About Whatcom Humane Society

The Whatcom Humane Society has always been and will always remain, an open-admission shelter. This means that we accept any animal in need regardless of the animals’ age, temperament, breed, medical conditions, physical conditions or the amount of space available in our shelter facilities.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Ensure that humane care and proper attention is provided for all domestic animals in the Society’s care.
2. Provide professional and positive leadership to animal care personnel and supervise staff to ensure efficient and smooth daily operations within department.
3. Oversee general administration of animal care department, establish priorities, standard operations using industry best practices and assist with daily activities of department when needed which may include:
4. Clean, disinfect and maintain various animal quarters and accompanying areas in sanitary condition.
5. Vaccinate, feed and monitor animals daily as to their health and well-being.
6. Collaboratively work with staff veterinarian to provide special care when advised of animals requiring medication, treatment, and/or other special needs.
7. Provide support and leadership to lead animal care staff to provide timely behavior and temperament evaluations for animals while in the shelter and prior to their placement in the adoption kennels, transfer to outside rescue partner agencies or euthanasia.
8. Participate in the humane euthanasia of animals in accordance with Society policies and Washington law. Schedule and select animal care personnel for euthanasia certification and assist with training. Responsible for keeping euthanasia drug inventory control and records in compliance as required by Society policies and Washington law.
9. Work collaboratively with foster care coordinator to establish a standard of care for all animals placed into WHS foster homes.
10. Liaison with other departments respectfully and effectively in order to improve animal care operations and support over the WHS mission. Foster a positive, team environment with all members of the organization to accomplish department and organizational goals and objectives.
11. Screen and counsel potential adopters in accordance with the Society’s adoption policies.
12. Maintain domestic shelter facilities in a safe, professional, clean, orderly and good working condition. Communicate facility and equipment maintenance issues and needs to shelter services supervisor.
13. Conduct regular rounds with staff veterinarian and lead animal care staff to assess the well-being of animals in care.
14. Manage screening and hiring of new animal care department employees and provide direct supervision, scheduling and daily oversight for all animal care department staff. Ensure all animal care staff are fully trained to fulfill the requirements of their job.
15. Support animal enrichment, training and stress reduction programs for all domestic animals to ensure their short and long term needs are met. Work collaboratively with other staff and volunteers to further develop enrichment and behavior programs to benefit animals in care.
16. Maintain open lines of communication including holding regular department meetings.
17. Ensure a safe work environment, following all safety guidelines. Serve on WHS safety committee.  
18. Work collaboratively and respectfully with other department managers and supervisors.
19. Work on special projects as requested.
20. Ensure that a positive approach and attitude is prevalent in dealing with animals, the public, staff and volunteers.
21. Other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

1. High School Graduate or Equivalent with minimum of five years proven, professional experience in animal welfare, non-profit and/or veterinary clinic field.
2. Minimum of three years supervisory experience, working with a diverse staff, preferably in the animal welfare/veterinary or non-profit field.
3. A strong belief in the welfare and humane treatment of all animals and WHS’ mission, open-admission sheltering philosophy, scope of services and activities.
4. Proven working knowledge of a wide variety of domestic animals and basic knowledge of farm animals and wildlife. Basic understanding of animal behavior with focus on positive, reward based training. Strong domestic animal handling skills and knowledge of companion animal behavior and care. Fear Free Shelter certified or ability to become certified within 60 days of hire.
5. A record of good judgment/decision making skills, strong conflict resolution skills and the ability to remain positive and mission focused while under stress.
6. Ability to work well and communicate in a positive manner with co-workers, members of the public, volunteers and community partners.
7. Valid driver’s license and good driving record.
8. Able to pass criminal background check. 
9. Ability to lift 50lbs, bend, twist, kneel and work on your feet for long periods of time.
10. Excellent written, verbal and computer skills.
11. Ability to organize, prioritize and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
12. Ability to keep information confidential.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Proven supervisory experience working with animal shelter staff and volunteers.
2. Ability to perform humane euthanasia and pass all training and certifications required by WHS, the State of Washington and the DEA in the use of Sodium Pentobarbital. Required within 3 months of hire.
3. Knowledge of animal sheltering/care best practices.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

1. Must work irregular hours, shifts, weekends, holidays.
2. Be physically and mentally able to deal with unruly, vicious, and dangerous animals humanely.
3. Able to deal with a hostile public, a fast paced work load that at times can be stressful.
4. Ability to deal with strenuous physical activity and the emotional drain of the job.
5. Exposure to parasites and infectious diseases.

COMPENSATION:
$24.00 per hour – $32.00 per hour DOE.  Benefits include medical, dental, vision plans – generous paid vacation, sick, holiday pay – retirement plan (403b) with employee matching option. Employee Assistance Program.

TO APPLY:
Send cover letter and resume to:
Whatcom Humane Society
2172 Division Street, Bellingham, WA 98226
Attn: Laura Clark, executive director
Email: director@whatcomhumane.org
Fax: (360)733-4746  NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE.

WHS is an equal opportunity employer.  Please Note: we use E-verify – www.dhs.gov/e-verify

Animal Tales is a regular column in the Bellingham Herald written by Whatcom Humane Society Executive Director, Laura Clark.

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