Rescue Coordinator (Presidio Shelter)

Job Description: 

One Tail at a Time - West Texas (OTAT-West Texas) is seeking a part-time Rescue Coordinator for the Presidio Animal Shelter. The Rescue Coordinator will provide in-person pet assessments, facilitate shelter pet’s access to rescue support, be a resource for foster dogs/cats and their families, implement medical plans for rescue pets, and position OTAT-West Texas as an invaluable member of the local animal rescue community.

Ideal Candidate: 

• Displays a sincere interest, enthusiasm, and affinity for collaborating with people and working with animals.

• Understands, preserves, and promotes the autonomy and collaboration of OTAT– West Texas and the Presidio Animal Shelter

• Demonstrates an attitude in being of service, using good judgment, maintaining a positive outlook, and having a sense of humor.

• Leads with a transparent and effective communication style, setting a positive example, and maintaining a high level of professionalism.

• Is committed to achieving excellence individually and in collaboration with a team.

• Exhibits adaptability, curiosity, flexibility, open mindedness; encourages others to understand changes in work tasks, situations, and environment as an opportunity for transformation.

• Is committed to personal and professional development.

• Written and verbal Spanish skills are considered valuable.        

• Passion for the mission is a must!

Essential Duties and Primary Responsibilities: 

Shelter Duties

• Spend weekly time in the Presidio Shelter assessing a range of dog behaviors in different scenarios (on leash, in playgroup, off-site, with novel persons, etc)

• Verify/document appropriate vaccines as needed and make records available to OTAT-West Texas

• Through a standardized protocol, collect, curate and upload appropriate still and video content of pets to the OTAT-West Texas Airtable and Slack platforms

• Drive dogs to the veterinarian as needed, in coordination with the Presidio Animal Control Officer

• On a limited basis, support shelter operations by assisting with shelter cleaning and facility needs

Foster Support

• Recruit/expand the local foster network in Presidio

• Deliver pets/supplies to fosters in-area

• Provide weekly foster check-ins for assigned foster dogs/families

• Support foster dogs/families through medical/behavioral/logistical needs

Advocacy Work

• Deliver pets to transport hubs

• On a limited basis, work with the OTAT-West Texas Spay-Neuter Coordinator to support approved Presidio community pets

• Increase community engagement and contributions to the Presidio Shelter and Presidio Shelter pets

• Participate in the Presidio Pets, Paws and Hooves Facebook Group to increase lost pet reunification, adoptable pets and opportunities to volunteer

• Advance the mission and resources of One Tail at a Time – West Texas

Qualifications: 

• Ability to work independently and effectively function as a team member

• Exemplary communication skills (verbal, written and people skills)

• Previous experience working in the field of animal welfare, ideally with direct dog assessment experience

• Confidence in engaging with a diversity of people, including adopters, fosters, donors, volunteers, businesses, government officials, and the public.

• High level of integrity and professional maturity to manage stress and remain focused in a whirlwind of priorities and in a high compassion field of work.

• Mindset that solicits constructive feedback and an openness to coaching

• Understands, preserves, and promotes the autonomy and collaboration of OTAT– West Texas and the Presidio Animal Shelter

• Valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle (OTAT-West Texas provides mileage reimbursement)

General Expectations: 

• Knows, learns and consistently improves the quality of their dog advocacy

• Exercises good judgment that includes working with sensitive and/or confidential information regarding the public, volunteer/employee issues, and animal-related concerns

• Promotes and follows safety guidelines to ensure a safe work environment; takes immediate action to address safety concerns that could put an employee, volunteer, workforce partner, client, animal, or the organization at risk

• Is visible to staff, volunteers, and workforce partners; communicates with the Director and staff on significant developments

• Committed to maintaining the integrity of OTAT-West Texas’ mission and programs.

• Provides a positive example/role model for other staff

• Maintains a positive and respectful attitude, displaying excellent people skills and a high degree of emotional intelligence

• Demonstrates flexibility and efficient time management to prioritize workload

• Consistently reports to work on time prepared to perform duties of position

• Meets productivity standards and agreed-upon goals 

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions: 

This position requires onsite work in the Presidio Animal Shelter.

The Rescue Coordinator must repetitively use hands to operate computer, telephone, and electronic devices; use computer keyboard for extensive periods of time. They need to be able to do a limited amount of driving. They must be physically capable to manage large and unruly pets. Reasonable accommodations may enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This work will create exposure to environmental conditions that include working near animals, with potential exposure to fractious animals; high noise levels; zoonotic diseases; animal bites and scratches; cleaning chemicals and allergens. Potential exposure of infectious diseases to owned animals. Some work may take place at offsite locations for events and event preparation and coordination.

Compensation and Benefits:

The Rescue Coordinator is a part-time staff position (with tax withholding) that holds an expectation of working 10-12 hours per week at a rate of $20/hour.

This position does accrue limited paid leave. 

About OTAT-WTX: 

Mission: 

To support homeless/unwanted pets in shelters and shelterless communities in West Texas, and reduce the number of unwanted/homeless pets in need of rescue.

Values:

Be Gentle. Listen and Learn. Share the Goods. Take Good Care. Model Transparency. People are Pets too. Pursue the End Game. Enthusiasm and Optimism Rule the Day. 

Culture:
We endeavor to seek excellence in all we do; we strive to maintain a positive attitude while doing it; we seek out opportunities to be of-service to one another; we depend on teamwork & collaboration in setting and achieving goals; with leadership as a core value, we recognize that everyone can effectively lead by setting a positive example of excellence, attitude, service, teamwork & collaboration. 

How to Apply: 

If OTAT-West Texas and this job sounds right for you, and you meet the qualifications for this position, please apply by emailing rescue@otatwtx.org with your resume and cover letter for consideration. 

Application Deadline: open until filled.