Animal Evaluation and Welfare Specialist
Animal Evaluation and Welfare Specialist
Employer Active
Job Alert
You will be updated with latest job alerts via email
Share
Job Alert
You will be updated with latest job alerts via email
Job Description
Posting Date
06/12/25Application Deadline
06/17/25Pay Range
Anticipated Hiring Range: $21.00 - $25.50 hourlyFull Pay Range: $21.00 - $30.00 hourly
Salary 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
Join our passionate team dedicated to improving the lives of animals in our care. As the Animal Evaluation & Well-being Specialist youll play a key role in promoting the physical and emotional well-being of shelter animals. This position is ideal for someone with a deep understanding of animal behavior and a commitment to creating a safe enriching environment. You will be responsible for leading behavior evaluations monitoring animal behavior in the shelter and overseeing 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 customer-facing for all hours worked.
About Us
Proud to Offer
Work with a greater purpose
Tuition reimbursement
Exceptional work-life balance
Opportunities for growth and development within Maricopa County
Low-cost high-value healthcare for you and your qualifying dependents
Child care benefits including access to our upcoming on-site 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
We Also Value
Animal behavior certifications such as CPDT-KA CBCC-KA KPA-CTP CTC or equivalent
Experience performing dog-to-dog introductions or playgroups in a shelter-like environment
Experience leading or working directly with volunteers in an animal welfare setting
6 months or more performing dog-to-dog 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 out-of-kennel enrichment activities such as Playgroups dog-to-dog 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 follow-up 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 in-kennel stress for animals reviewing animals previous observations and adding indicated animals to daily behavior monitoring while submitting animals for higher-level 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 out-of-kennel enrichment and in-kennel 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 kennel 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
Must be able to lift up to 20-25 lbs. occasionally 10-25 lbs. frequently or up to 10 lbs. constantly
Fast-paced 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
Must possess or have the ability to obtain by time of hire a valid Arizona drivers license
A commitment to the use of positive reinforcement and fear-free training methods when engaging with dogs in our care.
Fear Free Shelters certification must be obtained within the first month of employment
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
Flexibility to work at either our West and East shelter locations as needed
Must complete animal handling training within 3 months of hire as this position is required to handle animals
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 pre-employment background and/or fingerprint investigation as required by statute or policy including drug and alcohol testing requirements for positions designated as safety-sensitive
Maricopa County is an equal opportunity employer.
Apply Now!
Required Experience:
Unclear Seniority
Employment Type
Full-Time
