including extreme heat and cold.

• Valid driver’s license, ability to qualify to be added to Best Friends insurance.

• Daily hours and days of the week may vary according to the needs of the department schedule; position includes weekends, nights and holiday work.

• During the selection process, candidates may be asked to participate in an onsite working interview.

Thank you for your interest in pursuing a career at Best Friends Animal Society. Best Friends Animal Society is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, marital status, or domestic partner status.

Applicants for employment in the U.S. must have valid work authorization that does not now and/or will not in the future require sponsorship of a visa for employment authorization in the U.S. by Best Friends Animal Society.

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