Specialist, Lifesaving & Care - SLC

Location: Salt Lake City Pet Adoption Center

Pay

This position’s hiring range is anticipated to be $19 per hour to $22 per hour, depending on experience, plus great benefits.

Schedule

The schedule for this role will be 5 days on and 2 days off; availability to work shifts on weekends is required.

About the Role

Lifesaving & Care Specialists are responsible for the daily functions and growth of lifesaving programs including adoption, as well as providing basic animal care and enrichment needs for animals in our program locations. Specialists model the Best Friends culture of warm, welcoming hospitality with visitors and guests, creating longstanding connections with the organization’s lifesaving mission. Specialists act with urgency to accomplish important tasks and play a direct role in achieving Best Friends Animal Society’s no-kill mission and organizational success. Specialists may receive intensive assignments in a particular program, based on organizational needs.

Culture Statement and Responsibility

We believe in treating everyone with kindness and compassion, building trust through authenticity, and following through on commitments. We prioritize well-being alongside our mission, fostering strong relationships through open communication and transparent feedback. Diversity and inclusion are integral to our culture, enriching team dynamics by valuing diverse perspectives. Each team member is responsible for creating an inclusive environment where all voices are respected and contributing to a workplace that embodies our shared values and commitment to progress.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate kindness and the Golden Rule in everyday actions by practicing inclusion and respect for every person.
• Be a role model for authenticity, kindness, and positive influence with visitors, volunteers, and animals.
• Promote, coordinate, and facilitate animal placements, including animals in foster, by matching potential adopters with animals, providing superior customer service, counseling on pet history and needs, and offering medical and behavioral support.
• Support pet adoption opportunities through events, offsite adoption meets, and pet retention initiatives to expand lifesaving capacity.
• Develop a general knowledge of animals in Best Friends’ care; deliver superior customer service by gathering information to match adopters, fosters, and transfer partners with appropriate animals.
• Create a welcoming and engaging environment to enhance visitor satisfaction and support Best Friends Animal Society’s mission.
• Provide basic care such as feeding, cleaning, walking, and medicating animals; follow all policies and standard operating procedures to ensure health and safety.
• Provide daily enrichment for animals to improve emotional well-being, ensuring low-stress housing, cleaning tactics, and handling.
• Oversee and execute dog playgroups, maintaining safe handling practices and a comprehensive understanding of dog behavior.
• Maintain clean workspaces and animal housing areas for optimum safety, stocking supplies as required.
• Support volunteers on all aspects of lifesaving care and outcome programs, including protocols, animal handling, transportation, data entry, and communications.
• Develop a detailed knowledge of Best Friends’ programs to speak knowledgably and match animals with clients’ needs.
• Assist or oversee the creation of engaging content for social media platforms, including written, video, and photo content.
• Work collaboratively with other departments and marketing teams to identify engagement opportunities with social media and PR.
• Represent Best Friends in media relations while maintaining the organization’s voice across all communications.
• Work collaboratively with team members to achieve lifesaving goals, following policies, procedures, and task lists for daily assignments.
• Maintain a safe workplace, model safe work practices, and communicate unsafe conditions to leadership.

Requirements

• Previous professional or volunteer experience working hands-on with cats and/or dogs is required.
• Experience working in an animal shelter environment is preferred but not required.
• Basic ability to identify and speak to medical and behavioral characteristics of dogs and cats.
• Professional experience in a public-facing role providing a welcoming environment is required.
• Bilingual or multi-lingual skills are preferred but not required.
• Customer-centric, non-judgmental approach to engaging with adopters, partners, visitors, volunteers, and colleagues.
• Strong interpersonal skills, team-oriented, personable, professional, and able to handle sensitive situations.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with well-developed organizational skills.
• Resourceful, proactive attitude; problem-solving skills and flexibility to persist until goals are achieved.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products; familiarity with shelter software or a desire to learn.

Physical Requirements

• Routinely lift 40 pounds and perform daily strenuous activity including lifting, carrying, reaching, stooping, squatting, cleaning, and bending.
• Perform repetitive tasks for extended periods, including typing and arm/hand motion.
• Sit, stand, or walk for extended periods.
• Work indoors and outdoors in various weather conditions, including extreme heat and cold.
• Exposure to dogs, cats, and other animals of all sizes, temperaments, and medical statuses.
• Ability to work with, leash, kennel, walk, and handle cats and dogs, including those with health or behavior concerns.
• Daily hours and days of the week may vary; position includes weekends, nights, and holiday work.