Animal Rescue Specialist

Required Qualifications: High School Diploma or GED required. Valid Driver’s License required.6 months of previous animal handling and/or customer service experience required. Must have basic computer skills. Must be able to lift at least 50 lbs.

Essential Job Functions: Handle various species of animals using low stress handling techniques, including; companion animals, native wildlife, exotic pets, and occasional farm animals while ensuring that animals are provided with a comfortable, safe transport from the field back to the shelter; or to the field for release. Using excellent time-management, prioritize and respond to various assignments for animal rescues within the 5 boroughs of New York City. Oversee routine maintenance of the transport van which may include bringing the van to and from scheduled appointments.

Other Responsibilities: Maintain a clean vehicle, disinfect cages, and equipment according to ACC policy and procedures. Maintain a clean driving record and practice safe driving habits. Work cooperatively with various ACC departments, programs, volunteers and external partners. Deliver compassionate and professional client service in emotional and stressful situations, provide appropriate onsite counseling, advice and direction for further follow up, and accurate information and representation of ACC as an organization. Be a proactive resource to the community, promoting ACC services and information aimed at adoption, surrender prevention, free vaccine clinics, food bank, low cost and free spay/neuter, and TNR (Trap, Neuter, Return).Gather extensive detail from various point people involved in any response; may include members of the public, partnering organizations, and internal stakeholders. Act as an ambassador for the organization in the community. Conduct data entry for animal intakes including creating comprehensive animal profiles and detailed reports, providing as much information as possible for pathway planning and delivery of services. Fear Free certification within 30 days of hire. Complete other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Preferred Qualifications: Previous professional driving experience is preferred. Ability to excel in a fast-paced, often high stress environment. Must be forward thinking and anticipate challenges, responding to them quickly and completely. Is an expert communicator, a people person, and a team player. Is organized, detail oriented, able to maintain composure when faced with emotional situations including medically and behaviorally compromised animals. At ACC it's all hands-on deck. We work together as a team, which means you may be asked to help with tasks that involve working outside in all sorts of weather. As a busy animal shelter in one of the biggest cities in the world it can get noisy inside. Employees should have the ability to remain calm yet professional in stressful situations involving animals and/or members of the public. ACC houses hundreds of animals in its facilities at any given time and with that comes fur, odors and other airborne particles in abundance. ACC offers many low-cost services to pets and people in need. This includes compassionate end-of-life services for people who cannot afford to go to a private veterinary office but still want to provide a professional and peaceful transition for their beloved pet.

Reports To: Field Services Manager

Overtime: This is a union position and is eligible for overtime.