Program Facilitator

Employees at Bernalillo County enjoy the ability to team up with each other to build a high quality of life for county residents, communities, and businesses. The County offers many benefits, including generous leave accruals, career development opportunities, remote and flex-work options, longevity pay, education assistance, health benefits, and a lucrative retirement.

About the role

The Program Facilitator supports Animal Care Services initiatives that manage adoptions, placements, and transfers of animals, as well as coordinating off-site events, special programs, and public relations activities. The position oversees programs to ensure effective operations, positive handling of animals, and support for department-wide animal welfare efforts.

Responsibilities

Volunteer Coordination

• Assist in the training, scheduling, and oversight of volunteers supporting transfer, adoption, and outreach programming.
• Promote positive volunteer engagement and ensure safe, humane animal handling practices.
• Support volunteer participation in adoption events, shelter activities, and community outreach.
• Provide concise and accurate information to the public regarding animal history, adoption, relinquishment, foster programs, and outreach events.
• Provide care for animals; clean and disinfect enclosures, food and water dishes, and maintain related equipment for adoption and outreach events.
• Handle animals in a humane manner according to established policies and procedures.
• Remain alert to animal behavior and physical condition and report concerns to appropriate staff.

Programming

• Provide support for the assigned section in the oversight of programs.
• Assist with implementing procedural, administrative, internal control, and workflow changes after approval.
• Coordinate, prepare, and support events for adoption, foster care, or community outreach. Work and/or oversee events as assigned.
• Promote humane awareness toward the care and treatment of animals through outreach programs.
• Organize and maintain accurate and detailed databases, files, and records. Verify accuracy of information, research discrepancies, and record information.
• Research, develop, prepare, and distribute a variety of information, documents, forms, records, and data as requested by management.
• Provide concise and accurate information to the public regarding programs and events hosted by Animal Care Services.

Foster Coordination

• Coordinate the foster care program for animals in conjunction with medical staff.
• Participate actively in the foster care program, providing training and support for foster caretakers.
• Monitor animals in the program, schedule medical care, and ensure assistance is available to foster families.
• Recommend animal placement options in coordination with other Animal Care Services sections.
• Maintain and coordinate scheduling with foster families and outside agencies. Conduct interviews, advise on relinquishment or placement, prepare paperwork, and perform data entry.
• Organize and maintain accurate and detailed records for foster placements, medical care, and animal disposition.
• Provide care for foster animals during intake, transfer, or outreach events, including cleaning enclosures and handling animals safely.

Placement and Rescue

• Develop and maintain relationships with partner shelters, animal welfare entities, and organizations throughout the United States to coordinate programs and facilitate the transfer of animals.
• Coordinate and participate in out-of-state and overnight animal transfers as needed.
• Recommend placement and rescue options for animals in coordination with department staff.
• Maintain and coordinate scheduling with the public and agencies for adoption, placement, and relinquishment of animals. Conduct interviews with prospective adopters, prepare paperwork, and perform data entry.
• Inspect program partner facilities when possible or obtain reference letters and veterinary information used by the rescue or transfer partner.
• Maintain accurate records and statistical data of placement and transfer activities, owner relinquishment and resource requests and outcomes including inventory of resources provided, disposition, transfer location, and statistical reporting.
• Monitor the humane handling of animal’s safety during placement and transport.

Requirements

• Associate's degree in Animal Science, Business, Marketing, Communications, or a related field.
• Three (3) years of experience working in customer service, animal sheltering, humane society, public relations, community outreach, placement or animal adoption programs.
• Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience may be considered for the above requirements.

Preferences

• Experience working with volunteers in an animal-related capacity.
• Experience with rescues, shelters, or animal transfer partners.
• Experience with animal medical procedures including neonatal, microchipping, and vaccines.
• Experience with animal behavior and assessments.

Screening and Compliance

• Successfully complete a post-offer medical examination and background investigation.
• Comply with County safety guidelines.
• Complete required FEMA training(s) as assigned.
• Possess and maintain a valid New Mexico driver’s license.
• Shiftwork required, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and extended hours.
• Individuals performing euthanasia must hold a valid license as a Euthanasia Technician issued by the New Mexico Board of Veterinary Medicine, with prior approval from the Director of Animal Care.

Working Conditions

• Work is performed indoors in office, shelter, and kennel environments, and outdoors in variable weather during transfers or events.
• Travel with overnight stays may be required.
• Exposure to animals, aggressive behavior, bites, zoonotic diseases, odors, animal dander, and cleaning chemicals.
• Work may require on-call availability.
• Work may involve uneven surfaces, stairs, and exposure to natural elements.

Equipment, Tools, and Materials

• Standard office equipment, computers, and software.
• Communication equipment including telephones, radios, and audiovisual tools.
• Animal handling, restraint, and transport equipment.
• Operate County Vehicles for transport of animals and supplies. This includes the ability and/or ability to learn driving larger vehicles and trailers.

Pay

$22.81 - $36.01 per hour