Animal Rescue Specialist

Job Summary: 

The Animal Rescue Specialist will play a key role in identifying and finding rescue partners for animals in our shelter and foster care programs. The Animal Rescue Specialist will manage relationships with rescue organizations, foster families, and other partners to ensure that animals receive the care they need and are placed in appropriate rescue/foster care environments. This role requires a deep commitment to animal welfare, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work under pressure to save animals’ lives.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Rescue Partner Management:
   • Develop and maintain relationships with local, regional, and national rescue organizations, shelters, and rescue networks.
   • Collaborate with rescue partners to identify the best placement options for animals based on their individual needs (behavioral, medical, etc.).
   • Coordinate the logistics of transferring animals to rescue groups, including transport arrangements and required documentation.
   • Build and expand a network of rescue organizations to ensure that a variety of options are available for animals in need of rescue.
2. Rescue Assessment & Placement:
   • Review shelter and foster care populations regularly to identify animals who are at risk or in need of immediate placement with rescues.
   • Evaluate the behavior, health, and temperament of animals to determine appropriate rescue options.
   • Work closely with the Animal Foster Coordinator to determine if foster care or other temporary solutions are appropriate before reaching out to rescues.
   • Assist in prioritizing high-risk cases and urgent rescues (e.g., animals with medical or behavioral challenges).
3. Foster Coordination Support:
   • Collaborate with the Animal Foster Coordinator to place animals in foster care when rescues are not immediately available.
   • Assist in identifying foster families for animals in need of temporary homes while awaiting rescue or adoption.
   • Ensure that foster families are supported and prepared to care for the animals, including any necessary medical or behavioral assistance.
4. Rescue Transport & Logistics:
   • Coordinate and schedule the safe transportation of animals to rescue organizations, ensuring compliance with safety and health regulations.
   • Work with volunteer transport teams or external transport companies to organize transportation logistics.
   • Track animal transfers and ensure that all records are updated to reflect the animals’ movements.
5. Public Outreach & Advocacy:
   • Raise awareness of available animals needing rescue through social media, email newsletters, and outreach campaigns.
   • Participate in networking events and collaborations to increase the visibility of the shelter’s rescue efforts.
   • Provide information and educate the public on the importance of rescue organizations and the animals in need.
6. Animal Welfare & Documentation:
   • Maintain accurate records for all animals in the rescue program, documenting each animal’s history, health status, behavior, and rescue placement.
   • Work with veterinary staff to ensure that animals are healthy and medically cleared before being transferred to rescues.
   • Provide timely updates and reports to shelter leadership on the status of animals awaiting rescue placement.
7. Collaboration & Teamwork:
   • Work closely with other shelter staff, including veterinarians, the foster coordinator, and adoption teams, to ensure a seamless rescue process.
   • Communicate with shelter volunteers to coordinate rescue efforts and ensure adequate support for animals.

Skills & Qualifications:

• Previous experience in animal rescue, shelter operations, or animal welfare programs is preferred.
• Strong knowledge of animal behavior, welfare standards, and medical needs.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills with the ability to build and maintain relationships with rescue organizations, foster families, and the public.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities.
• Problem-solving skills and the ability to think creatively to address challenges.
• Ability to work under pressure and remain calm in high-stress situations.
• Familiarity with animal transport logistics and best practices is a plus.
• Proficient in using computer software and managing digital records.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation may be required for some travel and transport needs.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds (e.g., animals, crates, food, etc.).
• Comfort working in an animal shelter environment, including exposure to animals and varying conditions.
• Ability to stand, bend, kneel, and walk for extended periods of time.

ADA Minimum Qualifications:

 Physical Ability: Essential functions of this position continuously require the ability to remain in a stationary position (sitting or standing); operate a computer and other office machinery, such as a calculator, copier, and printer. Incumbents must continuously be able to think analytically; handle stress and emotion, concentrate on tasks, remember names and other details; examine and observe details; make decisions, and adjust to change. Incumbents must also continuously direct others; meet deadlines; stay organized; use math/calculations and use a keyboard/type.

 Essential Functions frequently require the ability to move about inside the office; and move/transport items up to 10lb, animals up to 40lbs without assistance, animals 50lbs with assistance

Essential functions occasionally require the ability to bend body downward and forward by bending spine and legs, and twisting at the waist, hips or knees; reach overhead; push or pull; and repetitively use hands/arms/legs. Incumbents in this position are occasionally required to be on-call and work irregular hours. 

 Sensory Requirements:  Essential functions regularly require the ability to use effective verbal and written communication; and use of hand/eye coordination and fine manipulation to use equipment.

 Environmental Factors: Essential functions of this position continuously require the ability to either work with others or work alone. 

 This class specification should not be interpreted as all-inclusive.  It is intended to identify the major responsibilities and requirements of this job.   The incumbents may be requested to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification.