Humane Society of West Michigan (HSWM) is looking for individuals that have a passion for animals and want to make a difference in animal welfare in West Michigan!

Humane Society of West Michigan (HSWM) was founded in 1883 and is one of the oldest non-profit charitable organizations in West Michigan. HSWM's team of staff and volunteers work tirelessly to accomplish HSWM's mission:

To promote the humane treatment and responsible care of animals in West Michigan through education, example, placement, and protection.

HSWM’s most visible activities are providing animal shelter services - animal housing, adoption, surrender, lost-and-found, medical treatment, and behavior enrichment and coordination. HSWM provides many other services to the community including assistance with animal cruelty situations like puppy mills and large-scale rescues, Kibble Konnection (pet food bank), low-cost vaccine clinics, behavior and obedience classes and consultations, education, and outreach.

Some job qualifications and responsibilities listed below:

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

• High School Diploma, GED or equivalent
• Previous animal handling experience preferred
• Able to work 10-hour shifts as assigned
• Follow all written and verbally communicated departmental standard operating procedures
• High attention to detail proven through accuracy
• Highly-organized and efficient work practices (e.g. Seeks to proactively anticipate job related needs and to address them immediately.)
• Friendly and outgoing personality that communicates a positive attitude within and outside the workplace
• Flexibility in work schedule that will adjust for working nights and weekends as needed
• Ability to be reliable, responsible, timely and accountable
• Willingness to create and maintain a clean, healthy and safe shelter environment
• Ability to work independently and with others
• Willingness to work with animals of any species, breed and size without prejudice
• Work effectively and respectfully with internal and external customers, including staff, co-workers, supervisors, volunteers, clients and the general public
• Ability to act with integrity and demonstrate commitment to and passion for HSWM’s mission and values

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Perform daily cleaning of holding cages, crates and public areas; following proper disease control protocol to ensure the highest standard of cleanliness for all animals.
• Keep Animal Care Manager and Veterinary team informed of animal behavior and any health concerns.
• Stock all necessary cleaning supplies throughout the appropriate areas as needed.
• Wash and disinfect water bowls, food puzzles and toys daily.
• Communicate with the public on a regular or as needed basis in a professional manner.
• Rotate through other animal care positions as needed.
• Provide enrichment programs to shelter animals as planned.
• Walk dogs or take them out to the dog park.
• Assist other areas of the shelter, including but not limited to admitting as necessary.
• Perform animal intakes (schedule appointments; provide information regarding animal intake; strays; owner surrenders; transfers; reclaims; returns; customer service, animal assessment, vaccination).
• Medicate, vaccinate, and perform blood draws on shelter animals as needed.
• Accurately and timely entering data into ShelterLuv and maintain electronic and written records regarding animals in the HSWM’s care.
• Perform other duties as directed by the Animal Care Manager to meet the needs of the organization.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

HSWM Expectations of Employees

• Treat all animals and people humanely, with compassion, both on and off the job, and transmits these values to others
• Provide accurate information and courteous service to the public at all times
• Discretion with confidential and financial information
• Adhere to all state and local laws regarding personally owned animals

Work Environment

• May be exposed to unpleasant noises, odor and animal feces
• May be exposed to bites, scratches and zoonotic diseases

Physical Demands

• Work requires lifting and carrying animals and items that weigh up to 40 pounds. Will be assisted by other staff members with animals and items weighing over 40 pounds.
• Will be required to walk or stand for extended periods of time. Will frequently work in a bent position.

So, come join our team of enthusiastic animal welfare advocates and make a difference in your community each day!

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $12.50 per hour

Expected hours: No more than 40 per week

Benefits:

• Employee discount
• Paid time off

Schedule:

• 10 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Experience:

• professional animal handling: 1 year (Preferred)

Work Location: In person