Stray Rescue Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Description

JOB TITLE: Community Resources and Capacity Coordinator 

DEPARTMENT/PROGRAM: Community Resource & Behavior

REPORTS TO: Community Resource and Behavior Manager CLASSIFICATION: FT, Hourly

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 help ensure the shelter operates within its capacity for care by evaluating shelter population, planning intake and outflow, and coordinating with shelter departments. Key responsibilities include conducting animal intakes, health and behavior assessments, administering vaccinations, and applying fear-free handling practices.

You will collaborate with other shelter teams to evaluate shelter population trends and capacity, plan for appropriate intake and outflow, and provide behavior evaluation and support to community members and their animals. 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

• Coordinate community requests for animals being brought to the shelter to manage appropriate intake flow, including stray animals, rehoming appointments, transfers, and medical surrenders, in alignment with shelter capacity for care.
• Evaluate shelter population and capacity data on an ongoing basis to inform intake, placement, and outflow decisions, ensuring shelter operations remain within capacity for care standards.
• Conduct initial health and behavior assessments on incoming animals, working hands-on with a diverse range of animals including dogs and cats, to determine their needs and suitability for shelter placement.
• Demonstrate 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.
• Provide behavior evaluation and support to community members and their animals, offering guidance and resources to help owners address behavior concerns and support successful outcomes.
• Accurately record detailed information about an animal during different shelter processes, including intake exams, behavior assessments, and shelter pathway decisions using objective language.
• Follow fear-free practices for animal handling, including intake exams, behavior evaluations, and vaccine administration.
• Collaborate with shelter departments to evaluate shelter population and capacity, developing pathway and placement plans that support appropriate flow-through and operating within capacity for care standards.
• Keep informed with current animal inventory and population trends to ensure animals are moving through shelter systems in a timely manner and that shelter population remains within capacity for care.
• Serve as a proactive voice for shelter population and capacity planning, providing pathway recommendations based on evaluation data, and assist with dog tests, playgroups, and off-site outings for shelter dogs as needed.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Requirements

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Must be 18 years or older and have a high school diploma or equivalent. 
• 1-2 years of experience in animal welfare, behavior training, veterinary services, or equivalent work.
• 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.