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Animal Support Specialist

The purpose of the Animal Support Specialist is to support the health and well-being of the shelter animal population under the care of the Nebraska Humane Society (NHS) with a focus on behavior support and management, stress reduction and enrichment to expedite positive outcomes. This position will also provide foster, adopter, and pet owner support.

The schedule for this position is Thursday through Monday from 8:00am-5:00pm OR Friday through Tuesday from 8:00am-5:00pm.

This position description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees are required to follow any other job related duties assigned by their supervisor. This document does not create an employment contract implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" relationship.

• Provide support to all animals throughout the shelter by providing daily enrichment and running playgroups for dogs.
• Work with all departments to expedite positive outcomes for all animals.
• Collaboratively identify animals not thriving or needing extra support in the shelter environment and execute detailed management plans to support their stay at the shelter.
• Participate in daily population rounds.
• Work with identified animals to acclimate them to tools to set them up for success in a home.
• Support other departments by providing appropriate training of new staff and volunteers to increase their understanding of animal body language and increase their skillset with handling and enrichment.
• While handling animals, objectively record all behavior and medical observations. Utilize shelter software (Chameleon) and other tools to input objective observations and create truthful yet enticing biographies.
• Conduct owner surrender intake interviews to gather more information about animals' behavioral history and needs.
• Provide behavior counseling and advice to foster families.
• Assist adoptions team as needed.
• Provide humane and safe animal handling according to Nebraska Humane Society's Standard Operating Procedures.
• Communicate effectively and professionally with co-workers, volunteers, management, and the public at all times.
• Assist in making euthanasia decisions.
• Other duties as assigned.

Position Qualifications: Education, Experience, Certification, and Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

Required

• High school diploma or GED.
• Minimum 1 year working in an animal shelter or other animal behavior/training/care capacity.
• Demonstrated knowledge of animal body language.
• General understanding of animal behavior and learning principles and ability to communicate these concepts to others.
• Experience safely and comfortably handling animals of all breeds.
• Ability to generate new and inventive ways of assessing, training, or providing enrichment for animals that need extra behavioral support.
• Affection and compassion for animals, concern for their welfare, and willingness to accommodate animals in the workplace.
• Team-oriented mentality and ability to communicate effectively and respectfully with others.
• Self-motivated and able to work efficiently with minimal supervision.
• Independent judgement and ability to make difficult decisions about animals' outcomes.
• Ability to handle the emotional aspect of work in an animal shelter environment, including the use of euthanasia.
• Ability to multitask and use critical thinking skills during intense situations.
• Computer literacy, including Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel; capable of learning shelter system database.

Desired

• Associate or bachelor's degree in related field

Work Conditions

• The noise level in the office environment is usually quiet, though barking or whining of animals may be escalated at certain times in certain areas of the building.
• High exposure to animals whose reactions to the shelter environment cannot be predicted.
• Work indoors and outdoors in a variety of weather conditions including extreme heat and cold.
• Temperatures in the shelter environment are varied, though usually moderate, and dependent on the season.
• Potential exposure to zoonotic diseases and hazardous chemicals.
• Ability to work around animals without severe allergic reactions.

Physical Requirements

Physical Demand - Occasionally - Frequently - Constantly

Walking - X

Bending - X

Standing - X

Sitting - X

Driving - X

Lifting up to 50 lbs with or without assistance - X

Lifting over 50 lbs with assistance - X

Stretching/reaching - X

Distinguish smell/temperature - X

Hearing/Seeing - X

Exposure to hazardous materials - X

Climbing - X

Hand/finger dexterity - X

Stooping - X

The Nebraska Humane Society provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, marital status, status as a veteran, or any other protected category, in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.

Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.