Animal Caregiver Lead in Madison, New Jersey at Washington Humane Society

About the Humane Rescue Alliance (HRA)

For more than 150 years, the Humane Rescue Alliance has championed the protection of animals, support for people, and service to the community. With campuses in the District of Columbia and New Jersey, along with the nation’s leading pet transport initiative, it stands as the largest and most comprehensive animal services provider in the region. Each year, HRA transforms the lives of tens of thousands of animals through rescue and adoption, humane protection, access to medical care, innovative community programs, and legislative leadership. Its broad reach and deep expertise enables HRA to reimagine traditional sheltering and address the most complex challenges facing animals and the people who love them. 

Position Summary

Under the direction of the Animal Care Manager, the Animal Care Lead works closely with the team to maintain our Standard Operating Procedures with the staff and clients. S/he will be the point person for questions or issues that may arise when the Managers are not on premises or are otherwise occupied. S/he provides a high standard of animal care to ensure the welfare of animals at HRA. S/he creates a healthy environment for all animals by monitoring their behavior, maintaining the cleanliness of kennels, and surrounding areas. S/he will monitor the movement of animals throughout the Campus.

Key Responsibilities:

• Shift Leadership
• Maintain a high standard of animal care and welfare, overseeing scheduled feedings, medications, clean water at all times, proper bedding, and enrichment, toys
• Monitor animals and activities in all kennel and cattery areas. Provide the highest quality of care and cleaning for domestic and exotic animals according to the industry’s best practices and HRA standard operating procedures.
• Properly Clean and sanitize kennels, rooms, cages, equipment, and areas
• Clean all animal areas outside of the rooms, including but not limited to hallways, Kitchen areas, Inventory areas, and special rooms.
• Make sure all animal rooms are appropriately stocked at all times for morning cleaning and daily care
• Perform all duties and responsibilities assigned to an Animal Caregiver.
• Monitor daily laundry washing, folding and stocking
• Bathe and clean animals on a regular schedule or immediately if they become soiled.
• Serve as point of contact for animal care team during opening and closing shifts to ensure animal care duties are completed, making and adjusting assignments among the team as needed
• Able to troubleshoot questions and concerns from staff or volunteers when managers are not on site or are otherwise occupied.
• Helps in problem-solving of concerns and issues that arise for our Animal Care team and Volunteers
• Perform opening and closing rounds with a focus on animal housing spaces, reporting concerns about individual animals immediately to appropriate teams and updating and correcting animal records in PetPoint
• Help coach new animal care staff and volunteers through the initial training process
• Read HRA email daily, responding in a timely manner when appropriate
• Acts as a leader and mentor by setting an example for the culture of our organization and embodying the values of HRA
• Identify and report maintenance/repair issues to the animal care department management
• Ensure cleanliness of public areas assigned to the Animal Care team.
• Be knowledgeable and conversational on HRA Policies and common animal welfare practices.
• Provide excellent customer service to individuals utilizing HRA services
• Work cooperatively with HRA volunteers and partners
• Restrain, confine, and handle animals, including those that are ill, injured, quarantined, and aggressive
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Ability to lift 50 pounds unassisted regularly, 50+ pounds assisted
• Ability to perform strenuous physical activity daily, including but not limited to: lifting and carrying, reaching, stooping, standing, squatting and bending. Regularly moves about the facilities to coordinate work.
• Due to the nature of shelter work, may be exposed to deceased, fractious, or aggressive animals; hostile or irate persons; zoonotic or other diseases; allergens; unpleasant noises, odors, or smells.

Education and Experience

• Proficiency in all Animal Caregiver I duties
• Fear Free Certified
• Demonstrated leadership among the animal care team and willingness to serve as a shift leader
• Compassion for animals and humane beings, commitment to HRA mission, values, and goals
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Advanced computer and phone literacy skills
• Ability to work in a team environment and follow directions
• Ability to positively interact with colleagues, coworkers, and community members from widely varied backgrounds with integrity and honesty throughout all aspects of the position, maintaining confidentiality at all times.
• Willingness and ability to work as part of a team and across HRA departments
• Ability to manage the emotional aspect of work in an animal shelter environment in a positive, professional manner
• Must not have any attendance issues and must remain in compliance with HRA attendance policy.
• Must be in good standing - should not have productivity, time management, or substandard work issues.
• Able to work well under pressure, in emotionally charged situations, and handle confrontation politely and professionally while finding a solution.
• Passion for the HRA mission, and for caring for all animals regardless of age, breed, temperament, or species, and supporting and educating members of the public, free of judgment or bias.

Ready to Make an Impact?

Apply today and become part of a team where your compassion, skills, and commitment will directly save lives and strengthen communities.

*The Humane Rescue Alliance (HRA) offers a comprehensive benefits package including healthcare, vision, dental and select offerings for pets. Additional information may be provided upon request.

*Multilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. A salary premium may be offered for multilingual candidates who demonstrate proficiency in written and oral testing.

*HRA is committed to being an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate because of race, color, creed, gender, religion, national origin, disability, age, pregnancy, genetic predisposition or carrier status, marital status, citizenship status, or sexual orientation. Accommodation will be provided to qualified individuals requiring them.