Animal Rescue Jobs in Reno, NV (NOW HIRING)

Care for pets. Find them homes. Save lives. That’s the mission at Nevada Humane Society.

We’re a high-save organization helping nearly 34,000 animals in our community each year and caring for approximately 10,000 across both of our campuses. through sheltering, adoptions and community-centered programs and services that help find pets loving homes and keep them there. We are seeking a Behavior and Transfer Coordinator to join our team at our Reno Campus. In this role, you’ll provide daily care, support positive outcomes, and help match pets with the families who will love them for life.

At NHS, lifesaving work is powered by dedicated professionals. We support our team with competitive pay, meaningful benefits, and a workplace rooted in compassion, teamwork, and purpose.

POSITION OVERVIEW

behavior & transfer coordinator

Department:

Behavior

Reports To:

Behavior & Transfer Team Manager

Supervises:

None

FLSA/Work Hours Status:

Full-Time 40+ hours per week

DOL Status:

Non-Exempt

Base Pay Range:

Base pay range is calculated by position title, and experience. It is determined within the departmental budget. Changes to the range are approved by the CEO.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

Our Behavior and Transfer Coordinator plays an important role in advancing Nevada Humane Society’s mission.

As a Behavior and Transfer Coordinator, you contribute to Nevada Humane Society’s (NHS) mission by leading behavior assessments and targeted behavior modification efforts that increase adoptability, coordinating safe and strategic transfers to appropriate placements, and compassionately performing euthanasia’s when necessary to prevent suffering and uphold animal welfare standards. Through training, enrichment, and education of staff and volunteers, your work reduces stress and length of stay, promotes consistent and humane handling practices, and supports safe placement outcomes—reflecting NHS’s commitment to care for pets, find them homes, and save lives.Essential ResponsibilitiesPosition-Specific Responsibilities

1. Review daily list of animals available for transfer from transfer partner Washoe County Regional Animal Services (WCRAS) and collaborate with relevant NHS departments to assess capacity and suitability for transfer approval.
2. Conduct hands-on behavioral evaluations of animals originating from WRCAS to inform transfer decisions, placement planning, including assessment of fear, anxiety, stress (FAS) levels, behavioral risk factors, available history and other authorized indicators used to determine transfer suitability.
3. Implement behavior assessment and modification strategies by collaborating with the Behavior and Transfer Manager to develop and carry out enrichment, exercise, training, and behavior support plans that reduce stress, improve adoptability, and support positive placement outcomes, including adoption, foster care, and transfer.
4. Collaborate with intake, animal care, and placement teams to conduct behavioral assessments, coordinate transfer placements to rescue network partners, and assist with the safe and appropriate movement of animals into, within, and out of the organization in alignment with modern animal welfare standards and population management needs
5. Monitor animal behavioral health and welfare by identifying animals in need of additional intervention, veterinary evaluation, or humane outcome consideration, and coordinating care plans with veterinary, operations, and leadership teams.
6. Perform or assist with humane euthanasia as assigned, ensuring procedures are carried out compassionately to prevent suffering and uphold animal welfare standards, in accordance with organizational policy, professional best practices, and applicable legal requirements
7. Provide training and instruction to staff and volunteers on animal behavior, low-stress handling, enrichment, and training techniques to ensure consistent, humane, and safe care practices across the organization.
8. Mentor and support volunteers through hands-on demonstration of proper handling techniques, clear communication of behavior and enrichment plans, and identification of animals needing additional behavioral support.

1. Handle animals safely and humanely by applying approved restraint methods, Fear Free and low-stress handling techniques, and accurate interpretation of animal body language to reduce fear, prevent injury, and minimize risk to animals, staff, volunteers, and the public.
2. Support adoption and placement efforts by assisting with adopter interactions, counseling, and dog-to-dog introductions for animals with behavioral considerations, ensuring informed, responsible, and safe placement decisions.
3. Transport animals between campuses as needed to support transfers, behavior plans, medical care, and population flow, in accordance with established safety, welfare, and biosecurity procedures
4. Maintain accurate and timely documentation related to behavior assessments, enrichment plans, transfers, euthanasia decisions, and outcomes to support continuity of care, compliance, and performance evaluation.
5. Perform additional behavior, transfer, and animal welfare-related duties as assigned to support operational needs and the organization’s mission.

