Shelter Services Specialist (Adoptions & Operations)
Schedule: Full-Time Preferred (32–40 hours per week), Part-Time Considered (24-30 hours)
Do You Love Animals and People?
The Humane Society of Pagosa Springs (HSPS) is seeking a compassionate, organized, and energetic Shelter Services Specialist (Adoptions & Operations) to join our team. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys working directly with the public while also playing a hands-on role in animal care.
The Shelter Services Specialist serves as one of the primary points of contact for visitors, adopters, volunteers, fosters, and community members. This position combines front desk responsibilities, adoption counseling, administrative support, and direct animal care. The successful candidate will be cross-trained in all aspects of shelter operations and will help ensure excellent care for both animals and people.
This is not a desk-only position. The ideal candidate is equally comfortable assisting adopters, answering phones, processing paperwork, walking dogs, caring for cats, and stepping in wherever needed to support the shelter team and animals.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
- Provide outstanding customer service to adopters, volunteers, fosters, donors, and community members.
- Answer phones, respond to inquiries, and welcome visitors to the shelter.
- Process adoption applications and counsel potential adopters to help make successful matches.
- Facilitate adoption appointments, meet-and-greets, and adoption paperwork.
- Maintain accurate shelter records and documentation.
- Process invoices and billing related to shelter services.
- Assist with animal records, medical documentation, and compliance requirements.
- Support volunteer and foster communications and coordination.
- Monitor animal health and behavior and communicate concerns appropriately.
- Provide support in animal care areas during busy periods, staff absences, and emergencies.
o Assist with opening and closing procedures for the shelter.
o Walk dogs and provide daily enrichment activities.
o Assist with cat care, enrichment, and housing maintenance.
- Assist with shelter events, community outreach activities, and special projects as needed.
Qualifications
- Passion for animal welfare and the mission of HSPS.
- Excellent customer service and interpersonal communication skills.
- Positive, outgoing, and team-oriented attitude.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Strong conflict resolution and problem-solving skills.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
- Proficiency with Google Workspace and Google Drive.
- Ability to learn new software platforms quickly.
- Ability to safely handle dogs and cats of varying sizes and temperaments.
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and perform physical duties including standing, walking, bending, cleaning, and animal handling.
- Demonstrated reliability, accountability, and professionalism.
Attendance Expectations
- Above-average attendance and punctuality are essential.
Benefits
- Generous PTO and sick leave.
- Employee discounts.
- Professional development and training opportunities.
- The opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of animals and people in our community.
About the Humane Society of Pagosa Springs
Our mission is to provide a safe haven for animals in need, promote adoptions, humanely reduce pet overpopulation through spay and neuter programs, support lifelong pet ownership, and educate the community.
The Humane Society of Pagosa Springs is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for employees, volunteers, adopters, and community members.
Pay: $18.00 - $20.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- Paid time off
Work Location: In person
