Friends of Oakland Animal Services Animal Transfer Coordinator Oakland, CA · Full time Company website

Apply for Animal Transfer Coordinator

Overview

The Animal Transfer Coordinator will oversee the OAS transfer program, to include cultivating positive working relationships with partner shelters, selecting appropriate animals for transfer, in collaboration with other staff members, and maintaining communication internally and externally about animals being transferred. The transfer role includes all species, with a strong focus on big dogs, requiring experience working with dogs with behavioral challenges or who aren’t doing well in a stressful shelter environment. 

Through support from Friends of Oakland Animal Services (FOAS), OAS has created an Outcome Team, which includes the Transfer Coordinator, as well the Foster, Adoption, Dog Playgroup, Dog Behavior, Community Cat and Small Animal Program Coordinators, to focus on placing animals and reducing length of stay. These lifesaving programs have resulted in a greater than 93% live release rate. The Outcome Team works in close collaboration with OAS leadership and the OAS veterinary team.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Maintain and cultivate relations as well as serve as primary point of contact with partner shelters and transfer partners both in and outside of the Bay Area, including outside the State of California.
• Build new shelter and transfer partnerships through outreach and networking.
• Coordinate all transfer/transport details, including any veterinary scheduling, recruiting the help of staff and/or volunteers as needed.
• Assist shelter staff with weekly population assessment to ensure timely process for transfers.
• Conduct regular outreach with transfer partners and partner shelters.
• Maintain sharable database with photos, videos, and descriptions for animals needing transfer.
• Coordinate with receiving partners, with full transparency, on individual animals eligible for transfer by reviewing medical and behavior records, provide further dialogue as needed.  Reach out to partners regarding animals in need of special assistance.
• Participate in the Animal Review Team meeting, a weekly meeting where staff discuss outcome options for big dogs, including making euthanasia decisions as a team, when necessary.
• Perform data entry to maintain appropriate recordkeeping.  This will include animal transfer statuses and partner interest. 
• Develop transfer program protocols and procedures.
• Maintain transfer program statistics and reports.
• Work closely with Shelter management.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Education Requirements

• Associates degree or equivalent from an accredited college or technical school preferred.
• Familiarity by training or experience with basic animal care and handling animals. 
• Two years of experience working or volunteering with an animal care, rescue, or shelter organization preferred.
• Experience working with large dogs (handling, basic training, understanding/identifying behavior issues).
• Valid Driver’s License.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Commitment to the mission, goals and success of Oakland Animal Services.
• Knowledge of basic animal health care, safe animal handling practices, and defensive handling practices for dogs.
• Verifiable experience handling domestic animals, with an intermediate understanding of dog behavior preferred.
• Ability to recognize symptoms of common animal diseases.
• Ability to lift and handle dogs (including large breeds), lift and move supplies such as large dog crates.
• Positive attitude with the ability to establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relations with the public, partner organizations, and other employees.
• Flexibility, adaptability, aptitude for effectively prioritizing multiple tasks and a strong work ethic.
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office and database systems.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.

Working Conditions

• Primary work location in an animal shelter environment.
• Exposure to loud noises in the kennel areas.
• Potential for exposure to animal feces, blood, and zoonotic diseases.
• Potential for exposure to animal bites and scratches.
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule which may include evenings and weekends.
• Must be able to tolerate the emotional aspect of work in an animal shelter environment, including the use of euthanasia.

Compensation

• $27- $30 per hour DOE; thirteen select paid holidays, plus accrued vacation and sick time based on hours worked. Partial health benefits and 401k retirement plan also offered.

Job Classification

• Full time, 40 hours/week

Reports to:

• FOAS Executive Director for employment matters.
• OAS/FOAS Outcome Team Manager for daily job operational needs.

Job Location:

• Oakland Animal Services, 1101 29th Ave, Oakland, CA 94601

Apply here.