Rescue Specialist

About the Role

ACC is one of the nation’s largest open-admission animal shelters, whose mission is to End Animal Homelessness in NYC. We touch the lives of nearly 20,000 animals each year. The Animal Rescue Specialist is a community focused position responsible for helping promote a safe community for people, pets, and wildlife, by providing emergency animal rescue and response in all five boroughs. Under the direction of the Animal Rescue Team supervisors, they serve as the front line liaison between ACC and the community, delivering excellent customer service, compassionate animal care, and a top notch representation of who ACC is as an organization.

Schedule

• Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday from 11 am - 9 pm
• Monday, Thursday, and Friday off
• Work schedules are subject to change based on seniority during the shift bid process
• May include overtime as required
• This is a union position.

Key Responsibilities

• Handle various species of animals using low stress handling techniques, including; companion animals, native wildlife, exotic pets, and occasional farm animals while ensuring that animals are provided with a comfortable, safe transport from the field back to the shelter; or to the field for release.
• Using excellent time-management, prioritize and respond to various assignments for animal rescues within the 5 boroughs of New York City.
• Oversee routine maintenance of the transport van which may include bringing the van to and from scheduled appointments.
• Maintain a clean vehicle, disinfect cages, and equipment according to ACC policy and procedures.
• Maintain a clean driving record and practice safe driving habits.
• Work cooperatively with various ACC departments, programs, volunteers and external partners.
• Deliver compassionate and professional client service in emotional and stressful situations, provide appropriate onsite counseling, advice and direction for further follow up, and accurate information and representation of ACC as an organization.
• Be a proactive resource to the community, promoting ACC services and information aimed at adoption, surrender prevention, free vaccine clinics, food bank, low cost and free spay/neuter, and TNR (Trap, Neuter, Return).
• Gather extensive detail from various point people involved in any response; may include members of the public, partnering organizations, and internal stakeholders.
• Act as an ambassador for the organization in the community.
• Conduct data entry for animal intakes including creating comprehensive animal profiles and detailed reports, providing as much information as possible for pathway planning and delivery of services.
• Complete other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Valid Driver’s License required.
• 6 months of previous animal handling and/or customer service experience required.
• Must have basic computer skills.
• Must be able to lift at least 50 lbs.
• Fear Free certification within 30 days of hire.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous professional driving experience is preferred.
• Ability to excel in a fast-paced, often high stress environment.
• Must be forward thinking and anticipate challenges, responding to them quickly and completely.
• Is an expert communicator, a people person, and a team player.
• Is organized, detail oriented, able to maintain composure when faced with emotional situations including medically and behaviorally compromised animals.

Work Environment

• Employees may be asked to help with tasks that involve working outside in all sorts of weather.
• The environment can be noisy and stressful.
• Employees should have the ability to remain calm yet professional in stressful situations involving animals and/or members of the public.
• Facilities house hundreds of animals, which can result in fur, odors, and other airborne particles.

Benefits

• Generous paid-time-off (PTO) package (vacation time, birthdays off, personal days, sick pay).
• Cigna medical, dental and vision insurance at a low premium.
• 401K and Pension, Life Insurance.
• On-the-job training for 2-4 weeks.
• Periodic all staff trainings (safety, DEI, cross training, growth opportunities).
• Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).