Temporary Foster Program Specialist

The Temporary Foster Program Specialist will be exposed to all aspects of operations within a progressive, open admissions municipal animal shelter. The incumbent will participate in lifesaving missions, collaborative planning, customer service and more. The chosen candidate will assist in the further growth of a robust foster program that saw 64% of shelter animals go into foster homes in 2025.

This job description is illustrative only and is not a comprehensive listing of all job functions performed. The following are essential duties for this position, performed with or without reasonable accommodation:

Matches animals with prospective foster families

Gathers supplies and medications for fosters

Creates twice weekly foster pleas featuring animals most in need of foster homes

Creates weekly social media features for animals in foster homes

Ensures animals in foster are current on vaccinations and preventative medications

Assists in the presentation of Foster Training Series programs

Provides adoption counseling to members of the public

Assists front desk and animal care technicians with foster related tasks as needed

High School Diploma /Ged or knowledge, skills and ability to perform the duties of the position.

Knowledge in animal welfare and willingness to learn safe, effective handling of all species in a shelter environment.
Performs duties both indoors and out of doors in varied weather conditions and is exposed to hazards associated with the handling of frightened, vicious, and/or diseased animals. Incumbent must be able to handle live animals that may be on a leash, in a crate or need to be physically lifted up. Incumbent is subject to exposure to animals that may be aggressive or in poor health condition.


 Incumbent works closely with Animal Care Technician and the Shelter Manager. Will also work with members of the public and needs the ability to communicate in a tactful, effective manner in stressful situations of potential conflict.