General Position Summary

The dog evaluator will be responsible to evaluate dogs on a timely basis and to create and manage an enrichment program for dogs at NSPCA. Additionally, this individual will be expected to provide compassionate and attentive care of the animals at all times. Work may include assisting with routine animal care, animal adoptions, and other tasks as needed.

Responsibilities of this role include:

• Evaluating dogs arriving at NSPCA on a timely basis, appropriately documenting evaluations, and working with the dog care manager to determine availability of dogs.
• Developing and maintaining a robust dog enrichment program that can be implemented by volunteers with support from the volunteer coordinator.
• Working with the trainer and dog care manager to ensure dogs receive needed behavioral support and that appropriate and regular notes and observations are entered in the system.It is important that this be timely in order to ensure that info is available for adoption counselors and management.
• Assisting with cleaning animal areas and feeding animals as needed.
• Monitoring the health of the animals on an ongoing basis and rapidly identifying any health problems or conditions (medical or behavioral) and immediately reporting them to the dog care manager.
• Assisting in the vaccination, examination, performance of medical procedures, including euthanasia, as needed.
• Maintaining a friendly demeanor and providing good customer service to visitors.
• Stocking supplies, especially those related to enrichment, and reporting when they run low.
• Transporting animals as needed, to and from vet appointment, for adoption events, to other shelters, etc.
• Filling in for other areas and performing other tasks/functions as needed, including helping out at special events.

Experience and abilities required for this role include:

• Training in the behavior evaluation utilized at NSPCA and the ability to perform and record an evaluation.
• Knowledge of animal enrichment options and the ability to implement an enrichment program including volunteer engagement.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills.

• Experience working with animals is essential.
• Willingness and ability to work well with the Dog Care Manager, Trainer, Animal Behaviorist, and Volunteer Manager and volunteers.

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities.

Responsibilities of all NSPCA Staff include:

• Treating all animals with respect and compassion at all times and promoting a humane and caring attitude toward all animals.
• Working courteously and cooperatively with colleagues, other organizations, and volunteers.
• Ensuring superior customer service by being courteous and kind, demonstrating respect and empathy, promptly addressing concerns and resolving problems promptly.
• Willingness to assist with tasks outside of primary realm of responsibility, as needed, including animal care, adoptions, and events and always in a manner which demonstrates interest, care, and concern for the colleagues, the public and animals we serve.
• Helping to ensure that all established procedures and policies are followed within the intended spirit of each.
• Being alert to and providing information on success stories to appropriate team members.

Required qualifications for all NSPCA Staff include:

• Commitment to the mission and goals of NSPCA.
• Affection for animals—concern for their welfare and a willingness to accommodate animals in the workplace.
• Flexibility—the ability to adjust to changing priorities and varied tasks and schedules. Willingness to learn new things.
• Initiative and follow through―Taking initiative and working with minimal supervision.
• Appearance― Neat and clean personal appearance and friendly demeanor.

Terms of Employment

• There is no minimum period of employment guaranteed or implied by acceptance of an employment offer.
• A 90-day probation period is implemented for all staff.

Non-Exempt Position:

Daily reporting hours and days of the week may vary according to the needs of the department schedule. May include weekend and holiday work.

Reports to:

Dog Care Manager

Wage Range: $10.50 to $12.00 per hour based on experience

Benefits:

• Three weeks paid time off (for vacation and sick time) on an annual basis accrued per details in the employee handbook
• Health Insurance: Optional individual medical insurance with 20% employee contribution and 80% employer contribution.
• Three paid holidays, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day

Educational Requirements:

High school graduation minimum, plus three years of public contact work or volunteer experience, preferably working with animals.

Physical Requirements:

• Physical ability to walk and/or stand on your feet throughout a normal workday.
• Physical ability to engage in repetitive motions of legs, arms, and hands, to hear, to see, and to move animals and goods.

• Ability to lift and move objects and animals weighing up to 50 pounds for short distances and to humanely restrain an animal when necessary.
• Comfort and ability to work with animals of unknown disposition and those who may exhibit medical conditions and other problems, as well as aggressive tendencies.
• Ability to work around loud noises, chlorine and other cleaning chemicals, and in inclement weather.
• Allergic conditions which would be aggravated when handling or working with animals or in the shelter environment may be a disqualification.

Other Requirements:

• Ability to read, write and understand English.

Euthanasia Policy for Animals:

• Staff members must be aware of NSPCA euthanasia policy. From time to time NSPCA euthanizes animals who are sick or injured. Also, from time to time NSPCA needs to end the life of a dog who has displayed aggressive tendencies and who poses a risk to public safety or to the safety of other animals.