Adoptions Associate - Animal Shelter

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of animals and creating positive experiences for people? This role is located in the heart of Castle Rock at the Buddy Center, part of Humane Colorado, an organization dedicated to ending pet homelessness and promoting compassionate care. Join us in this vital role, where you'll ensure the health, well-being, and humane treatment of animals while providing exceptional service to our community.

Why You’ll Love This Job:

• Work in a compassionate, animal-focused environment.
• Play an active role in finding loving homes for pets through adoption counseling.
• Be part of a mission-driven organization making a real impact.

Purpose of Position: To provide the highest quality care for the animals we serve ensuring their health, wellbeing and appropriate handling. To provide assistance and adoption counseling to shelter patrons ensuring an exceptional patron experience.

Responsibilities

• Deliver high level of customer service to Humane Colorado's patrons.
• Greet, interact with, and provide information to Humane Colorado's patrons.
• Meet with potential adopters to gather and give information to assist in the process of adopting an animal.
• Review and complete adoption paperwork.
• Perform data entry to update animal records.
• Handle and move animals and facilitate the interaction between animals and patrons.
• Provide food, water and care for animals.
• Assist with coordination and kenneling and movement of animals.
• Direct and provide guidance for animal care volunteers.
• Interact with other departments and assist with additional animal care services such as delivery of medication and treatment.
• Monitor food and maintain supplies.
• Perform or assist with maintenance of equipment.
• Thoroughly clean and sanitize animal kennel and other work areas.
• Clean and maintain adoption counsel rooms and areas.
• Contribute to and lead initiatives to improve processes and procedures.
• Adhere to all our organizations safety, training, and handling and transportation protocols in order to ensure that the shelter environment is safe for animals, the public, volunteers and other employees.
• Wear required identification and use personal protective clothing and safety equipment as defined by our organizations policies and procedures.
• Perform euthanasia and related tasks.

People Care

People are the key to fulfilling our mission. Making internal and external patrons and their needs a primary focus is expected in all situations. This position interacts with and collaborates with employees at all levels of the organization. Communication occurs through face to face, telephone, and electronic interactions and may also include contact with the general public and Humane Colorado's business partners. Communication and contact must be clear, understandable, cooperative, professional and respectful in all circumstances. Employees are expected to actively support a positive team environment, directly address conflict, and appropriately express concerns.

Competencies

Competencies are work behaviors and expectations necessary for successful job performance. They encompass knowledge, skills, abilities, attitudes, and actions. Additional definitions for competencies may be obtained from Human Resources

Organizational Key Competencies

• Integrity and Ethics
• Adapting to Change and Ambiguity
• Customer and Community Focus
• Emotional Intelligence
• Excellence

Position Key Competencies

• Accountability
• Attention to detail
• Analytical thinking
• Initiative
• Time management
• Strong communication skills

Supervisory or Managerial Responsibility

• Department Volunteers

Travel

• This position may require travel to different work sites

Shift Details: Five 8-hour shifts. Weekends are required.

Compensation: Starting at $20.00 - $20.90 per hour (starting pay commensurate with market, experience, and equity)

Full Time Benefits – Please visit our website for a comprehensive list of all offered benefits.

• Benefits (medical, dental, and vision)
• Flexible spending accounts (FSA)
• League-paid Life and Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Sick Time
• Sabbatical
• Holiday Pay
• Employee Discounts
• 401(k) with match
• And more!

Work Conditions and Physical Requirements

Handle and restrain animals of various sizes, weights, and temperaments. Subject to animal bites or scratches. Work performed in high noise level areas. Prolonged periods of sitting and repetitive motion. Exposure to cleaning chemicals, fumes, dust, animal dander, and feces. Physical efforts require constant bending, stooping, standing, and walking, Frequent lifting of animals and objects up to 50 lbs. with reasonable accommodations and occasional lifting up to 75 lbs. with reasonable accommodation. Will be required to work evenings, weekends and/or holidays as business operations demand.

We will begin reviewing applications as they are received and anticipate closing the application period on July 17, 2025.

Position Qualifications

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Ability to work independently while following specific procedures and protocols
• Ability to follow timelines for projects, accomplish multiple tasks, and maintain flexibility in a dynamic work environment
• High level of personal responsibility, attention to detail, and punctuality
• Strong interpersonal communication skills and ability to effectively work in a team environment
• Strong customer service skills
• Ability to work evening, weekends, and/or holidays

Required

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent

Desired

• Experience working with and handling animals in a shelter or similar environment
• General knowledge of companion animal breeds and animal welfare
• Experience providing a high level of service to customers
• Experience working with database programs or proficiency with Microsoft Office Programs
• If driving a company vehicle, valid driver’s license with insurable driving record