Animal Welfare Specialist

HERNANDO COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
AL NIENHUIS, SHERIFF

JOB TITLE:                 ANIMAL WELFARE SPECIALIST
BUREAU:                    LAW ENFORCEMENT OPERATIONS
SUPERVISED BY:      ANIMAL SERVICES SUPERVISOR
PAY GRADE:              14N                              CREATED:    11/10/2024
FLSA STATUS:           NON – EXEMPT          REVISED:    

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CLASS:
The Animal Welfare Specialist, reporting to the Supervisor, is responsible for performing a wide range of administrative, operational, and customer service tasks that ensure the efficient functioning of the animal shelter. Key responsibilities include maintaining accurate records, assisting with animal intakes, reunifications, and adoptions, coordinating licensing activities, and serving as a liaison for public, legal, and health-related matters. This role requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, excellent communication abilities, and a passion for animal welfare and customer service.

[NOTE]: These examples are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Perform clerical tasks including record-keeping, generating reports, managing phone calls and messages, drafting correspondence, organize and update files, scan documents, perform data entry, and maintain shelter records in shelter software.
• Collect payments for licenses, redemptions, and donations, and track missing licenses. 
• Welcome and assist visitors to the shelter, addressing inquiries and providing referrals or information.
• Manage social media platforms and missing pet websites to assist with the reunification of lost and stray animals.
• Facilitate animal redemptions by researching animal and owner histories, verifying rabies vaccinations and licenses, and processing payments.
• Assist with animal adoptions, ensuring a positive experience for prospective adopters.
• Assist with animal intakes, including documenting descriptions, photographing animals, and comparing stray animals to lost pet reports.  
• Support Animal Enforcement Officers with stray intakes when necessary.
• Monitor quarantine periods, schedule health checks, and coordinate rabies cases with the Hernando County Health Department.
• Investigate bite cases and handle dangerous dog determinations, maintaining accurate records and preparing legal documentation.
• Transport animals as needed and ensure their safety and well-being during handling.
• Act as a liaison with the Special Master and County Attorney’s Office, preparing court documents and representing the shelter at hearings as the Records Custodian.
• Participate as essential staff during emergencies, as determined by the Sheriff, to maintain shelter operations.

QUALIFICATIONS:
A.   Training and Experience

• High School Diploma, GED or equivalent. 
• Valid Florida Driver License maintained throughout employment.
• Minimum of two (2) years of animal handling experience is preferred.
• One (1) year of clerical jor administrative experience is preferred.  
• Ability to become a Notary Public within six (6) months of employment.

B.   Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of animal shelter operations, including care, handling, common illnesses, and sanitation practices. 
• Familiarity with Dangerous Dog ordinances (Section 6-51) and DOH rabies policies and procedures.
• Emotional stability and sound judgment in high-stress situations, always maintaining professionalism.
• Ability to maintain precise, detailed records and prepare professional written communication.
• Proficiency in standard office procedures, customer service practices, and shelter management software and commonly used office software and/or programs.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills, with proper grammar and attention to detail.
• Ability to work in an environment that will contain animals, which may be aggressive and/or diseased.  Work environment may contain fleas, ticks, and/or other parasites. Animal euthanasia and storage of deceased animals will occur in this work environment. The animal shelter participates in the local inmate work program and inmates will be on property and always supervised
• Ability to use euthanasia equipment and chemicals, cleaning and disinfecting chemicals, animal handling equipment, pressure washer, and personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Ability to transport animals to various locations.

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL SKILLS:

• Ability to lift and carry a minimum of 50 pounds.
• Ability to stretch, stoop, bend, kneel, reach and climb frequently. 
• Ability to physically control highly active and/or aggressive animals, potentially weighing 80 pounds or more.
• Ability to sit and/or stand for long periods of time.
• Acceptable eyesight (with or without correction).
• Acceptable hearing (with or without hearing aid).
• Ability to safely operate a motor vehicle.