Animal Adoption Center Counselor

Provide assistance to potential adopters visiting the Adoption Center; provide support by counseling and facilitating visitation between customers and animals; process adoptions and receive payments from patrons; care for and clean animals housed at the Adoption Center; answer questions regarding City ordinances and regulations; perform a variety of tasks relative to the assigned area of responsibility; and provide excellent animal care and customer service in accordance with the Animal Care Center's mission, goals and management philosophy.

This is a safety sensitive position subject to random drug/alcohol testing.

This is an unclassified at-will position.

Job descriptions are intended to present a general list of tasks/duties performed by employees within this job classification. Job Description s are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

• Conduct interviews with potential adopters utilizing the Center's adoption policies and guidelines in order to make good placements; respond to questions and inquiries.
• Provide information to the adopters and offer information on breeds, etc. to help potential adopters make good choices.
• Inform adopters of free veterinarian exam, post adoptions medical assistance, return policy, and surgical information as applicable.
• Care for, disinfect and feed animals; clean and disinfect a variety of animal enclosures; clean water and food dishes and related animal equipment; operate Center laundry; maintain office, counseling room and other Center areas in a clean, orderly, and sanitary manner at all times.
• Accurately complete paperwork pertaining to adoptions.
• Receive adoption fees and provide receipts.
• Record transactions, balance cash drawers, and reconcile monies for daily deposits.
• Maintain accurate filing system to support adoption program.
• Remain alert and aware of animal behavior and physical condition; report concerns to appropriate staff.
• Handle animals in a humane manner according to established policies and procedures.
• Serve in a lead capacity and work with volunteers as assigned.
• Transport animals to various locations as needed.

• Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

Education directly related to the minimum requirements below may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis. Exception:
The one (1) year of animal welfare work experience in an animal services facility cannot be substituted.

High school diploma or GED; and

To include at least one (1) year of animal welfare work experience in an animal services facility.

Retail sales experience preferred.

Possession of a valid New Mexico Driver's License, or the ability to obtain by date of hire.

Possession of a City Operator's Permit (COP) within 6 months from date of hire.

Possession of a valid City of Albuquerque Cash Handling Certificate within six (6) months from date of hire.

Must be able to work weekends, nights and holidays.

Environmental:
Requires handling of animals; subject to animal bites and scratches; exposure to a variety of domestic and exotic animals, animal body fluids, waste and infectious materials, and cleaning chemicals; may be exposed to hostile or abusive members of the public; exposure to noise.

Physical:
Essential and supplemental functions may require maintaining physical condition necessary for moderate or light lifting; bending, stooping, kneeling, crawling; standing for prolonged periods; operating equipment and vehicles.