Animal Rescue Jobs in Hawaii (NOW HIRING)

The Kauai Humane Society (KHS) seeks a Animal Control Officer to assist with dispatch, rescue, and response for dogs and cats, and minor livestock counsel assistance, as it pertains to the Kauai County contract services Kauai Humane Society provides the island. Humane Officers must be willing to share work for weekends, holidays, occasional overtime, and be on-call overnight (which is compensated) two-three nights per week.

This role spends a majority of the day on the road, responding to calls across the island, and will often require lifting heavy dogs, and some cats, into the animal control vehicle.

Humane Officers must be experienced and confident when handling animals in a variety of different and often stressful situations, while also maintaining a professional and kind demeanor with members of the public at all times.

**Candidates already living on Kauai / a Hawaiian island and who have already secured housing on Kauai are strongly preferred and will be given first consideration for the position.**

Humane Officer Qualifications

The candidate must be able to meet criteria for deputization with the Kauai Police Department, including:

• No felony convictions nor misdemeanor convictions involving a moral turpitude or of any criminal assault
• Must be a US Citizen
• Must be at least 21 years of age
• Subject to background investigation

Candidates must have:

• Valid Hawaii Driver’s license, or valid out-of-state license, with a clear driving record for at least one year prior to application
• High School graduate or GED equivalent preferred, suitable work experience in lieu of education considered for adults over 21 years of age.
• At least one year of animal handling experience
• At least one year experience working with the public
• Competency to use computers and online database programs, such as animal shelter software

Humane Officer Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to work with both dogs and cats of varying sizes, breeds, and temperaments.
• Must be able to professionally and calmly deal with an emotionally charged public as well as carry a fast-paced and changing workload, which at times can be stressful.
• Must agree to work in an environment that, by nature of the industry, understands there may be occasional exposure to injured, sick, deceased and/or difficult animals with varying health concerns.
• Must be able to stand, walk, bend and stoop frequently and daily to perform duties.
• Strongly preferred to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, unless valid, legal medical exemption documentation is provided.
• Must be able to perform prolonged strenuous physical activity, including lifting and carrying objects weighing up to 50 pounds alone or up to 100 pounds with the help of fellow employees for short distances.
• Must be able to chase or run after animals that might escape confinement.

Humane Officer Essential Duties:

• Humanely captures, transports, and intakes stray and owned dogs and cats, with the ability/willingness to handle injured and deceased animals when necessary.
• Investigates animal neglect and cruelty for pet animals and livestock, including but not limited to: Takes appropriate steps to educate both the complainant and the animal owner as to their legal and humane responsibility of animal ownership, Participates in the legal process when needed, including speaking in court if summoned
• Responds to public concerns regarding dog nuisances.
• Provides accurate information and professional, courteous service to the public at all times.
• Produces and maintains accurate case files, records, and reports as required.
• Provides emergency rescue and transportation of sick and injured dogs and cats during normal business hours as well as assigned on-call hours. Euthanizes animals in emergency situations at the shelter when necessary.
• Issues citations and testifies in court as a witness on behalf of the County when necessary.
• Treats all animals humanely, properly, and with compassion, according to established KHS procedures.
• Promotes a humane and caring attitude toward all animals through education to the public and examples of proper animal care.
• Cleans, disinfects, and restocks KHS vehicles and transport crates according to KHS established procedures.
• Educates oneself continually on animal welfare laws, humane animal handling techniques, procedures and equipment and implements into daily activity according to KHS procedures.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Hourly wage range is $20-$25/hour, commensurate with experience.