Job Description

As the face and voice of the ARLGP to the adopting public, Adoption Counselors/Care Technicians are responsible for fostering a spirit of goodwill and trust between the public and the shelter, delivering superior customer service, maintaining clean, humane and healthy living conditions for pets in the shelter, advocating for animals in our care and in the community, educating the public about Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland services, procedures and policies, as well as basic animal care and health and behavior counseling.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

Clean and sanitize dogs' living environment following strict protocols and procedures

Clean and sanitize other work areas following strict protocols and procedures

Feed and medicate the dogs according to specific dietary and medical needs

Exercise dogs via yard time, walks, and games

Under the direction of the Behavior and Training Team, execute behavior plans for specific dogs according to their individual needs

Assist with veterinary handling as needed, including administering vaccinations and treatments

Maintain accurate animal records

Communicate with the public via email, phone calls, and in person

Thoroughly and accurately counsel members of the public about adoptable dogs

Process adoptions in an efficient and accurate manner

Work respectfully alongside volunteers

Manage potentially stressful situations in a calm and effective manner

Handle the emotionally charged nature of our work with respect to yourself and others

Maintain confidentiality when necessary

Education, Prior Work Experience, Physical Requirements

Ability and desire to work with dogs of all sizes and temperaments

Excellent communication skills and ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment

Be able to lift 50 pounds

Able to access a non-handicapped accessible building several times per day as well as climb steep stairs unassisted

Able to scoop, bend, twist, lift, squat and stand for long periods of time as part of normal job functions

Ability to find creative solutions to challenges

Ability to work in a database and to type

Outstanding customer service attitude

A team-oriented approach to work, with an ability to bring out the best in peers

Experience handling domestic animals preferred

Work Environment

Work is performed in an animal shelter. Potential for exposure to environmental factors such as temperature variations, high noise levels, zoonotic diseases, animal waste, hazardous chemicals or chemical materials requiring OSHA Material Safety Data Sheets, anesthetics, sharp objects, and potential hostile persons and/or dangerous and fractious animals.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: $17.00 per hour

Benefits:

401(k) Dental insurance Employee assistance program Employee discount Health insurance Health savings account Life insurance Paid time off Vision insurance
Work Location: In person