Animal Care Specialist (Full-Time)

POSITION SUMMARY: Wallis Annenberg PetSpace, located in Playa Vista, is a unique community space featuring pet adoptions, a humane education program, and a leadership institute for animal science and welfare advancement. Annenberg PetSpace focuses on the mutually beneficial and dynamic bond between people and their pets, as well as the origins and community impact of that relationship

The Animal Care Specialist I is responsible for providing high-quality care to the animals within PetSpace, ensuring proper cleaning protocols for all animal care areas, and following proper training and enrichment protocols. This role also provides counseling and education for the general public when appropriate.

Must be 18 years or older to be employed with Wallis Annenberg PetSpace.

ESSENTIAL POSITION FUNCTIONS: The list that follows is not intended to be comprehensive; it is intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities of the position. Incumbents may not be required to perform all duties listed, and may be required to perform additional, position-specific tasks.

• Clean and maintain all animal care areas, providing proper animal husbandry while following approved procedures and using appropriate products
• Feed all animals their required diet and in the appropriate rations
• Provide enrichment to animals to include utilizing exercise areas/walks, activities and human companionship
• Complete daily health and behavior observations of all animals
• Participate in behavior shaping/training of animals to enhance their adoptability
• Assist with morning, mid-day and evening duties as appropriate
• Assist with grooming & bathing of animals as needed
• Ensure all dishes, laundry, and animal carriers are sanitized daily
• Restock and perform inventory of animal care areas
• Update and maintain the adoption software with adoption content (e.g. animal photos, descriptions)
• Train volunteers on the proper techniques for successful animal care
• Coordinate with staff and volunteers to ensure best animal handling practices
• Ensure all operational procedures are followed
• Communicate in an effective and professional manner with public and Annenberg PetSpace staff members
• Assist with training and supervision of volunteers
• Represent Annenberg PetSpace in a professional and courteous manner at all times 

Experience:

Minimum of 1 year working in animal welfare, including at a shelter or with a rescue organization

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent animal handling skills
• Excellent customer service skills
• Basic knowledge and ability to understand aspects of disease and the causes and treatment of animal-related problems
• Critical evaluation and observation skills
• Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office and selected software/databases
• Effective written and oral communication skills with ability to compose routine correspondence
• Possess the ability to work efficiently and calmly under challenging conditions
• Possess poise, professionalism, diplomacy, teamwork and the ability to interact with people from all walks of life
• An individual who can contribute to the culture of respect for all individuals and animals
• Commitment to, and passion for, the mission of Wallis Annenberg PetSpace

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Must be able to stand, walk, sit, talk and hear, stoop, bend, squat, kneel, grasp grip, put fingers together firmly and reach above and below shoulder level and lift, push or pull 80 pounds for situations of restraining or moving animals and lifting food and animal care supplies, repetitively use hands to operate computers; flex the neck upward and downward; twist the neck and the waist. Will be required to clean and care for animals. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

WORK CONDITIONS: Standard office environment with exposure to environmental conditions that include working near and caring for animals. 

Benefits and Perks:

• 100% paid medical insurance, dental and vision for employee + family. 
• Life and disability insurance 
• Employer contribution to FSA 
• We also offer a 403(b) retirement plan with 10% company contribution after 1 year of employment. 
• Vacation & sick days. 
• Company paid holidays.
• Annual Professional development allowance.  
• Opportunity for an annual performance bonus (discretionary and not guaranteed).
• Gym membership. 
• Free Pet adoption.
• Generous retail discount. 
• The organization invests in employee well-being through wellness initiatives and meaningful celebrations.

Wallis Annenberg Legacy Foundation, PetSpace, is a company that respects the uniqueness of each employee and offers everyone the means to find their place and thrive. We promote initiatives aimed at supporting professional equality for everyone. We strive to go above and beyond purely symbolic measures by building a culture focused on meaningful strategies aimed at creating an inclusive workforce.  

If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, please contact us at [email protected].