Community Programs Assistant

Department: Parks & Recreation
Location: Animal Shelter
Pay range: $18.08 - $22.24 per hour
Position type: Regular, Full-Time

About the Role

Under general direction from the Community Programs Manager, assist in managing community-based events and special animal services programs, including foster, volunteer services, and rescue placements. Assist in the implementation and maintenance of community education and information programs, including the volunteer and foster program.

Responsibilities

• Assist in managing, planning, and coordinating all aspects of special and community-based events programs, including off-site adoptions, foster care, volunteer, rescue placements, community presentations, and related services.
• Work with the public of all ages and abilities.
• Recruit volunteers and foster families; orient personnel; maintain records; refer volunteers to various sites; and arrange recognition events following established protocols.
• Organize programs and arrangements for special events; provide guidance, training, and oversight to assigned staff and volunteers at events and programs.
• Coordinate animal placement programs, including transfers of animals to other shelters and rescue organizations; perform behavioral evaluations on animals to ensure proper placement.
• Take digital pictures of animals up for adoption and update websites.
• Develop media, social media, and print collateral and educational materials.
• Provide excellent customer service, including handling adoptions, reclaims, strays, and owner surrenders.
• Assist with general management of the shelter and staff, including directing and training staff.
• Prepare monthly statistical reports on community programs sponsored by the department.
• Perform data entry, public speaking, and general clerical duties such as filing, correspondence, and report preparation.
• Maintain records and files of the Animal Shelter and the animals housed there.
• Handle animals brought in by the public, including breed identification and interaction for picture taking.
• Operate a motor vehicle for departmental business, handle money, issue receipts, and determine applicable fees.
• Learn and apply City ordinances and departmental procedures for handling calls, complaints, adoption/release procedures, and applicable fees.

Requirements

• Associate’s Degree or equivalent required; Bachelor’s Degree preferred.
• Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record for the past three years.
• One year of professional experience interacting with the media, public, community groups, agencies, citizens, and volunteer service programs.
• Experience developing marketing materials and disseminating information.
• Knowledge of community-related methods, communication practices, marketing techniques, and public relations techniques.
• Experience with modern office practices, record keeping, English usage, spelling, grammar, and basic mathematical principles.
• Some experience in animal welfare, animal control, or veterinary services is preferred.
• High-level organizational and planning skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills for dealing with the public and staff; experience working with volunteers.
• Ability to type 45 WPM and enter data accurately.
• Working knowledge of personal computers, the Internet, and software packages, including MS Word and Excel.
• Ability to communicate effectively with the public, maintain accurate records, work independently, and meet deadlines.

Physical Demands

• Regularly required to reach with hands and arms; frequently stand, walk, and use hands to handle objects, tools, or controls.
• Occasionally required to sit, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, talk, or hear.
• Finger dexterity needed for data entry and operating standard office equipment.
• Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds individually.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

• Exposure to animal waste, blood, unpleasant smells, and a noisy, wet environment associated with an animal shelter.
• Moderate noise level in the work environment.
• Flexible schedule required for early morning transfers and special events.