Company Overview
The San Diego House Rabbit Society is a dedicated nonprofit organization committed to rescuing abandoned domestic rabbits, promoting responsible rabbit care through education, and supporting local shelters. For over 20 years, we have worked passionately to improve the lives of rabbits and their owners within our community.
Job Overview
We are seeking a motivated and compassionate Animal Care Assistant and Hay Packer to join our team. In this vital role, you will provide hands-on care for our rabbits, assist with their daily needs, and ensure they are comfortable and healthy. You will also be responsible for packing hay, an essential part of their diet, helping us maintain a clean and safe environment for our furry friends.
Reports To:
Team Leader
Position Type & Availability
- Temporary Part-Time Positions
Schedule
Shifts are generally scheduled between 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM, seven days a week. Candidates must be available to work any day of the week within this timeframe. Hours may vary based on operational needs.
- Expected Hours: 16–32 hours per week
- Must be available to work weekends and holidays
Compensation
Position Summary
The Hay Packer & Animal Care Assistant is primarily responsible for packing 30-40 or more boxes of hay per shift. Additional responsibilities may include general animal care, shelter cleaning and disinfecting, preparing store orders, and supporting daily shelter and retail operations.
This position works closely with all departments to support the mission, vision, and goals of the San Diego House Rabbit Society (SDHRS) while ensuring exceptional care for shelter animals.
Essential Duties & ResponsibilitiesHay Packing & Shelter Support
- Pack 30-40 or more boxes of hay per shift
- Maintain assigned areas in a clean, organized, and professional manner
- Follow infection-control procedures for animals with potential or known illnesses
- Ensure animals have fresh water, appropriate food, and clean bowls
- Monitor shelter animals for signs of illness or injury and follow established procedures when concerns arise
- Assist with daily cleaning and disinfecting routines
Animal Transport & Care
- Transport rabbits to and from veterinary offices
- Transport rabbits from partner animal shelters to SDHRS
Retail & Operations Support
- Assist with stocking and organizing inventory in the Bunny Store and Adoption Center under Team Leader supervision
- Pick and pack customer orders and assist with store pickup orders
- Support daily shelter and retail operations while maintaining high standards of animal care and customer service
Outreach & Teamwork
- Attend community outreach events as needed and represent SDHRS
- Communicate professionally and effectively with coworkers, management, volunteers, and the public
- Assist management with special projects as assigned
Culture of Philanthropy
- Educate guests about SDHRS lifesaving programs and inspire community support
- Share enthusiasm for animal welfare and community service
- Deliver excellent customer service and compassionate animal care
- Help communicate the impact of donor support on SDHRS programs
SDHRS Core Values
Successful candidates will:
- Show compassion for people and animals
- Seek opportunities to positively impact animals and the community
- Demonstrate resourcefulness and problem-solving skills
- Lead with integrity and treat everyone with respect
Supervisory Responsibilities
This position does not directly supervise staff but may assist with guiding volunteers in animal care areas.
QualificationsEducation & Experience
- High school diploma or equivalent required
- Previous experience working with animals in a shelter, veterinary clinic, kennel, or volunteer environment preferred
- Knowledge of rabbit care and behavior is a plus
- Strong organizational and communication skills
- Ability to work independently and multitask effectively
- Must successfully complete all required SDHRS training
Requirements
- Must be 21 years of age or older
- Valid Driver’s License required
- Ability to work weekends and holidays
Physical Requirements
This role is physically active and requires frequent standing and walking for extended periods.
Candidates must be able to:
- Stand and walk for 4–5 hours at a time
- Bend, stoop, squat, kneel, and reach above and below shoulder level
- Lift and carry up to 50 pounds
- Push or pull up to 100 pounds of food, hay, and animal care supplies
- Use hands and fingers for cleaning, packing, and computer tasks
- Must be used to working around hay
Employees must:
- Wear closed-toe shoes
- Wear SDHRS-designated clothing
Work Environment
Work is primarily performed onsite at the SDHRS facility, with occasional offsite community events.
Employees may be exposed to:
- Cleaning and disinfecting products commonly used in animal shelters
- Parasites and infectious diseases that can be transmitted by animals
Benefits
Schedule Options
- 4-hour shifts
- 8-hour shifts
- Day shifts only
- No nights
- On-call availability may occasionally be required
Application Questions
- Do you have experience working with animals? If yes, please describe.
- What is your availability to work?
Work Location
In Person
San Diego, CA 92111
Candidates must be able to reliably commute or plan to relocate prior to starting employment.
San Diego House Rabbit Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Pay: $17.75 per hour
Benefits:
Education:
- High school or equivalent (Required)
Shift availability:
Ability to Commute:
- San Diego, CA 92111 (Required)
Work Location: In person
