Animal Care Provider

Mountain Humane (in Hailey, Idaho) is on a mission to enrich the quality of life in our community by saving animals and changing lives. We do this through innovative programs that inspire and have impact beyond southern Idaho. The first “no-kill” shelter in the state of Idaho (in 1999), annually we help more than 7,500 animals and touch the lives of more than 5,000 people through our programs. We are proud to be a model for other animal welfare organizations and to be at the forefront of best-practices in non-profit management.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Animal Care Provider – Kennel position plays a key role in delivering compassionate, high-quality care to shelter animals by maintaining a safe and sanitary environment, supporting animal health and enrichment, and fostering positive experiences for the public.

Classification: Full-Time, Non-Exempt

Reports to: Associate Director of Shelter Operations

Collaborates with: Adoptions Staff, Behavior and Training Staff, Veterinary Staff, and Marketing

Location: Hailey, ID

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education & Experience

High school diploma or equivalent required

Professional Competencies

Ability to handle multiple tasks in a busy, physically demanding workplace environment

Highly motivated, outgoing, polite, and professional team player

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, volunteers, and the public

Ability to work well with the public, including children and individuals from diverse racial, ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds, as well as individuals with differing abilities

Comfortable training, mentoring, and providing feedback to volunteers

Desire to learn and ability to remain open-minded

Personal Attributes & Values

Genuine interest in animals and their well-being

Genuine compassion for all animals, regardless of their condition

Commitment to the mission, values, goals, and success of Mountain Humane

Additional Requirements

Must be at least 18 years of age

POSITION DUTIES:

Treat all animals humanely, with compassion and concern, both on and off the job, and model these values for others

Assist with daily dog kennel and/or cat area routines

Perform daily cleaning and sanitation of kennels and cat areas in accordance with Mountain Humane policies and procedures

Ensure all animals receive appropriate care, including food, water, enrichment, and proper living conditions

Monitor animal health and behavior and promptly report concerns to a supervisor

Implement behavior support and kennel enrichment programs as directed

Retrieve and handle dogs for staff, volunteers, and the public as needed

Facilitate safe and positive dog introductions with the public and potential adopters

Assist with dog pairing and introductions for playgroups

Provide support for marketing efforts, including handling animals for photo and media opportunities

Adhere strictly to all biosecurity and infection control protocols to prevent the spread of disease within the shelter, including proper use of PPE, sanitation procedures, and animal handling guidelines

Follow all Mountain Humane Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), protocols, and best practices to ensure consistency, safety, and quality of care

Accurately document animal care, medical treatments, and behavioral observations using designated systems, including ShelterLuv and other required platforms

Utilize organizational tools and tracking systems such as the Virtual Observation Board (VOB) to support communication, animal monitoring, and workflow coordination

CUSTOMER SERVICE:

Provide general information and assistance to visitors in a professional and courteous manner

Deliver positive customer service experiences to all visitors, clients, donors, and adopters.

Direct adoption, intake, medical, cremation, and financial inquiries to the appropriate staff member

GENERAL GUIDELINES

Maintain a neat and well-groomed personal appearance

Wear supplied uniforms and closed toed shoes during all working hours

Comply with all facility safety protocols

Carry out other duties as assigned by supervisor

Comply with all biosecurity, sanitation, and disease prevention protocols at all times

Follow all organizational SOPs, policies, and operational standards

Accurately and consistently use required systems and tools, including ShelterLuv (medical and behavior updates), Virtual Observation Board (VOB), HomeBase (time tracking), and any other designated platforms

Maintain timely and accurate records to support animal welfare, team communication, and organizational compliance

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Indoors and outdoors, including in shelter environment with dogs, cats, pocket pets

Frequent interactions with children who may or may not be well-behaved, occasional contact with the public in an emotionally charged environment

Animal handling required; while all adoptable animals have health and behavior screening, by nature of the industry, there may be occasional exposure to dead, injured, sick, unruly, vicious, and/or dangerous animals in addition to possible exposure to parasites and infectious diseases

May require driving of company vehicles. Must maintain a valid driver’s license and good driving record. Drivers information will be submitted to the carrier

Regular use driving of company vehicles; employee’s must be at least the age of 18

Occasional use driving of company vehicles; employees under the age of 18 must be preapproved by the carrier

Work day includes walking, standing, sitting, bending, squatting, lifting (occasionally up to 50 lbs), answering telephones, and using a computer, work with a variety of cleaning agents, and work in an environment with daily changes in climate

Potential exposure to high noise levels, allergens and chemical materials requiring OSHA Material Safety Data sheets

Work day includes walking, standing, sitting, bending, squatting, lifting (occasionally up to 50 lbs), answering telephones, and using a computer

HOURS, SALARY & BENEFITS:

Hours:

Full-time, 40 hours/week with some evenings & weekend days necessary for programs. Schedule flexibility may include four 10-hour shifts

Wage Range:

$17.85 - $24.15/hour, depending on experience, certifications, proficiency in job tasks, and ability to work cooperatively while fostering the mission of the organization

Benefits:

Mountain Humane offers a comprehensive benefits package for all full-time employees, including:

Generous paid time off allotment for vacation and personal reasons

100% employer paid medical and vision insurance for staff (with the option of upgrading the plan for an additional contribution)

100% employer paid dental insurance plan through Delta Dental

100% employer paid life insurance policy

Access to a 403(b) retirement account with a 3% matching employer contribution

Access to reduced cost veterinary care and pet supplies (including dog/cat food) for all employee-owned pets

An annual personal pet care allowance for veterinary products and services

A 40% discount at The Barkin’ thrift store in Hailey, and

Access to discounted membership at Gravity Fitness & Tennis in Hailey

Mountain Humane also provides funding for professional development opportunities and financial assistance for commuting employees. For employees with federal student loans, Mountain Humane is also a qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program!

Note: The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and levels of work performed by this position, but are not a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Either employer or employee may terminate the employment relationship at any time with or withou