Animal Care Lead

Job Description

Job Description

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Employee discounts
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave

Are you passionate about animal welfare and ready to lead a team dedicated to providing exceptional care? Humane Fort Wayne is seeking an Animal Care Lead to oversee the daily operations of our Animal Care team. This hands-on leadership role ensures every animal receives outstanding care while supporting staff, volunteers, and adopters in a collaborative, mission-driven environment.

What You'll Do

Lead Daily Animal Care

• Supervise and support the Animal Care team, ensuring high-quality care for every shelter animal.
• Assign daily tasks and adjust priorities based on shelter needs.
• Monitor animal health, behavior, enrichment, and quality of life.
• Ensure kennels and animal spaces remain clean, safe, and welcoming.

Support Animal Welfare

• Assist with admissions, transfers, foster placements, adoptions, and housing assignments.
• Participate in enrichment activities, behavior observations, and canine playgroups.
• Identify medical or behavioral concerns and communicate with shelter leadership and medical staff.

Coach & Develop Staff

• Provide daily coaching, mentorship, and training to Animal Care team members.
• Promote teamwork, accountability, and a positive workplace culture.
• Help onboard new employees and provide ongoing performance feedback.

Shelter Operations

• Maintain accurate documentation and animal records.
• Assist with scheduling, inventory management, and operational projects.
• Ensure compliance with shelter policies, safety standards, and animal welfare best practices.
• Serve as a positive ambassador for Humane Fort Wayne with adopters, volunteers, and community partners.

What You Bring

• At least two years of experience in an animal shelter, humane society, or similar animal welfare organization.
• Leadership or supervisory experience with a passion for coaching others.
• Strong knowledge of animal behavior, husbandry, and humane handling practices.
• Excellent communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment while maintaining compassion for both people and animals.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, and lift up to 50 pounds throughout the day.
• Comfortable working in all weather conditions and an active shelter environment.

Why Join Humane Fort Wayne?

As an Animal Care Lead, you'll play a key role in shaping the daily lives of shelter animals while mentoring a dedicated team that shares your commitment to compassionate care. If you're ready to lead by example and make a lasting impact, we'd love to hear from you!