Customer Care Representative - Riverdale Animal Shelter

What Success Looks Like In This Job

Providing excellent customer service to the Public. Performing duties such as, but not limited to, adoptions, reclaims, intake of animals, and handling and cleaning of these animals. Operates telephone system and answers incoming calls from the public regarding lost and found animals, animal control, adoptable pets, and other animal shelter services. Utilizes shelter software (Chameleon®) to enter and retrieve data as it pertains to animals in our care. The ideal candidate for this position is a positive minded, team player excellent people skills, experience with animal care and handling, and a commitment to animal welfare and the humane and compassionate treatment of animals.

Examples of Duties for Success

• Provide exceptional customer service while assisting the public with animal welfare related needs and services.
• Accurately input and retrieve data from Shelter operating software.
• Responsible for knowing which animals are available for adoption and interpreting evaluation/assessments of shelter pets to facilitate best match of patron and animal.
• Receive animals from the public and gather pertinent information to facilitate appropriate placement.
• Facilitate pet adoptions to include adoption counseling, impounds, and reclaims along with all of the required paperwork.
• Responsible for following shelter policy for reuniting lost pets with their family.
• Answer calls from animal control partners, internal and external stakeholders. Collect and provide accurate information in a courteous and responsive manner.
• Humanely assist with animal handling, to include preforming ,microchip scanning and insertion, occasional vaccinations, adoption visitations, and placing and removing animals from kennels.
• Listen to patrons and provide information about adoptions, reclaims, relinquishments and other service. Provide humane education in a non-judgmental, supportive manner.
• Work cooperatively with other shelters and rescue organizations.
• Represent Riverdale Animal Shelter in a professional and courteous manner at all times. Perform other related duties and responsibilities as required.
• Answer telephone calls and emails to assist the public in a professional, prompt, and courteous manner.
• Model and adhere to best practices for the appropriate, safe, and humane care and handling of all animals.
• Assist with cleaning animal kennels as needed.

Qualifications for Success

• Proper English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Spanish fluency a plus
• Excellent communication skills and consistent ability to model and facilitate open and productive communication in the workplace.
• Learn the functions, structure, and organizational policies of the County and the office to which assigned.
• Team player, ability to work in a fast-paced environment while maintaining accuracy.
• Exceptional work ethic to include consistent attendance and punctuality.
• Work independently in the absence of supervision.
• Knowledge of breed identification in both canines and felines preferred.
• Ability to prioritize, problem solve and address challenges in a constructive manner.
• Ability to maintain a high level of personal accountability.
• Perform responsible and detailed administrative work involving the use of independent judgment and personal initiative..
• Working knowledge of animal welfare preferred.
• Highly motivated, outgoing, polite, with professional demeaner.
• Attend all staff meetings and relevant training sessions.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Positive and respectful attitude with a commitment to customer service excellence.
• Use office equipment, including computer equipment and software applications.
• Use common office procedures and practices, including proper telephone etiquette.
• Ability to establish, maintain and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Must be able to treat all animals humanely and with respect.
• Assist with shelter tours, offsite events, and special events as needed.
• Use discretion and good judgment. Manage highly sensitive situations with calm and professionalism.
• Ability to work in an emotionally taxing field and maintain a positive attitude.

Computer Skills:

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Knowledge of Chameleon operating system preferred.
• Ability to type 35 w.p.m. with accuracy.

More Qualifications for Success

• Some animal handling and breed identification knowledge preferred.
• Spanish/English Bi-lingual skills a plus
• Allergies to animals and chemicals used to sanitize facilities must be controllable through medication or other means.
• Six (6) months of either professional or volunteer work experience in an animal welfare organization such as an animal shelter, veterinary clinic, or other professional facility housing animals preferred.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid driver's license.
• Work Environment:
  • Physical Requirements:
    • Occasional lifting and carrying of up to 50 pounds.
    • Frequent computer use.
    • Potential for standing, walking, and sitting for extended periods of time.
    • Regular animal handling and restraint.
    • Ability to assist with cleaning animal kennels..
  • Other:
    • Some animal handling and breed identification knowledge preferred.
    • Allergies to animals and chemicals used to sanitize facilities must be controllable through medication or other means.
  • Work Schedule:
    • Five 8s or four 10s. Available to work weekends, some holidays, and overtime as needed.
  • Work Location:
• High school diploma or GED equivalent required.
• Education and Training:
  • High school diploma or GED equivalent required.
• Riverdale Animal Shelter, 12155 Park Blvd, Brighton, CO 80601.
• Occasional lifting and carrying of up to 50 pounds.
• Other:
  • Spanish/English Bi-lingual skills a plus
• Physical Requirements:
  • Occasional lifting and carrying of up to 50 pounds.
  • Frequent computer use.
  • Potential for standing, walking, and sitting for extended periods of time.
  • Regular animal handling and restraint.
  • Ability to assist with cleaning animal kennels..
• Frequent computer use.
• Experience:
  • One (1) year of professional work experience in an administrative and/or customer service capacity.
  • Six (6) months of either professional or volunteer work experience in an animal welfare organization such as an animal shelter, veterinary clinic, or other professional facility housing animals preferred.
• Ability to assist with cleaning animal kennels..
• Potential for standing, walking, and sitting for extended periods of time.
• Work Schedule:
  • Five 8s or four 10s. Available to work weekends, some holidays, and overtime as needed.
• One (1) year of professional work experience in an administrative and/or customer service capacity.
• Other:
  • Some animal handling and breed identification knowledge preferred.
  • Allergies to animals and chemicals used to sanitize facilities must be controllable through medication or other means.
• Five 8s or four 10s. Available to work weekends, some holidays, and overtime as needed.
• Work Location:
• Must pass a criminal background check.
• Must complete fear-free animal handling training within six months of start date.
• License or Certificate:
  • Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid driver's license.
  • Must complete fear-free animal handling training within six months of start date.
• Regular animal handling and restraint.
• Background Check:
  • Must pass a criminal background check.

Adams County provides a comprehensive benefits package to employees that goes above and beyond what is offered at most organizations.

Click here to watch our video about why Adams County is an Employer of Choice!

Benefits You Expect:

• Generous Vacation/Sick leave
• AFLAC Supplemental Medical Insurance
• Dental/Vision/Medical Plans
• Long-Term Disability
• Retirement Plan
• Basic Term Life & Optional Term Life Insurance
• Deferred Compensation Plan
• Short-Term Disability

Plus some you might not expect:

• Employee Fitness Center
• Employee Assistance Program
• Lactation friendly certified workplace
• Wellness programs
• Employee Health Clinics
• Flexible Work Schedules
• Recreation Center Discounts
• Training & Tuition Reimbursement Programs