Butte Humane Society Shelter Medical and Foster Coordinator Chico, CA · Full time

Apply for Shelter Medical and Foster Coordinator

Our Mission: Saving Lives. Finding Homes. Inspiring Compassion. Our Vision: Butte Humane Society is committed to nurturing and promoting the human-animal bond. It is our vision to: Provide for the well-being of companion animals. Reduce the number of unwanted animals through aggressive spay/neuter programs. Promote the human-animal bond through adoption, education and outreach programs. Act as an advocate on behalf of animals in need.

Primary Responsibilities

Foster Program

• Recruit, onboard, train, and maintain ongoing communication with foster caregivers.
• Coordinate and lead foster orientations and training.
• Manage foster placements from initial inquiry through completion, including preparing animals, supplies, paperwork, and necessary instructions.
• Maintain accurate foster records, including vaccine dates, medical information, behavior, placement details, and foster feedback.
• Maintain the foster database and related systems to track placements, concerns, feedback, and resolutions.
• Maintain adequate inventory of foster supplies and coordinate distribution and returns.
• Build and maintain positive foster relationships through professional, courteous, and educational communication.
• Develop and implement foster appreciation and engagement activities to support foster retention and program stability.
• Maintain and update foster policies and procedures as needed and ensure consistent implementation.
• Work with the Adoptions Assistant Manager, Lead Adoption Counselors, and other staff to coordinate foster pickups, drop-offs, and other foster-related needs.

Shelter Medical & Animal Welfare

• Perform medical evaluations and report abnormal findings to the Veterinarians and the Operations Manager for review.
• Keep shelter animals current on required vaccines and preventatives.
• Administer vaccines, preventatives, medications, and other treatments as directed by veterinary staff and established protocols.
• Monitor shelter animals for changes in health or behavior and promptly communicate concerns to veterinarians, the Clinic Manager, and Adoptions Assistant Manager.
• Maintain accurate medical records, including vaccine information, health updates, treatments, and other relevant documentation.
• Assist with surgery preparation, charting, and follow-up as needed.
• Participate in the development and implementation of behavior modification and management plans.
• Participate in enrichment, socialization, and exercise activities for shelter animals.
• Assist with animal intake, evaluation, treatment, and placement as needed.
• Participate in disease prevention, cross-contamination prevention, and other shelter health initiatives.
• Communicate consistently with veterinary and adoption leadership regarding the care and status of shelter animals.

Animal Care

• Participate in all aspects of daily shelter animal care, including feeding, watering, kennel cleaning, sanitation, dishwashing, laundry, enrichment, and disease prevention.
• Clean and disinfect animal housing areas according to established disease control protocols.
• Monitor animals throughout the day and promptly report health or behavioral concerns.
• Restock cleaning, medical, and animal care areas as needed.
• Maintain equipment in working condition and report equipment or supply needs to the appropriate supervisor.
• Help maintain a clean, organized, and welcoming environment for animals, adopters, volunteers, and the public.
• Assist with opening and closing procedures and other daily shelter operations as assigned.
• Perform basic clerical and administrative duties, including data entry, filing, and record keeping.
• Commit to a high standard of safety and follow all established safety procedures and protocols. Immediately address or report safety concerns involving staff, volunteers, customers, animals, or the organization.
• Work under the Operations Manager to support department goals and organizational objectives.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Characteristics

Candidates applying for this position will possess:

• Extreme passion for BHS's mission of finding homes, saving lives, and inspiring compassion.
• Proven ability to exercise sound judgment when working with the public, staff, volunteers, animals, and confidential information.
• A genuine love and respect for animals without bias toward specific breeds or species.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to communicate effectively with people from diverse backgrounds.
• A professional, approachable, and respectful demeanor.
• The ability to problem solve and handle challenging situations calmly and maturely.
• A self-motivated, proactive work ethic with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• The ability to learn, retain, and apply new information and procedures quickly.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Requirements

• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum of one year of veterinary, animal shelter, or related animal care experience.
• Experience handling and interacting with cats and dogs.
• Computer literacy and ability to learn and use software applicable to BHS operations.
• Ability to lift a minimum of 50 pounds and sit, stand, walk, bend, kneel, and work for extended periods.
• Willingness and ability to safely and humanely handle potentially fearful or fractious cats and large, strong dogs when necessary.
• Ability and willingness to work in various weather conditions.

Working Conditions

• Work environment may be dirty, smelly, noisy, stressful, and demanding.
• Exposure to cleaning chemicals, animals, parasites, allergens, and infectious diseases is possible.
• Risk of animal bites, scratches, and other injuries while handling animals.
• Regular lifting and carrying of animals weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Work may be physically and emotionally demanding.
• Position requires frequent interaction with animals, staff, volunteers, fosters, adopters, and members of the public.

Work Schedule

This is a full-time position consisting of 40 hours per week, Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Candidates must be willing to flex their schedules and work weekends, evenings, and holidays as needed. Attendance at mandatory training, meetings, and other organizational activities may be required as determined necessary or desirable to meet business needs.

Compensation

$18.00–$21.00 per hour, DOE

Physical Demands

• Standing: Frequently
• Walking: Frequently
• Stairs: Occasionally
• Sitting: Frequently
• Lifting/Carrying: Frequently
• Pushing/Pulling: Frequently
• Bending/Stooping: Frequently
• Kneeling: Frequently
• Squatting/Crouching: Frequently
• Reaching: Frequently
• Grip/Dexterity: Constantly
• Twisting: Occasionally
• Talking: Constantly
• Hearing: Constantly
• Repetitive Motions: Constantly
• Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination: Constantly
• Visual Acuity: Constantly

This position description does not imply that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Duties and responsibilities may be modified as organizational needs change. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at-will” employment relationship.