Animal Transfer Specialist - Hawaiian Humane Society

JOB/POSITION TITLE: Animal Transfer Specialist

STATUS: Non-Exempt

PRIMARY PURPOSE: The Animal Transfer Specialist is responsible for the transfer of animals in and out of Hawaiian Humane care on Oahu, neighbor islands and out-of-state to increase lifesaving measures and pathways for animals in Hawaiian Humane care. Performs animal evaluations in collaboration with the Admissions team. Oversees and coordinates volunteers in support of the Transfer Program and in alignment with Hawaiian Humane goals.

Reports To: Senior Manager of Animal Experience

Supervises: Volunteers

ESSENTIAL DUTIES/FUNCTIONS:

• People Care. Ensuring internal and external patrons (employees, volunteers, Hawaiian Humane partners and community members) and their needs are a primary focus. Communication and contact must be clear, understandable, cooperative, professional and respectful in all circumstances and will occur through face to face, telephone, and electronic mail. Employees are expected to actively support a positive team environment, directly address conflict with the goal of problem solving and appropriately express concerns. This position interacts with and collaborates with employees and volunteers at all levels of the organization.
• Animal Transfer & Care. Coordinates the transfer of animals in and out of Hawaiian Humane's care on Oahu to neighbor islands and out-of-state to other approved organizations or individual adopters. Handle, restrain, and move animals per Hawaiian Humane best practices. This includes coordination and movement to address contagion concerns. Perform basic behavior and health evaluation to determine pathway of animal. Administer vaccinations and preventative medications. Clean and sanitize evaluation areas and vehicles. Perform euthanasia and related tasks.
• Transfer Program Development, Leadership and Partnerships. Responsible for the coordination and oversight of the transfer program, movement and placement of animals. This includes identifying and selecting transfer candidates, scheduling and managing all animal transfers and working with internal and external partners professionally and collaboratively. Oversees and reports on key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics of the program and works to problem solve or maximize opportunities in the community. In partnership with leadership, evaluates the transfer program's impact internally and externally, working with the broader Hawaiian Humane team to ensure best outcomes for animals.
• Volunteer Management and Cultivation. In partnership with Volunteer Services, build and nurture a team of dedicated enrichment volunteers. Support and work closely with volunteers to ensure industry best practices are utilized in the enrichment of the animals. Effectively develop, lead, and retain volunteers to support all behavior programs and services. Prepare and maintain volunteer schedules for adequate daily volunteer coverage within enrichment programs and initiatives.
• Personal and Professional Development. Keep abreast of animal behavior and training trends especially as it applies to the sheltering environment. Work with their supervisor and peers to create and innovate best practices and together with the team develop the future state of the behavior department at Hawaiian Humane.
• Organizational Support. Participate in meetings, sharing and implementing program and organizational improvements. Collaborate with colleagues to balance competing priorities, create organizational alignment, support strategic planning, execute upon organizational initiatives, and ensure alignment with core values, vision, and mission. Participate in inter-departmental meetings and discussions to support and develop initiatives.

OTHER DUTIES/FUNCTIONS:

• Operations Support. Works with other departments within the organization to problem solve and manage challenges effectively and with people care at the forefront.
• Vehicle Maintenance. Responsible for vehicle and equipment cleaning, disinfecting and restocking according to HHS established procedures. Ensures vehicle inspections are being completed and gas receipts are submitted.
• On-site Support. Cross-trained to assist with on-site relevant needs and animal care duties. Communicates effectively with on-site programs related to transfer. Ensures on-site and off-site programs are working together and effectively to fulfil organization needs.
• Other Duties as Assigned. May include organization-wide support as needed, including but not limited to participation in events, serving as spokesperson, fundraising, covering other operational departments, and the organization's role as a first responder to disasters.

JOB CONDITIONS:

• Work Environment: Indoors and outdoors as needed. Safely handles all species of animals. May be subject to animal bites and scratches. Potentially prolonged periods of walking or standing. Potentially prolonged periods of sitting and repetitive motion. May work in an area with high noise level. Potentially subject to animal bites and scratches. Exposure to cleaning chemicals, fumes, dust, animal dander, and feces.
• Equipment Use: Computer, database and telephone systems. Hawaiian Humane vehicles. Use of all sheltering-related animal equipment including tools for containing animals humanely, safely, and securely.
• Hours: Based on operational requirements. Shift times are scheduled to support organizational needs and may include weekends, some evenings and holidays.

MENTAL, PHYSICAL, AND COMMUNICATION DEMANDS:

• Must have passion and concern for both animals and people.
• Must be committed to Hawaiian Humane mission, goals, objectives, and programs.
• Requires handling people and animals in a pleasant, courteous, and professional manner.
• Requires patience, professionalism, and empathy when working in highly emotional situations.
• Must be self-motivated and able to work independently and as a team equally successfully with proven communication, collaboration and customer service.
• Must be able to perform physically rigorous work, stand for entire shift and be able to lift up to 50 pounds with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Must have no limitations to prevent handling or working with animals.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

• Skills/Knowledge: Must have excellent customer service skills including verbal, written and computer skills. Must be able to competently perform cash, computer, and paperwork transactions. Must be willing to drive company vehicles including animal transport trucks.
  • Must pass a driving background check with a valid driver's license and acceptable driving record according to organizational policy.
• Education/Training: High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Experience: Two years of customer service experience required. Animal handling and leadership experience preferred.

The above information on this job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by an employee in this classification. It is not to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory, or all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications of employees assigned to this job. Management has the right to add to, revise, or delete information in this description. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.