Humane Educator (Seasonal Summer programming)

Position Title: Humane Educator
Hours: Part-Time, Seasonal (mid-May-August)
Supervisor: Humane Education Manager
Classification: Non-exempt, Hourly

SUMMARY

The Humane Educator assists with the planning and implementation of Camp Paws. They serve as a resource on animal care and welfare within the community.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Must have experience working with children. Training in positive classroom management techniques strongly preferred. Experience in animal welfare, environmental ethics or similar field ideal. Requires someone who is skilled in interpersonal communication as the position requires working with program participants, youth and their families, staff, volunteers and guests. Experience supervising and working with youth ages 2-17 (bullseye 5-11). Must be computer proficient (specifically in MS Word, and Powerpoint). Must have excellent organizational and problem-solving skills and impeccable attendance and punctuality. Must be comfortable handling dogs, cats and other animals. Position requires someone who is self-motivated and can work without direct supervision.

An animal care facility can be an emotionally challenging, high-stress, rapidly changing, and high-demand environment. Feelings of grief and loss, secondary trauma, and compassion fatigue are not uncommon. As such, working at HSHV requires a high degree of emotional regulation and resilience; the ability to tolerate and manage stress; adaptability to change; empathy for both animals and people; and an overall positive outlook.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Deliver presentations and lessons to youth as a part of the Camp PAWS program.
2. Assist with lesson plan development. Seek out and create materials to serve as effective teaching aids.
3. Implement and ensure compliance of safety, health and animal handling policies and procedures.
4. Assist with maintaining a welcoming, positive and safe environment for program participants.
5. Act as a spokesperson for the organization and a guide of the facility.
6. Stay up-to-date on educational best practices and animal welfare issues.
7. Develop and maintain excellent rapport with participants, families, staff, volunteers and guests.
8. Be a model of great customer service—assisting the public and answering questions courteously, accurately and professionally.
9. Ensure that work is done in a timely fashion and in accordance with established procedures.
10. Maintain high level of communication and work cooperatively with coworkers and volunteers. Bring problems and concerns to manager’s attention.
11. Perform other duties as required to ensure a positive work environment and public image.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing this job, you will be required to lift, push and pull up to 30 pounds performing tasks such as setting up tables, chairs, displays, and room partitions—in addition to handling animals. You will be continually standing, sometimes walking, occasionally running, and rarely sitting. Sometimes, you will need to sit on the floor. Typically, you will be working indoors, but will be occasionally exposed to outdoor settings. Essential functions of this position require quick reflexes, manual dexterity, distant and up-close vision, and ability to hear both soft and loud voices. You will be subject to moderate to elevated noise levels. You will be consistently exposed to animals and animal allergens. You may be subject to potential danger including parasites and infectious diseases, animal bites and scratches.

MENTAL DEMANDS

While performing this job, you will be regularly required to use written and oral communication skills; observe and interpret situations; analyze and solve problems; learn and apply new information and skills; perform repetitive work on multiple, concurrent tasks; fulfill intensive deadlines; and interact with children, families, staff, the public, volunteers and others encountered in the course of work. You will be exposed to others’ pain and suffering, and must be able to handle occasional volatile situations.

Please note: This job description reflects the assignment of essential functions; it does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The Humane Society of Huron Valley is an at-will employer.