Animal Care Coordinator

Description

The Animal Care Coordinator (ACC) is responsible for providing excellent care for the shelter animals and maintaining the progress of their journey into and out of the shelter. From an animal’s initial intake, behavioral and medical assessments, and ongoing supportive care, the ACC will be there for them each step of the way. The ACC also extends professional and courteous information regarding adoption, general animal care, training, and other services to all patrons. In conjunction with the Customer Care team, the ACC works with potential adopters to identify suitable matches with animals and helps facilitate reunification between lost pets and their families. 

East Bay SPCA is a 501(c)3 non-profit committed to the welfare of dogs and cats in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties. Our mission is to transform the lives of cats and dogs by enriching the human-animal bond through respected and accessible expertise. East Bay SPCA is one of the nation’s oldest humane organizations, in operation since 1874, and receives no funding from any national organizations. You can find more information about East Bay SPCA on our website at www.eastbayspca.org.  

Category: Full-time; Non-exempt 
Location: Oakland, CA 
Reports to: Animal Care Lead and Shelter Supervisor/Shelter Manager 
Benefits: Medical, Dental, and Life insurance; 10 paid holidays; 401K retirement plan with 3% contribution; discounted veterinary care; and more 
Starting Wage: $22.50 - $23/hour 

Qualifications

Responsibilities 

• As part of the Animal Care team, perform routine, daily, animal care tasks (diet preparation, feeding, cleaning, potty breaking, etc.) for all shelter animals. 
• Perform preliminary physical examinations on all cats and dogs received, which includes properly completing necessary paperwork. 
• Administer vaccines, treatments, medications, and perform venipuncture with antibody/antigen tests as needed. 
• Perform initial behavioral evaluations of dogs and cats received, including overall health and behavior evaluations of possible owner surrender animals. 
• Observe and document dog and cat behavior and health concerns, reporting abnormalities promptly to appropriate staff.  
• Provide exceptional customer service at all times, including during adoption processes, returns, surrenders, and other customer interactions. 
• In cooperation with Animal Recruitment Specialist, facilitate the transfer of animals to EBSPCA. 
• May assist with training animal care and shelter care volunteers. 
• Maintain regular, reliable, and predictable attendance and punctuality. 
• Initiate and maintain animal records and notes (paper and electronic) in an organized, systematic manner. 
• Provide feedback to supervisory staff regarding animal plans. 
• Assist with answering phone calls and replying to e-mail inquiries, as needed. 
• Support marketing efforts by promoting programs and services, participating in special events, and soliciting donations.  
• Inform and educate customers about responsible pet ownership and general animal care within the scope of East Bay SPCA guidelines. 
• Collaborate with Customer Care Associates to introduce potential adopters to available animals, facilitate successful adoption matches, and process adoptions. 
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the team and the mission. 

Qualifications 

• Animal care knowledge of domestic animals including breeds, behavior, appropriate care and housing, common health problems, disease symptoms, and handling techniques. 
• Minimum one-year experience working with animals, preferably in an animal shelter environment.   
• Competence in basic veterinary procedures such as administering vaccinations, medications, performing tests, and venipuncture. 
• Must be competent handling dogs and cats of all sizes, ages, and temperaments. Requires the ability to leash, walk, and maintain control over large and extra-large dogs, which can include dogs 90 pounds and over. 
• Proven organizational skills as well as clear and effective communication skills with coworkers and others. 
• Ability to think critically, multi-task and succeed in a fast paced, emotionally charged, environment with a positive attitude while fostering empathy with clients and coworkers. 
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications; familiarity with Shelter Buddy shelter software program desired. 
• Treats all animals humanely, with compassion and concern, both on and off the job. 
• Reliable transportation required. A valid CA driver’s license and evidence of insurability strongly desired. 
• Pre-employment background check and drug screening clearance required. 
• High school graduate or equivalent. 

The Ideal Candidate will have: 

• A strong commitment to the mission of East Bay SPCA. 
• Animal Knowledge & Care Expertise: Strong handling skills with animals of all sizes, along with the ability to assess behavior and health concerns. 
• Critical Thinking & Adaptability: Ability to multi-task, make quick decisions, shift focus quickly between tasks and adjust to changing priorities and emergencies, and remain composed in a fast-paced, emotionally charged environment. 
• Customer Service & Communication: Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to guide and educate all clients and provide counseling with empathy, patience, and professionalism. 
• Organizational & Time Management Skills: Detail-oriented with the ability to maintain accurate records and effectively manage daily tasks. 
• Compassion & Resilience: A deep commitment to humane treatment of people and animals, and the emotional strength to handle difficult situations, such as euthanasia or caring for sick and injured animals. 
• Flexible Availability: Willingness to work weekends, evenings, holidays, and occasional overtime. 
• Multilingual Fluency: Ability to communicate effectively with diverse communities. 
• Marketing and Event Participation: Comfortable promoting shelter programs and participating in outreach events. 

Working Conditions

• Work is primarily performed in an animal shelter environment with exposure to detergents, cleaning products, wet and humid environments, and seasonal outdoor conditions. 
• Weekend work required; must be willing to work occasional irregular hours and holidays. 
• Animal contacts and related injuries, including bites and scratches, may occur. Will occasionally handle sick, injured, and deceased animals. 
• Noise exposure varies and often includes uncontrolled barking and other animal vocalizations. 
• Animal waste contact, smells, and visual exposure are prevalent. 
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds frequently and occasionally lift up to 75 pounds with assistance. Must be able to push and/or pull over 50 pounds occasionally. 
• Frequent standing, walking, typing, bending, twisting, crouching, kneeling, and stooping. 

Salary : $23 - $23