Class: Non-Exempt - Full Time                                                                  

September 2024                                                                   

Location: Merriam                                                                            

Reports to: Director of Animal Behavior and Foster and Hero Program Manager

Pay Range: $17 to $22

Great Plains SPCA located in Merriam, KS is the highest rated shelter in the Kansas City area; a platinum rated GuideStar charity that serves 4,000 animals annually. We are a results driven organization built on resiliency, compassion, inclusion, and accountability.

Summary: This full time, hourly position will provide all animals in Great Plains SPCA care with conscientious and compassionate care, meeting our animal’s behavioral needs, while also working with the public to aid and care to animals in need around the Kansas City area. The Outreach Dog walkers provide enrichment walks in the field to HERO Client-owned animals. You will be responsible for containing HERO-owned dogs while leashing and unleashing them for walks. The expectation is to keep clients' privacy disclosed and animals safe. Help with creating weather appropriate enrichment. Restocking and organizing garage and van shelving to ensure tidiness.

Key Responsibilities and Competencies

• Manage and monitor behavioral health of animals and rapidly identify any issues that may require special action to Behavior Leadership team. Report any medical concerns to Shelter Medical Team.
• Compassionate and focused animal handling skills for cats and/or dogs and occasional other animals of all sizes, ages, temperaments and needs safely and appropriately.
• Partner with Shelter Operations including Shelter Medicine and Foster on best ways to find Foster for Behavioral animals.
• Provide in field owned pet enrichment and walks. 
• Maintain and keep records of HERO program recipients.
• Assist in the planning of community events.  
• Support with Trap, Neuter, Release efforts and clinics.
• Communicate community pet concerns and escalate urgent needs to the HERO program manager.  
• Build and maintain collaborative working partnerships with other outreach and community orgs and leaders.
• Maintain excellent knowledge of all shelter standard medical procedures, vaccines, preventatives, and common diseases and their symptoms, transmission, prevention.
• Ensure all animals are clearly and consistently marked with accurate, up-to-date, easy to read information and oversee strategic placement for animals to minimize stress.
• Work with and supervise staff and volunteers appropriately to provide animals and humans with a safe, clean, organized, and pleasant experience.
• Perform behaviorevaluations and participate in playgroups and animal introductions.
• Use PetPoint and employee communication systems to keep accurate animal inventory, write animal behaviorand other memos, submit medical exam requests, place holds on animals, and keep current of all staff communication.
• Fully supports in action, language, behavior, and performance the priorities, decisions, of GPSPCA, the Hero team, and the Behaviorteam.
• Key Competencies- Integrity, Flexibility, Problem Solving, Reliability, and Resilience

Experience Requirements

• High school or GED
• Previous advanced experience working with and handling of animals
• Previous experience working in a fast-paced environment is preferred
• Previous experience with computer functions and programs such as Internet and web-based programs, Microsoft Office Suite of Programs
• Frequent standing, walking, bending, lifting, stooping, carrying, and reaching
• Prefer strong canine and feline behaviorbackground
• Possess a valid Driver’s License and clean driving record
• Effective communication skills
• Empathy toward people and communities in need
• Spanish speaking or bilingual skills preferred
• Ability to work weekends and to work holidays as needed.

Work Conditions

• Must be able to work weekends, some holidays, and have a flexible schedule
• Must be comfortable working with dogs and cats of all ages and temperaments.
• Maturity, good judgment, professionalism, and ability to work as a team
• Ability to remain calm and empathetic in stressful situations
• Working outdoors in the elements, hydrate yourself, and dress appropriately
• Handle and restrain animals weighing up to 100 lbs.
• Lift 50 lbs. to waist height
• Frequent standing, walking, bending, lifting, stooping, carrying, and reaching
• Potential exposure to zoonotic diseases, dangerous and fractious animals, and high noise level

At Will Employment

There is no minimum period of employment guaranteed or implied by acceptance of an employment offer. It is the policy of Great Plains SPCA that employment is at will, which means that the employment is for no specific term and that employment may be terminated by the employee or Great Plains SPCA at any time without cause.

Great Plains is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, disability, or for any basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We assure you that your opportunity for employment with Great Plains SPCA depends solely on your qualifications.

Note: This position description is not intended to be all-inclusive. You may be required to perform other related duties within your skill set as negotiated and/or directed to meet the ongoing needs of your department and the organization.

Great Plains SPCA proudly has a live release rate of 98% as a part of the no-kill shelter movement.

GPSPCA offers a competitive benefits package including health, dental and vision insurance, generous PTO, plus 9 paid Holidays, 100% employer covered mental health, disability benefits, life insurance, 403(b), discounts on veterinary care and retail store items, plus an engaging workplace where our team and animals are our top priority.

Great Plains is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, disability, or for any basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We assure you that your opportunity for employment with Great Plains SPCA depends solely on your qualifications.

OMNI and our clients are Equal Opportunity Employers and seek diversity in candidates for employment. EEO Employer W/M/Vet/Disabled/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity.