Join our Dog Team, where your passion for animals and dedication to exceptional pet care can shine! In this energetic role, team members are responsible for providing top-quality care and handling for our canine residents, ensuring their safety, comfort, and happiness. This position offers a rewarding opportunity to work closely with dogs of all breeds and temperaments, contributing to their well-being while supporting our other care teams. If you thrive in a lively environment and love making a difference in animals’ lives, apply with us today!
Full-time Benefits:
- Dental, Vision, and Life insurance paid for by the Humane Society.
- Employee discount on all things retail, adoption, microchipping, and more!
- Paid on-the-job training
- Paid time off (earn 3 hours every payday)
- Referral program
- Attendance bonuses
- A rewarding, meaningful work environment where you know you change lives.
Your Responsibilities:
- Maintain cleanliness of kennels, treatment areas, and equipment to ensure a hygienic environment for animals by following thorough cleaning procedures
- Safely handle and restrain dogs during examinations, grooming, feeding, and training activities using proper animal handling techniques
- Occasionally provide bathing and brushing to keep dogs clean and comfortable
- Support daily duties by feeding, walking, and engaging dogs in stimulating activities to promote mental and physical health
- Observe animal behavior closely to identify signs of stress or illness and report findings promptly to medical staff
- Heavy lifting of animals or supplies may be required; ensure proper safety protocols are followed at all times
Facility Care
- Follow established disease control protocols to daily clean, disinfect, and maintain shelter kennels, cages, and general areas both inside and outside.
- Wash and disinfect all dishes.
- Restock cleaning areas with supplies and equipment.
- Maintain equipment in working condition, report equipment or supply needs to team leader or Manager of Shelter Operations.
- Maintain work and general areas in an organized manner.
People Care
- Cultivate positive client, volunteer and coworker relations through professional, courteous, and educational interactions.
- Practice and encourage the humane treatment of animals.
- Provide quality customer service to clients, volunteers, and staff while actively promoting our mission, services, programs, and events.
- Work cooperatively with volunteers, recognizing the talent and commitment they bring to the Humane Society.
Safety
- Ensure a safe and healthy work environment for people and animals alike, following all safety guidelines, including PPE, and modeling safe work practice.
- Take immediate action to address any safety concerns that could put a staff member, volunteer, client, animal, or the organization at risk.
Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Available to work weekends, holiday shifts, and overtime as needed.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Commitment to the mission, values, goals, and success of the Humane Society of the Black Hills.
- Highly motivated, outgoing, and professional.
- Team player, able to work in a fast-pace environment and multi –task.
- Compassion for animals, comfortable working in the shelter environment and willing to accommodate animals in the work place.
- Prior experience in dog training, pet grooming, or animal handling is highly desirable
- Veterinary technician or veterinary assistant experience is a strong plus
- Knowledge of animal restraint techniques and kennel experience is preferred
- Excellent customer service skills to communicate effectively with pet owners and team members
- Ability to perform heavy lifting safely when handling large dogs or equipment
- Passion for animal welfare with a positive attitude and energetic approach to daily tasks
Requirements
- Previous experience in pet care, veterinary assisting, kennel work, or animal handling is highly preferred
- Knowledge of pet training, veterinary procedures, or pet grooming is a plus, but not required
- Strong understanding of animal restraint techniques and safety protocols for handling dogs and the occasional small livestock
- Excellent customer service skills with the ability to communicate clearly and professionally with clients and team members
- Ability to perform physical tasks including heavy lifting, standing, walking, and bending for extended periods
- Compassionate attitude towards animals with a genuine desire to improve their quality of life
The Humane Society of the Black Hills is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
Those selected for an initial interview will be contacted by our Human Resources department!
Pay: From $15.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Life insurance
- On-the-job training
- Paid time off
- Referral program
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
