Job Descriptions

DEFINITION

Under the supervision of the Chief of Police or designee, this position is responsible for developing, implementing and coordinating relationships with non-profit organizations for animals to be placed in rescue. The incumbent will assist with posting eligible animals and information on our social media pages, establishing and maintaining professional relationships with surrounding rescue organizations including coordinating transportation and placement of selected animals within the City’s Animal Shelter.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives direction and supervision from designee at Animal Services. This position does not have supervisory responsibilities.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS – Duties may include but are not limited to the following:

• Assists in identifying animals from the shelter suitable for transfer to rescue groups.
• Serves as point of contact for rescue organizations working with the shelter.
• Oversees and arranges transport of rescue animals.
• Oversees recruitment of active and qualified rescue groups, including verifying rescue group references and maintaining a list of these groups.
• Communicates information and rescue requests to groups via social media, phone or email.
• Ensures all written liability forms are completed between the shelter and rescue groups and all records of the contracts are kept up to date.
• Communicates with shelter staff regarding any medical requirements, health certificates and identification paperwork required for animals going to rescue groups.
• Communicates with shelter staff regarding foster care of rescue animals awaiting transport.
• Consults and collaborates with other shelter staff to ensure proper animal selection for rescue.
• Provides monthly reports of all animals going to rescue groups.
• Maintains files and records for the rescue groups.
• Maintains list of active rescue groups and coordinates which animals will go to which rescue.
• Works to provide resources to owners who want to surrender their animals in an effort to keep the animals in their homes.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Ability to:

• Identify various breeds of dogs, cats, other domestic animals and livestock.
• Interact effectively with the public.
• Apply basic methods of animal collection and impoundment.
• Provide routine care and feeding of domestic animals.
• Perform basic computer and cashiering skills.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with City staff, vendors, and the public.

Knowledge of:

• General animal care and behavior.
• Pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
• Local community resources regarding animal rescue efforts.
• Exercising good judgment when working with the public, volunteers, employees, animal-related concerns, and confidential information.
• Coordinating projects, setting priorities and adapting to changing priorities.
• Operating a computer and sending photos and videos through social media.
• Keeping accurate and detailed records.
• Social Media functionality.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

EXPERIENCE

Prior experience working with animals in an animal shelter, veterinary clinic or related field environment is required.

EDUCATION

Possession of a high school diploma or G.E.D. Certificate is required.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Possession of a valid California Driver’s License issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles at the time of appointment and the ability to maintain it as a condition of continued employment.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Previous experience coordinating rescue, foster and/or adoption for an animal shelter or clinic is desirable and preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Maintain the following physical abilities: See well enough to read, write and make observations, operate vehicles, animal control related equipment and snare tools; hear well enough to converse on the radio, telephone and in person; ability to distinguish odors and colors for identification purposes; bodily mobility to walk, bend, stand, crouch or climb for extended periods of time; operate assigned equipment and vehicles and perform manual labor for extended periods; ability to lift necessary equipment, sacks of animal food, and lift and carry animals weighing up to 50 pounds; ability to tolerate extreme fluctuations in temperature while performing essential functions of the job.

Working conditions are in a kennel environment with frequent exposure to conditions including hazardous materials, unfavorable fumes and odors, working with animal body fluids, infectious diseases and loud noises.