Pet Reunification Specialist (Part Time)

Works under the direction of an assigned supervisor in Animal Services to increase the proactive prevention of pet loss, and to develop and oversee strategic programming using national best practices to increase the return to home rate of pets in Pasco County. Facilitates the successful reunification efforts of lost animals that have entered the sheltering system. Assists in planning, monitoring, and/or managing budget in functional area of department. Participates in all cycles of the return to owner/return to home process and the training of others. Researches and implements the best strategies for successful lost animal prevention and reunification. Coordinates and oversees community focused events such as microchip clinics and oversees volunteer support to assist in pet reunification and prevention strategies. Oversees data collection and development of key performance indicators related to pet reunification. Communicates effectively about Pasco County ordinances regarding owner reclaims, adoption, euthanasia, and relinquishment processes. Collaborates with marketing and other communications personnel to ensure public-facing communication related to prevention of loss, reunification in the field, community assisted reunification and in shelter reunification is contemporary, actionable, and easy to understand/navigate. Develops lost and found pet resource guides. This is a Grant funded position. 

• Assists assigned supervisor with planning, scheduling, training, and performing the assigned work of team members engaged in pet reunification programs.  
• Receives, investigates, responds to, and resolves inquiries and complaints surrounding pet reunification and lost pets.
• Formulates standard operating procedures, plans, and budgets for maximum efficiency of pet reunification program.  
• Responsible for the effective leadership of assigned team members including recruitment, development, training, certification, prioritizing and assigning work and related activities.
• Assists with preparation of the annual budget by researching and compiling pertinent information. Monitors budget expenditures for community partnerships and programs.  
• Responsible for compiling routine reports, attendance records, statistics, and completes and maintains appropriate logs and incident reports.  
• Coordinates work efforts with other team members.
• Monitors flow of animals through shelter and helps to support keeping pets with their owners through available resources. 
• Participates in Emergency Operations Center activations.  
• Actively engages volunteers to support pet reunification efforts.
• Ability to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and push or pull heavy objects.
• Performs other department related duties as assigned.

• Considerable knowledge of shelter guidelines for standards of care in animal shelters.  
• Extensive knowledge of animal husbandry, including humane methods of handling, sanitation, care, feeding, and behavioral assessment of animals.
• Knowledge of common animal diseases, zoonosis, and species specific, and injury recognition and treatment. 
• Knowledge of species and breeds of animals, both domestic and wild.  
• Knowledge of common shelter programs such as lost and found, pet reunification, adoptions, fostering, transfers to humane organizations and the promotion of these programs.  
• Knowledge of customer service operations. 
• Ability to understand and carry out complex oral and written instructions.  
• Ability to prepare budget and statistical reports.  
• Ability to deal effectively with the public during emotional or stressful situations and enforce high standards of customer service.  
• Ability to present programs and recommendations clearly and concisely, both orally and in written form.  

PHYSICAL SKILLS/WORKING CONDITIONS:  Ability to work in a kennel/shelter setting and outdoors with frequent bending, reaching, kneeling, walking, and standing on feet 8-10 hours per day.  Ability to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and push or pull heavy objects. Ability to communicate clearly and effectively using verbal, written and visual communication skills with management, staff, and the public.
 
EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:  Graduation from high school or an acceptable equivalency diploma and Two (2) years' of experience in an animal shelter, animal welfare industry, customer service, or a related field required.
 
LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS OR REGISTRATIONS:  Must possess a valid Florida driver's license.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Must have an active telephone as employee may be on call.

ADA STATEMENT:  A qualified employee or applicant with a disability may be afforded a reasonable accommodation to perform the essential job functions of a position in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE:  Pasco County is a drug-free workplace in accordance with Federal and Florida Law. 

EMERGENCY RESPONSE/RECOVERY ACTIVITIES:  All employees will be required to work before, during, or after an emergency. During an emergency, employees may temporarily be assigned to work and perform duties outside the normal scope of their position, location and work schedule to fit the needs of the County and its citizens.

VETERANS' PREFERENCE:  Under Section 295.07, F.S., Chapter SSA-7, Pasco County BCC provides to Veterans, that preference in appointment will be given to preference-eligible applicants.

Salary : $22 - $30