Animal Evaluation and Welfare Specialist
Animal Evaluation and Welfare Specialist
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Job Description
Posting Date
04/10/25Application Deadline
04/15/25Pay Range
$21.00 $30.00 HourlySalary offers are based on the candidates equivalent experience and internal equity with other employees within the same job classification. This position is eligible for overtime compensation for all hours worked over 40 in the designated workweek.
Job Type
UnclassifiedDepartment
Animal Care and ControlAbout the Position
The Animal Evaluation and Welfare Specialist is responsible for the behavioral evaluations daily enrichment and monitoring of the animals in our care. You will lead behavior evaluations monitor animal behavior in the shelter and oversee playgroups enrichment preparation and activities to reduce fear anxiety and stress in animals under care. This position requires the employee to be in the office and or customerfacing for all hours worked.
Must be flexible to work at either our West or East shelter locations as needed.
East Shelter: 1920 S. Lewis Mesa AZ 85210
West Shelter: 2500 S. 27th Ave. Phoenix AZ 85009
About Us
Proud to Offer
Work with a greater purpose
Tuition reimbursement
Exceptional worklife balance
Opportunities for growth and development within Maricopa County
Lowcost highvalue healthcare for you and your qualifying dependents
Child care benefits including access to our upcoming onsite center Maricopa County Kids Club dedicated to serving Maricopa County families exclusively
Paid vacation sick time and parental leave
Extensive wellness program including healthcare premium discounts
Maricopa County participates in the Arizona State Retirement System. This defined retirement benefit requires a 12.27 monthly contribution rate and includes a 100 employer match on Day 1
Learn more at Work With Us Maricopa County AZ
We Require
Two years of experience in an animal shelter animal rescue or similar facility directly handling dogs of a variety of sizes temperaments and dispositions
High school Diploma or higher
Must be flexible and able to work all shifts which include starting as early as 5 am and finishing as late as 7 pm working weekends and holidays determined by the needs of the Department
Must possess or have the ability to obtain by time of hire a valid Arizona drivers license
We Also Value
Animal behavior certifications such as CPDTKA CBCCKA KPACTP CTC or equivalent
Fear Free Shelters certification or must be obtained within the first month of employment
Experience performing dogtodog introductions or playgroups in a shelterlike environment
Experience leading or working directly with volunteers in an animal welfare setting
6 months or more performing dogtodog introductions or playgroups preferably in a shelter or rescue environment.
Job Contributions
Ensure timely completion of behavior evaluations for animals ending their hold period assigning handling levels requirements and recommendations or submitting for review of alternate pathways to reduce length of stay
Assist with handling for outofkennel enrichment activities such as Playgroups dogtodog introductions and Runbuddy by overseeing dog selection staff/volunteer handling and assignments overall monitoring and intervening and assisting with emergent situations
Review and complete all requested followup behavior evaluations on animals to make sure their assigned handling level is still accurate and still meets adoption criteria
Oversee and complete daily monitoring of inkennel stress for animals reviewing animals previous observations and adding indicated animals to daily behavior monitoring while submitting animals for higherlevel review when necessary
Act as lead for directing guiding and coaching staff and volunteers in the performance and completion of daily shelter enrichment activities including playgroups outofkennel enrichment and inkennel enrichment. Train and mentor new staff and volunteers on playgroup and enrichment processes and procedures
Perform click for quiet routine daily with animals in their kennels to improve inkennel behavior
Assist other divisions as needed as a skilled or secondary handler
Assist other divisions as needed to complete necessary daily shelter operations not limited to cleaning kennels adoption meet and greets releasing dogs etc. and other duties as assigned
Working Conditions
Fastpaced animal shelter environment with exposure to extreme and varying temperatures dogs and cats with unknown temperaments and behaviors excessive noise animal waste and fluids deceased animals cleaning chemicals and zoonotic diseases
Required to handle animals
Must be able to lift up to 2025 lbs. occasionally 1025 lbs. frequently or up to 10 lbs. constantly
A commitment to using positive reinforcement and fearfree training methods when engaging with dogs in our care
Must complete animal handling training within 3 months of hire
Selection Procedure
Only the most qualified candidates will be considered
Consideration will only be given to candidates who submit online applications
Candidates will be contacted primarily through email and their Workday online application profile
Must pass a preemployment background and/or fingerprint investigation as required by statute or policy including drug and alcohol testing requirements for positions designated as safetysensitive
Maricopa County is an equal opportunity employer.
Apply Now!
Required Experience:
Unclear Seniority
Employment Type
Full-Time