BENEFITS & PERKS

In Nevada

Nevada employers often provide competitive benefits, but NHS stands out with:

• Employer-paid medical & vision premium option (Full-Time Employees)
• Pet-centric benefits not typical in most benefit packages
• Paid Time Off (PTO) accrual starting on day one rather than waiting periods.
• This puts NHS at or above local and national trends for comprehensive total compensation and unique personal perks

Full-Time Employees Are Eligible For:

• Nine paid holidays • 90% employer-paid buy-up options and low-cost dental plans

• Eligibility for the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program

All Employees are eligible for:

• Low-cost supplemental plans including Life Insurance, Accident, and Short-Term Disability

• Pet-focused perks such as free vaccines, spay/neuter, and end-of-life services for employee-owned pets

• Free and reduced-cost pet adoptions

• Up to 50% off major brand and prescription pet food delivered directly to the shelter

WHY NORTHERN NEVADA?

Northern Nevada offers an exceptional blend of career opportunity, quality of life, and outdoor adventure, making it an ideal place for professionals who value meaningful work and true work–life balance. Anchored by Reno and Carson City, the region continues to attract people who want to make an impact while enjoying everything life outside of work has to offer.

A Community That Works — and Plays

Northern Nevada is home to:

• Approximately 300 days of sunshine each year

• Easy access to Lake Tahoe, Pyramid Lake, and the Sierra Nevada mountains

• World-class skiing, hiking, biking, paddling, and year-round recreation just minutes away

Here, it’s possible to start your morning on a trail, spend your day doing meaningful work, and unwind by the river or in the mountains after hours.

With no state income tax, abundant sunshine, a diverse economy, and unmatched access to outdoor recreation, Northern Nevada is an ideal home for animal welfare professionals seeking both purpose and balance.

Experience and Qualification RequirementsPosition-Specific Requirements

1. Knowledge of basic animal behavior and body language, especially dog and/or cat.
2. Knowledge of basic dog training principles and experience with intermediate or advanced behavior modification, including work with a professional trainer for a personal dog or in a professional setting.
3. Ability to function independently or as a team, while managing multiple projects.
4. Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.  
5. Strong attention to detail with a high degree of accuracy.
6. Possession of a valid Nevada or California Driver’s license with valid registration and insurance of personal vehicles for all positions that require driving as an essential function.
7. Commitment to ongoing learning and professional development in canine behavior.

General Requirements

1. 18 years of age or older.
2. Ability to work autonomously, manage multiple tasks, and meet deadlines efficiently.
3. Staying updated on community developments, particularly in animal welfare.
4. High degree of accuracy and meticulous attention to detail.
5. Excellent verbal, written, and observational skills.
6. Self-starter with a goal-oriented mindset, willing to exceed prescribed work and time schedules to meet deadlines.
7. Possession of a valid Driver’s License with valid registration and insurance for personal vehicles, essential for positions requiring driving.
8. Demonstrated commitment to the welfare of animals and alignment with the mission of the Nevada Humane Society.
9. Consistently treat animals with compassion and respect, both professionally and personally, and promote these values to others.
10. Strict adherence to all local regulations concerning the ownership and care of personal animals.
11. Comprehensive understanding of pet behavior and care, with the capability to handle various animals safely and responsibly.
12. Maintaining a consistently positive and professional demeanor is essential.
13. A sincere interest in the Nevada Humane Society’s mission and vision.

Position-Specific Desired Experience

1. Minimum one (1) year of animal training/handling experience. Including rescue work and/or intermediate or above behavior modification with a professional trainer for personal animals.
2. Minimum one (1) year of shelter specific work as an employee or volunteer.

General Desired Experience

1. Experience in same or related position in a nonprofit setting-preferably animal welfare.
2. Record of continually increasing responsibilities with measurable results.

Additional Beneficial Qualifications

1. College degree.
2. Experience in a nonprofit agency.
3. Animal welfare experience.