Animal Care Specialist - Enrichment

Job Description Summary

The Animal Care Specialist – E is dedicated to promoting the well-being of shelter residents by designing and implementing enrichment programs that encourage natural behaviors, reduce stress, support physical and emotional health, and improve adoptability. This role works collaboratively with multiple teams across the organization to ensure residents receive consistent mental and behavioral stimulation, enhancing their overall quality of life while in the shelter.

Main Responsibilities/Functions

• Develop and implement daily enrichment plans to support resident welfare, to promote natural behaviors, reduce stress and improve adoptability.
• Identify residents who may benefit from behavioral support and communicate observations to management for follow-up.
• Partner with veterinary and resident care teams to ensure enrichment plans are safe, effective, and tailored for residents with medical or behavioral considerations.
• Monitor and document animal behavior, adjusting enrichment strategies as needed.
• Maintain enrichment supplies.
• Establish, train and lead a volunteer enrichment team, providing ongoing guidance and supervision.
• Engage in animal socialization, including walking dogs, playing with cats, and facilitating positive interactions.
• Act as a resource for staff and volunteers regarding enrichment, adoption procedures, and animal updates.
• Provide feedback and data to leadership on enrichment, adoption trends, and program outcomes.

Qualifications/Skills

• Previous experience working with animals in a shelter, rescue, or similar environment preferred.
• Strong understanding of animal behavior, welfare standards, enrichment principles, and positive reinforcement techniques.
• Experience developing and implementing enrichment programs for dogs, cats, and small animals, demonstrating creativity and resourcefulness.
• Comfortable handling cats and dogs of all breeds and sizes safely and compassionately.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and teamwork skills, including the ability to match adopters with residents based on behavior and lifestyle considerations.
• Experience coordinating, training, and supervising volunteers.
• Proficient in computer systems and data entry, including Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Strong observational and organizational skills, with attention to detail for resident records, behavioral tracking, and adopter follow-up.
• Able to lift a minimum of 25 pounds and work on your feet for extended periods.
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule, including weekends and holidays as needed.
• Possess a valid California driver’s license.

Competencies

• Attendance & Reliability: Maintains consistent and punctual attendance. Follows instructions accurately and responds positively to management guidance. Delivers high-quality work in a timely manner, honors commitments, manages time effectively, and takes ownership of responsibilities.
• Customer Service: Demonstrates respectful, courteous, and empathetic interactions with both internal and external customers. Anticipates needs, listens attentively, and responds promptly to concerns. Navigates emotionally sensitive situations with professionalism and care. Actively seeks opportunities to enhance service delivery and fosters a culture of respect, inclusion, and open communication.
• Diversity & Inclusion: Collaborates respectfully and productively with individuals of all backgrounds, embracing and valuing diversity in race, gender, age, culture, and experience. Recognizes and appreciates the contributions of team members from all walks of life.
• Ethics & Integrity: Maintains confidentiality and demonstrates honesty in all professional interactions. Acts in accordance with organizational values, avoiding conflicts of interest and inappropriate conduct. Represents the organization with integrity, transparency, and accountability.
• Teamwork & Collaboration: Engages constructively with colleagues, actively listens, and responds with thoughtful feedback. Offers support and shares expertise willingly. Acknowledges and values the contributions of others, prioritizes team goals over individual interests, and fosters a positive and cooperative work environment.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

• This position requires the ability to perform essential physical tasks, including but not limited to standing, walking, sitting, speaking, and hearing. Must be able to bend, squat, kneel, stoop, reach overhead, and perform repetitive hand and finger motions, such as typing or operating a computer.
• Must have the ability to lift, push, or pull up to 50 pounds on a regular basis, including restraining animals and handling food or supply items.
• The role involves frequent movement of the neck and torso, including bending, twisting, and reaching.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.
• Work is performed in an office setting located within an animal shelter environment. The individual must be comfortable working in conditions that may include loud noise, such as barking, and exposure to animals of various species, sizes, and temperaments.

Culture of Philanthropy & Event Participation

At the Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center, we embrace a culture of philanthropy—where every team member, regardless of role, plays a part in advancing our mission. All employees are expected to support this spirit by positively representing our work, participating in fundraising efforts, and helping foster meaningful relationships with our supporters.

Participation in our two major fundraising events—Walk with the Animals and Barktoberfest—is a companywide expectation. These events are crucial to funding our lifesaving work, and we count on every staff member’s support. All employees, regardless of position, are expected to contribute their time and talents unless alternate arrangements are made in advance with their supervisor.

As part of our ongoing commitment to creating a culture of philanthropy, all staff members are expected to actively contribute to the organization’s fundraising efforts. This may include soliciting donations, participating in fundraising events, and helping promote initiatives that support our mission. Staff will have the opportunity to be recognized for their involvement in key fundraising activities. We encourage all employees to engage in these efforts and work together to advance the success of our programs.

Other

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
The Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

Job Description Disclaimer
This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the position and is not an exhaustive list of skills, efforts, duties, responsibilities, or working conditions associated with it. Duties may change at any time with or without notice as business needs evolve.

Animal Welfare Work Environment
This position may involve direct contact with animals of varying temperaments and medical conditions. Employees must be comfortable working in an environment where humane euthanasia may occur and where exposure to pet dander, waste, cleaning agents, and zoonotic diseases is possible. Physical requirements may include lifting up to 50 pounds, standing for extended periods, and handling animals safely and compassionately.

All employees are expected to support the mission, vision, and values of the Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center, including a commitment to animal welfare, lifesaving work, and community engagement. A deep sense of compassion, emotional resilience, and a team-oriented mindset are essential to success in this role.

Pay: $17.00 - $21.00 per hour

Work Location: In person

Salary : $17 - $21