Community Resources and Behavior Assistant

The Kitsap Humane Society (KHS) is a progressive animal welfare shelter whose mission is to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome homeless animals. We are committed to an open admissions policy, animal rehabilitation and a low euthanasia rate. 

Job Summary

As part of the Community Resource and Behavior team, you will ensure the well-being of animals while providing compassionate support to the community. Key responsibilities include conducting animal intakes, behavior assessments and training, administering vaccinations, applying fear-free handling practices, and coordinating with shelter departments.

You will collaborate with other shelter teams to evaluate animals’ needs, provide enrichment, supervise playgroups, and assist with behavior modification to improve quality of life and reduce stress. This role also involves intake diversion, stray animal reunification, and offering excellent customer service to those seeking assistance for animals.

Strong communication, organization, and a passion for animal welfare are essential for success in this role.

Job Duties

• Support scheduling community requests for animals being brought to the shelter and facilitate animal intakes, including stray animals, rehoming appointments, transfers, and medical surrenders.
• Working hands on with a diverse range of animals, including dogs and cats, supporting a variety of behavioral needs, conducting initial health and behavior assessments on incoming animals to determine their needs and suitability for shelter placement.
• Demonstrating compassion and support to KHS staff and volunteers, as well as to community members coming into KHS for community resources, including pet food pantry, animal reclaims, stray animal drop offs, or rehoming services.
• Facilitate behavior training and modification sessions with additional CRB team members and KHS volunteers to help support animals through shelter pathways.
• Accurately record detailed information about an animal during different shelter processes, including intake exams, behavior assessments, and training sessions using objective language.
• Following fear-free practices for animal handling, including intake exams, behavior treatment sessions and vaccine administration.
• Collaborating with shelter departments and volunteers to support the behavioral healthcare of animals through the implementation of the KHS enrichment program.
• Support CRB team members with dog tests, playgroups, and off-site outings for shelter dogs.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Must be 18 years or older and have a high school diploma or equivalent. 
• Additional experience or training in animal welfare or veterinary services is preferred, but not required.
• Demonstrated ability to handle animals safely and compassionately, with an understanding of basic animal behavior and welfare principles.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to interact professionally and empathetically with diverse community members in stressful situations.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Proficiency in basic computer skills, including data entry and use of Microsoft Office products and applications.
• Commitment to the mission and values of Kitsap Humane Society
• Able to work a flexible schedule, including one weekend day a week.
• Must have a valid WA driver’s license.
• Must complete a pre-employment criminal record background check.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to on occasion lift at least 50 pounds.
• Bending at the waist, sitting, kneeling, crouching, walking, etc., as job may require.
• Working directly with a diverse range of animals and animal sizes, including large dogs.
• Needing to wear appropriate PPE when coordinating an intake of potentially sick animals.
• Work environment may involve exposure to inclement weather, odors and/or loud noises, as well as the presence of restrained domestic animals.