Animal Relocation & Transfer Specialist

East Bay SPCA (EBSPCA) is a 501(c)3 non-profit committed to the welfare of dogs and cats in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties. We strive to eliminate animal cruelty, neglect, and overpopulation by providing programs and education that support people and companion animals. EBSPCA is one of the nation’s oldest humane organizations, in operation since 1874, and receives no funding from any national organizations. You can find more information about EBSPCA on our website at www.eastbayspca.org.

The Animal Relocation & Transfer Specialist (ARTS) is responsible for maintaining, and cultivating, positive and synergistic relationships with our municipal, rescue, and animal shelter partners. Animals transferred to EBSPCA from partner shelters account for a majority of our organization’s adoptable animals. Through prompt communication with partner shelters, the ARTS is responsible for coordinating the transfer of cats and dogs into EBSPCA’s adoption program. As a primary representative of EBPSCA to partners, the ARTS exudes professionalism and empathy in their interactions. The ARTS makes strategic intake decisions to ensure EBSPCA is helping the most animals possible while not exceeding our capacity for care. The ARTS maintains relationships and efforts to seek placement for animals not suitable for placement through the EBSPCA adoption program.

Category: Full-time; Non-exempt

Location: Primary location in Oakland. Travel by vehicle required.

Reports to: Shelter Operations Director

Benefits: East Bay SPCA offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the wellbeing and future of our employees. Medical and dental benefits are fully covered, along with optional vision coverage. Employees can plan for their future with a 401(K) Retirement Plan featuring a 3% company contribution, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program. The company also provides generous paid time off, starting at 120 hours per year, increasing to 160 hours after 5 years, and 200 hours after 10 years, plus 8 paid holiday hours annually and an additional personal holiday after one year. Employees enjoy extra perks such as the Pets at Work Program, waived pet adoption fees, discounted veterinary care, behavior and training classes, up to $75/month public transit/vanpool commuter reimbursement, and various industry discounts, including Pet Food Express. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Proactively collaborates with outside partners to identify suitable East Bay SPCA adoption candidates to transfer into EBSPCA’s adoption program.
• Represents East Bay SPCA in a professional and welcoming manner with source and partner shelters, municipalities, and rescues.
• Responds to regular transfer and emergency rescue pleas from partners, adjusting transfer schedules as needed, to balance East Bay SPCA’s capacity and provide relief.
• Communicates in real time with Shelter Supervisor, and Shelter Operations Director and other key East Bay SPCA staff members about the status of transfer animals.
• Perform physical exams and behaviors evaluations for animals, including but not limited to: administering vaccines, treatments, medications, and performing antibody/antigen tests as needed.
• Driving a designated vehicle, transfer and transport animals between all East Bay SPCA campuses and offsite partner locations.
• Observes and documents dog and cat behavior and health; reports concerns to appropriate staff.
• Obtains and maintains accurate and timely documentation for transferred animals, including but not limited to: medical assessments, behavior evaluations, veterinary treatments, and relevant history.
• Responsible for daily animal inventory checks as it relates to capacity for care.
• Initiate and maintain animal records (paper and electronic) in an organized, systematic manner using shelter database software. Respond to partner requests for animal records.
• In cooperation with volunteer services, facilitate training for new animal transfer and data entry volunteers, provide feedback, support and nurture a rewarding volunteer experience.
• Trains designated animal care staff to assist with transfers.
• Report any safety or performance issues with volunteers to supervisory staff and enforce agreements as instructed by volunteer and shelter management.
• Maintain well-organized, properly stocked, and clean, transfer bins and East Bay SPCA vehicles; disinfect vehicles and refuel as needed.
• Creates transfer reports and provides program metrics as requested.
• Maintain the list of partner shelters and update contact information as needed.
• In cooperation with Customer Care staff and Lead(s), may respond to and assist with owner surrender requests and evaluations.
• As part of the shelter team, performs routine, daily, animal husbandry (diet prep, feeding, cleaning, housebreaking) for all shelter animals.
• Maintain regular and predictable attendance and punctuality.
• Coordinates alternate placements and travel logistics for East Bay SPCA animals as needed.
• Responsible for opening or closing the shelter as needed.
• Assists with other duties as needed.

Qualifications

• Advanced animal care knowledge of domestic animals including breeds, behavior, appropriate care and housing, common health problems, disease symptoms, and handling techniques.
• Demonstrated expertise in evaluating and interpreting canine and feline behavior.
• Minimum two years’ experience working in an animal shelter or veterinary clinic is highly desirable.
• Experience with science-based dog or cat training is advantageous.
• Proven organizational skills and effective, clear, communication.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and engaging coaching style. 
• Ability to think critically, multi-task, inspire, and succeed in a fast paced, emotionally charged, environment with a positive attitude while fostering empathy with coworkers, volunteers, customers, and partners.
• Reliable transportation, a valid CA driver’s license, evidence of insurability, and the ability to drive a cargo van are required.
• Treats all animals humanely, with compassion and concern, both on and off the job, and transmits these values to others.
• Proven ability to work independently while maintaining productivity.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications; familiarity with Shelter Buddy shelter software program desired.
• Bilingual in Spanish is advantageous.
• Pre-employment background check and drug screening clearance required.
• High school graduate or equivalent.

Working Conditions

• Work is primarily performed in animal shelter environments with exposure to detergents, cleaning products, wet and humid environments, and seasonal outdoor conditions.
• Frequent driving of vehicles, medium and large, long distances, for prolonged periods of time.
• Must be competent handling dogs and cats of all sizes, ages, and temperaments. Requires the ability to leash, walk, and maintain control over large and extra-large dogs, which can include dogs 90 pounds and over.
• Weekend work required; must be available to work evenings, holidays, and occasional overtime as needed.
• Animal contacts and related injuries, including bites and scratches, may occur. Will frequently handle sick and/or injured animals. May handle deceased animals.
• Noise exposure varies and often includes uncontrolled barking and other animal vocalizations in outdoor and enclosed spaces.
• Animal waste contact, smells, and visual exposure are prevalent.
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds on a frequent basis and occasionally lift, push and/or pull, up to 75 pounds.
• Frequent standing, walking, typing, bending, twisting, crouching, kneeling, stooping, and sitting.
• May occasionally assist with emergency animal evacuation situations, driving near evacuation zones.
• Will need to transfer animals between all East Bay SPCA campuses and offsite locations (fleet vehicle provided or mileage reimbursement if using personal vehicle).

Salary : $26 - $29