Specialist, Lifesaving & Care

Job Summary

Required Qualifications

• •Must have a valid driver's license and qualify for BFAS insurance
• •Must be willing to work weekends and holidays
• •Must be able to perform strenuous and repetitive physical activity on a daily basis including but not limited to: shoveling, mucking, poop scooping, lifting, carrying, reaching, stooping, squatting, bending, walking, climbing up and down ladders, and climbing into and out of vehicles
• •Must be able to routinely lift 80 – 100 pounds
• •Must be able to work outdoors in all weather conditions, with temperatures ranging from below freezing to 100+ degrees
• •Must be able to work around allergens like hay, dust, and animals
• •Must be able to effectively manage individual responsibilities
• •Must be able to demonstrate sensitivity to the thoughts, feelings and perspectives of others
• •Must be able to create and encourage a positive work environment
• •Must be able to exhibit emotional resilience, adaptability, and professionalism in challenging or high-pressure situations
• •Must be able to demonstrate personal accountability to ensure that all responsibilities are completed effectively and in a timely manner
• •Must be able to accurately, appropriately, clearly and concisely communicate in written and verbal forms
• •Must be able to demonstrate strong listening skills
• •Must be able to professionally advocate Best Friends Animal Society's and Horse Haven's positions on issues
• •Must be able to support a 'volunteers-first' team giving every volunteer the opportunity to maximize their skills and value towards Best Friends' lifesaving activities
• •Must be able to inspire visitors to continue the work in their communities
• •Must be able to provide for the safety and hands-on training of volunteers, both individuals and groups, including orienting them to the assigned area and tasks
• •Must be able to answer questions as needed
• •Must be able to greet and conduct tours
• •Must be able to speak about specific animals, the work of Horse Haven and the sanctuary
• •Must be able to assist visitors with their needs
• •Must be able to work alongside and support interns, workshop attendees, and other categories of visitors
• •Must be able to provide basic and routine care for animals per department guidelines which includes, but not limited to feeding, watering, transporting, and light grooming
• •Must be able to support animals with medical issues, which may include zoonotic disease, by medicating, treating, preparing special diets, observing and reporting, and assisting in the maintenance of required veterinary records
• •Must be able to provide socialization, enrichment, and exercise for animals as outlined by leadership
• •Must be able to work with animals that may be considered challenging or dangerous
• •Must be able to identify behavioral issues and share observations with team members and leaders
• •Must be able to follow behavior or training plans as developed for the department or specific animals
• •Must be able to clean and restock work areas and preserve the physical appearance of buildings and grounds
• •Must be able to provide superior customer service relating to all visitors, adopters, fosters and transfer partners in a friendly, informative and professional manner
• •Must be able to assist with all aspects of the adoption process
• •Must be able to regularly update animal photos and bios
• •Must be able to provide feedback and support for outcome plans
• •Must be able to support lifesaving objectives throughout the department
• •Must be able to serve as a Sanctuary ambassador, representing Best Friends' work to visitors and volunteers
• •Must be able to speak to the Sanctuary's special role in Best Friends' no-kill goals
• •Must be able to work collaboratively as part of a team
• •Must be able to demonstrate approachability when dealing with the general public
• •Must be able to interact with the general public (customer service)
• •Must be able to solve problems with a focus on finding solutions
• •Must be able to work outdoors in all weather conditions
• •Must be able to work around allergens like hay, dust, and animals
• •Must be able to operate a variety of vehicles (manual and automatic) and pull a trailer
• •Must be able to have basic computer experience (Microsoft Word, Gmail, etc.)

Desired Qualifications

• •Previous experience with equines, potbellied pigs, goats, and sheep
• •Previous experience working with equines with natural horsemanship techniques
• •Experience in interacting with the general public (customer service)
• •Basic computer experience (Microsoft Word, Gmail, etc.)
• •Experience operating a variety of vehicles (manual and automatic) and pulling a trailer