What are the responsibilities and job description for the Animal Care Specialist position at Bellwether Harbor Animal Shelter?
Animal Care Specialist
Bellwether Harbor Animal Shelter
Bellwether Harbor Animal Shelter is seeking a compassionate and dedicated Animal Care Specialist (ACS) to join our team. The ACS plays a vital role in the daily care of our animals, ensuring they are healthy, safe, and enriched while waiting for their forever homes.
This position involves daily cleaning, feeding, and enrichment for animals in our care, as well as assisting with medical procedures under the direction of the Shelter Manager (SM). The ACS helps with shelter events and fundraisers, provides socialization and exercise for dogs and cats. Also, supporting the overall mission and vision of Bellwether Harbor Animal Shelter.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide daily care to shelter animals, including feeding, watering, cleaning, enrichment, and exercise.
- Support the human–animal bond by keeping the animals’ wellbeing at the forefront of all duties.
- Assist with basic medical procedures, medication distribution, and accurate record-keeping under the SM’s supervision.
- Keep all animal housing areas, outdoor spaces, and support areas clean, organized, and safe according to shelter and MDARD standards.
- Work collaboratively with fellow staff and volunteers to ensure consistent animal care and smooth shelter operations.
- Assist the public with animal inquiries, providing excellent customer service and referring to appropriate staff when necessary.
- Participate in staff meetings, training sessions, and educational opportunities as requested.
- Report safety concerns, equipment needs, or animal health/behavioral issues promptly to the Shelter Manager.
- Actively engage in animal socialization and training to improve adoptability.
- Represent Bellwether Harbor’s mission and values in all interactions with the public, volunteers, and staff.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
- Must be at least 18 years old.
- Able to lift a minimum of 50 lbs. and work on your feet for extended periods.
- Reliable transportation required.
- Prior animal care experience preferred but not required—we will train the right candidate.
Job Details:
- Job Type: Part-time
- Schedule: Position averages 16–35 hours per week, including weekends and some holidays. Thursdays may include split shifts (8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.). Fridays may involve full 8-hour shifts. Flexibility to cover additional shifts as needed is required.
- Shifts: Morning, evening, 4-hour, or 8-hour shifts.
Work Location: In person
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: From $12.48 per hour
Expected hours: 16 – 35 per week
Work Location: In person
Salary : $12