Mountain Humane (in Hailey, Idaho) is on a mission to enrich the quality of life in our community by saving animals and changing lives. We do this through innovative programs that inspire and have impact beyond southern Idaho. The first “no-kill” shelter in the state of Idaho (in 1999), annually we help more than 7,500 animals and touch the lives of more than 5,000 people through our programs. We are proud to be a model for other animal welfare organizations and to be at the forefront of best-practices in non-profit management.
JOB SUMMARY:
The Animal Care Provider – Kennel position plays a key role in delivering compassionate, high-quality care to shelter animals by maintaining a safe and sanitary environment, supporting animal health and enrichment, and fostering positive experiences for the public.
Classification: Full-Time, Non-Exempt
Reports to: Associate Director of Shelter Operations
Collaborates with: Adoptions Staff, Behavior and Training Staff, Veterinary Staff, and Marketing
Location: Hailey, ID
QUALIFICATIONS:
Education & Experience
- High school diploma or equivalent required
Professional Competencies
- Ability to handle multiple tasks in a busy, physically demanding workplace environment
- Highly motivated, outgoing, polite, and professional team player
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, volunteers, and the public
- Ability to work well with the public, including children and individuals from diverse racial, ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds, as well as individuals with differing abilities
- Comfortable training, mentoring, and providing feedback to volunteers
- Desire to learn and ability to remain open-minded
Personal Attributes & Values
- Genuine interest in animals and their well-being
- Genuine compassion for all animals, regardless of their condition
- Commitment to the mission, values, goals, and success of Mountain Humane
Additional Requirements
- Must be at least 18 years of age
POSITION DUTIES:
- Treat all animals humanely, with compassion and concern, both on and off the job, and model these values for others
- Assist with daily dog kennel and/or cat area routines
- Perform daily cleaning and sanitation of kennels and cat areas in accordance with Mountain Humane policies and procedures
- Ensure all animals receive appropriate care, including food, water, enrichment, and proper living conditions
- Monitor animal health and behavior and promptly report concerns to a supervisor
- Implement behavior support and kennel enrichment programs as directed
- Retrieve and handle dogs for staff, volunteers, and the public as needed
- Facilitate safe and positive dog introductions with the public and potential adopters
- Assist with dog pairing and introductions for playgroups
- Provide support for marketing efforts, including handling animals for photo and media opportunities
- Adhere strictly to all biosecurity and infection control protocols to prevent the spread of disease within the shelter, including proper use of PPE, sanitation procedures, and animal handling guidelines
- Follow all Mountain Humane Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), protocols, and best practices to ensure consistency, safety, and quality of care
- Accurately document animal care, medical treatments, and behavioral observations using designated systems, including ShelterLuv and other required platforms
- Utilize organizational tools and tracking systems such as the Virtual Observation Board (VOB) to support communication, animal monitoring, and workflow coordination
CUSTOMER SERVICE:
- Provide general information and assistance to visitors in a professional and courteous manner
- Deliver positive customer service experiences to all visitors, clients, donors, and adopters.
- Direct adoption, intake, medical, cremation, and financial inquiries to the appropriate staff member
GENERAL GUIDELINES
- Maintain a neat and well-groomed personal appearance
- Wear supplied uniforms and closed toed shoes during all working hours
- Comply with all facility safety protocols
- Carry out other duties as assigned by supervisor
- Comply with all biosecurity, sanitation, and disease prevention protocols at all times
- Follow all organizational SOPs, policies, and operational standards
- Accurately and consistently use required systems and tools, including ShelterLuv (medical and behavior updates), Virtual Observation Board (VOB), HomeBase (time tracking), and any other designated platforms
- Maintain timely and accurate records to support animal welfare, team communication, and organizational compliance
WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Indoors and outdoors, including in shelter environment with dogs, cats, pocket pets
- Frequent interactions with children who may or may not be well-behaved, occasional contact with the public in an emotionally charged environment
- Animal handling required; while all adoptable animals have health and behavior screening, by nature of the industry, there may be occasional exposure to dead, injured, sick, unruly, vicious, and/or dangerous animals in addition to possible exposure to parasites and infectious diseases
- May require driving of company vehicles. Must maintain a valid driver’s license and good driving record. Drivers information will be submitted to the carrier
- Regular use driving of company vehicles; employee’s must be at least the age of 18
- Occasional use driving of company vehicles; employees under the age of 18 must be preapproved by the carrier
- Work day includes walking, standing, sitting, bending, squatting, lifting (occasionally up to 50 lbs), answering telephones, and using a computer, work with a variety of cleaning agents, and work in an environment with daily changes in climate
- Potential exposure to high noise levels, allergens and chemical materials requiring OSHA Material Safety Data sheets
- Work day includes walking, standing, sitting, bending, squatting, lifting (occasionally up to 50 lbs), answering telephones, and using a computer
HOURS, SALARY & BENEFITS:
Hours:
Full-time, 40 hours/week with some evenings & weekend days necessary for programs. Schedule flexibility may include four 10-hour shifts
Wage Range:
$17.85 - $24.15/hour, depending on experience, certifications, proficiency in job tasks, and ability to work cooperatively while fostering the mission of the organization
Benefits:
Mountain Humane offers a comprehensive benefits package for all full-time employees, including:
- Generous paid time off allotment for vacation and personal reasons
- 100% employer paid medical and vision insurance for staff (with the option of upgrading the plan for an additional contribution)
- 100% employer paid dental insurance plan through Delta Dental
- 100% employer paid life insurance policy
- Access to a 403(b) retirement account with a 3% matching employer contribution
- Access to reduced cost veterinary care and pet supplies (including dog/cat food) for all employee-owned pets
- An annual personal pet care allowance for veterinary products and services
- A 40% discount at The Barkin’ thrift store in Hailey, and
- Access to discounted membership at Gravity Fitness & Tennis in Hailey
Mountain Humane also provides funding for professional development opportunities and financial assistance for commuting employees. For employees with federal student loans, Mountain Humane is also a qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program!
Note: The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and levels of work performed by this position, but are not a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Either employer or employee may terminate the employment relationship at any time with or without notice and with or without cause.
Mountain Humane is an equal opportunity employer.
