Description
Position: Animal Care Specialist Part-Time
Annenberg PetSpace, located in Playa Vista, is a unique community space featuring pet adoptions, a humane education program, and a leadership institute for animal science and welfare advancement. Annenberg PetSpace focuses on the mutually beneficial and dynamic bond between people and their pets, as well as the origins and community impact of that relationship.
Position Summary:
Wallis Annenberg PetSpace, located in Playa Vista, is a unique community space featuring pet adoptions, a humane education program, and a leadership institute for animal science and welfare advancement. Annenberg PetSpace focuses on the mutually beneficial and dynamic bond between people and their pets, as well as the origins and community impact of that relationship
The Animal Care Specialist I is responsible for providing high-quality care to the animals within PetSpace, ensuring proper cleaning protocols for all animal care areas, and following proper training and enrichment protocols. This role also provides counseling and education for the general public when appropriate.
The schedule for this position will be up to three and a half days per week, (Monday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday availability required). Shift times may vary: 6:30am - 3:00pm or 11:30am - 8:00pm.
Must be 18 years or older to be employed with Wallis Annenberg PetSpace.
Essential Position Functions:
The list that follows is not intended to be comprehensive; it is intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities of the position. Incumbents may not be required to perform all duties listed, and may be required to perform additional, position-specific tasks.
Clean and maintain all animal care areas, providing proper animal husbandry while following approved procedures and using appropriate products
Feed all animals their required diet and in the appropriate rations
Provide enrichment to animals to include utilizing exercise areas/walks, activities and human companionship
Complete daily health and behavior observations of all animals
Participate in behavior shaping/training of animals to enhance their adoptability
Assist with morning, mid-day and evening duties as appropriate
Assist with grooming & bathing of animals as needed
Ensure all dishes, laundry, and animal carriers are sanitized daily
Restock and perform inventory of animal care areas
Update and maintain the adoption software with adoption content (e.g. animal photos, descriptions)
Train volunteers on the proper techniques for successful animal care
Coordinate with staff and volunteers to ensure best animal handling practices
Ensure all operational procedures are followed
Communicate in an effective and professional manner with public and Annenberg PetSpace staff members
Assist with training and supervision of volunteers
Represent Annenberg PetSpace in a professional and courteous manner at all times
Requirements
Experience:
Minimum of 1 year working in animal welfare, preferably in an animal shelter or rescue organization.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Excellent animal handling skills
Excellent customer service skills
Basic knowledge and ability to understand aspects of disease and the causes and treatment of animal-related problems
Critical evaluation and observation skills
Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office and selected software/databases
Effective written and oral communication skills with ability to compose routine correspondence
Possess the ability to work efficiently and calmly under challenging conditions
Possess poise, professionalism, diplomacy, teamwork and the ability to interact with people from all walks of life
An individual who can contribute to the culture of respect for all individuals and animals
Commitment to, and passion for, the mission of Wallis Annenberg PetSpace
Physical Demands:
Must be able to stand, walk, sit, talk and hear, stoop, bend, squat, kneel, grasp grip, put fingers together firmly and reach above and below shoulder level and lift, push or pull 80 pounds for situations of restraining or moving animals and lifting food and animal care supplies, repetitively use hands to operate computers; flex the neck upward and downward; twist the neck and the waist. Will be required to clean and care for animals. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Work Conditions:
Standard office environment with exposure to environmental conditions that include working near and caring for animals.
Benefits and Perks:
Sick days
Gym membership
Free Pet adoption.
Generous retail store discounts.
Opportunity for an annual performance bonus (discretionary and not guaranteed).
The organization invests in employee well-being through wellness initiatives and meaningful celebrations.
Wallis Annenberg Legacy Foundation, PetSpace, is a company that respects the uniqueness of each employee and offers everyone the means to find their place and thrive. We promote initiatives aimed at supporting professional equality for everyone. We strive to go above and beyond purely symbolic measures by building a culture focused on meaningful strategies aimed at creating an inclusive workforce.
If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, please contact us at Recruiting@walf.org.
