Animal Care Coordinator for Animal Welfare Organization

Job Description

Job Description

Position Summary
The Animal Care Coordinator is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of animal care at Foothills Humane Society, ensuring the highest standards of animal welfare, staff performance, facility cleanliness, and operational efficiency. This position supervises animal care staff, coordinates shelter workflows, implements training programs, and maintains compliance with established procedures and protocols. The Animal Care Coordinator works closely with leadership to ensure exceptional care for all animals while supporting a positive and productive work environment. Foothills Humane Society is a no-kill animal welfare organization serving Polk County and surrounding communities. Essential Duties and Responsibilities, Staff Leadership & Human Resources

• Directly supervise animal care staff and kennel personnel.
• Recruit, train, mentor, and evaluate animal care team members.
• Conduct onboarding and ongoing staff training on shelter procedures, animal handling, safety, and sanitation protocols.
• Address performance concerns and provide coaching and corrective action when necessary.
• Foster a positive, team-oriented workplace culture.
• Assist with employee relations and HR-related documentation. Scheduling & Time Management
• Create and maintain staff schedules to ensure adequate coverage.
• Monitor attendance and approve time clock adjustments as needed.
• Manage shift assignments and coordinate coverage for absences and emergencies.
• Track staffing needs and recommend hiring requirements. Animal Care Operations
• Oversee daily feeding, cleaning, enrichment, exercise, and monitoring of shelter animals.
• Ensure proper handling, housing, and care of dogs, cats, and other animals.
• Monitor animal health and communicate concerns promptly to medical staff.
• Coordinate animal movement throughout the shelter, including intake, quarantine, adoption, foster, rescue transfer, and return-to-owner processes.
• Maintain accurate records related to animal care and shelter operations. Shelter Procedures & Protocols
• Develop, implement, and enforce animal care procedures and standard operating protocols.
• Ensure compliance with shelter policies, safety standards, and animal welfare best practices.
• Train staff on disease prevention, sanitation, animal behavior, and emergency procedures.
• Evaluate operational workflows and recommend improvements. Facility Maintenance & Cleanliness
• Oversee daily shelter cleaning and sanitation operations.
• Ensure kennels, cat rooms, common areas, and outdoor spaces are maintained to high standards.
• Coordinate routine facility maintenance and communicate repair needs.
• Monitor equipment condition and arrange repairs or replacements as necessary. Inventory & Purchasing
• Maintain inventory of food, cleaning supplies, medical supplies, and shelter equipment.
• Order supplies in a timely and cost-effective manner.
• Track inventory usage and maintain accurate records.
• Work within budget guidelines and identify opportunities for cost savings. Animal Flow & Capacity Management
• Coordinate intake and outcome planning to maximize shelter capacity and animal welfare.
• Work collaboratively with adoption, foster, rescue, and medical teams to ensure efficient animal movement.
• Monitor shelter population and recommend strategies to reduce overcrowding. Qualifications
• Previous supervisory or management experience required.
• Experience working in an animal shelter, veterinary clinic, boarding facility, rescue organization, or related animal care environment preferred.
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge of animal behavior, handling, and welfare principles.
• Experience with scheduling, inventory management, and staff development.
• Proficiency with computer systems and recordkeeping.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and perform physically demanding tasks.
• Must be comfortable working with animals of varying sizes, temperaments, and medical conditions. Preferred Qualifications
• Animal welfare or shelter management experience.
• Training in animal behavior, fear-free handling, or shelter operations.
• Experience with shelter software and operational reporting.
• HR, personnel management, or leadership training. Benefits
• Opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of homeless animals and the community.
• Collaborative and mission-driven work environment.
• Professional development and training opportunities.

Employment Type

Full-time