Shelter Associate - Animal Shelter - Part Time

Humane Colorado is seeking a compassionate and dependable Shelter Associate to join our Alamosa team. This is a part-time position working 20 hours per week, consisting of two 10-hour shifts every Saturday and Sunday.

In this hands-on role, you will provide daily care for sheltered animals, maintain clean and safe kennel and facility spaces, support adoptions and animal intakes, assist patrons, administer vaccinations and preventive medications, maintain animal records, and provide guidance to volunteers. The ideal candidate is comfortable handling animals of varying sizes and temperaments, working independently, and contributing to a collaborative, fast-paced shelter environment.

Purpose of Position: Provide humane care for sheltered animals, maintain kennel facilities while completing adoption and animal intake counseling to shelter patrons. Perform custodial work in public areas, staff areas and shelter grounds; provide assistance to patrons relinquishing animals to Humane Colorado.

Responsibilities

• Thoroughly clean and sanitize animal kennel and other work areas.
• Provide care, monitor health, and perform handling of the animals.
• Assist with coordination of kenneling and movement of animals.
• Direct and provide guidance for volunteers.
• Monitor and maintain food and supplies.
• Greet, interact with, and provide information patrons.
• Assist with care of shelter animals, the adoption of animals, the intake of animals, and veterinarian services tasks.
• Administer vaccinations and preventative medications.
• Perform or assist with maintenance of equipment.
• Perform data entry and documentation to create and update animal records.
• Coordinate supply management including stocking bathrooms, animal rooms and ensuring adequate levels of food, cleaning and maintenance supplies.
• Perform basic maintenance on cleaning equipment.
• Perform basic janitorial needs of the building.
• Adhere to all 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 policies and procedures. 
• Contribute to initiatives to improve processes 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 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
• Contribute to initiatives to improve processes and procedures. 
• Conflict Management

Supervisory or Managerial Responsibility

Department Volunteers 

Compensation: Starting at $20.60-$21.52 per hour; (starting pay commensurate with market, experience, and equity)

Shift Details: Two ten hour shifts on Saturday and Sunday

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

Required

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent 
• Work Experience: None

Desired

• Experience working with and handling animals in a shelter or similar environment 
• Experience in a veterinary setting 
• If driving a company vehicle, valid driver’s license with insurable driving record 

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. Potentially 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 exposed to the elements (cold, rain, etc.) while performing duties outside. Will be required to work evenings, weekends and/or holidays as business operations demand. 

Posting will remain open until filled, with a minimum posting period of 5 days.