Lead Animal Intake Specialist  #HIRING

Lead Animal Intake Specialist

Non-Exempt Full-Time

Omaha, NE, US

Title: Lead Animal Intake Specialist 

Department:  Assessment                                         

This position reports to:  Pathway Manager

Purpose of Position:  Triaging animals as they come into the shelter, administering initial vaccinations/medications, recording medical and behavioral observations, reporting findings to the appropriate medical or behavior staff for further evaluation, supporting Animal Intake staff under the direction of the Pathway Manager, assist with managed intake duties. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

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 and does not alter the “at?will” relationship.

• All animal intake duties as described in Animal Intake Technician job description
• Ensure sanitation of all temporary housing areas utilized by intake are completed daily and according to standard operating procedures. 
• Ensure daily use items are re-stocked frequently 
• Assign weekly/monthly deep clean projects and ensure completion by staff
• Ensure weekly inventory is completed and submitted to appropriate persons
• Assist with training of new Animal Intake staff.
• Point of contact for zoo academy department shadows
• Provide on-going mentoring and training of Animal Intake staff
• Perform daily processing of Managed Intake air table when Pathway Manager is not working
• Ensure staff are maintaining overall cleanliness of assessment areas (assessment rooms, transfer hallways, wildlife rooms, cubbies, etc.) 
• Assist with scheduling and delegating tasks of intake staff
• Perform humane euthanasia by injection. 
  1. Check and enter paperwork in preparation for euthanasia.
  2. Assist with and/or perform daily euthanasia’s.
  3. Loading of deceased animals into the crematorium.
  4. Cleaning of the crematorium and cooler. 
• Be able to properly train humane euthanasia to staff of various departments
• Ensure Animal Intake employees are implementing proper animal handling and husbandry during intake process
• Assist in the training of volunteers and interns.
• Speak to tours, camps, volunteers, etc. in relation to daily job duties
• Foster a positive work environment in which employees feel appreciated.
• Lead Animal Intake staff in the absence of the Pathway Manager
• Be able to make decisions for the Community Cat Program in absence of managers/coordinator such as fast-tracking cats to surgery based on provided information and mapping
• Be able to handle stress and possible confrontational situations in a professional manner when representing the agency
• Be able to speak with owners regarding surrender requests in an attempt to divert the surrender (as needed)
• Convey appropriate empathy and understanding when speaking with pet owners/members of the public. 
• Be able to handle speaking on behalf of the agency when members of the public require assistance before shelter hours.
• Ability to maintain composure during high stress situations
• Utilize problem solving skills that result in minimal impact on agency resources while keeping best welfare practices intact.
• Work in tandem with Pathway Manager to keep SOP up to date and suggest any changes
• Feel comfortable providing co-workers with constructive suggestions or feedback
• Other duties as assigned.

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

 Required

• High school Diploma or GED.
• Previous experience in an animal welfare agency such as a vet office, animal shelter, etc. 
• Previous experience in the Animal Intake Department
• Display affection and compassion for animals and concern for their welfare.
• Must adhere to highest ethical standards: possess trustworthiness, exercise maturity and sound judgment while maintaining a professional manner and personal appearance. 
• Be comfortable and skilled working with a culturally diverse staff and community.
• Must be considerate, respectful and display a helpful demeanor to all employees, volunteers, and customers.
• Must be able to work cordially, safely and efficiently in fast-paced, stressful conditions. 
• Must possess the ability to cope with loss of animal life from illness, injury and euthanasia.
• Must be able to manage the emotional aspect of end of life services and humane euthanasia, and support employees in high-emotion circumstances.
• Must exhibit the organization core values of compassion for all animals, respect and dignity for all, strive for excellence, and teamwork. 
• Ability to safely and humanely handle animals.
• Ability to respectfully give and receive feedback.
• Ability to work independently and part of a team. 
• Ability to work in close proximity of others. 
• Ability to work around all types of animals without allergic reaction.
• Ability to be self-directed and self-motivated.
• Ability to be flexible and resilient in ever changing conditions. 
• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills. 
• Familiarity with Microsoft operating systems and computer literate in Microsoft Office.

Desired

• Previous experience using an animal sheltering computer program such as Chameleon. 
• Previous management/lead experience 
• Previous experience with public speaking
• Associates degree in a Science related field. 
• Certification in euthanasia by injection. 

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions within the work environment.

• Minimum of scheduled hours per week; will routine exceed scheduled hours during a majority of the year. Rotating holiday work schedule required. Evening and weekend hours may be necessary in the event of an emergency, staffing shortages or a special event.
• 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.
• 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.
• Use of all extremities
• Ability to lift a minimum of 50 pounds
• Good vision for detailed work
• Good coordination

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

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.