Job Title: Animal Care Coordinator

Reports To: Senior Animal Care Coordinator

Works Closely with: Intake Team, Adoption Team, and Volunteer & Foster Team, Clinic

Designation: Full-time/ Non-exempt, Animal Operations

Ability to Work Remotely: No

Job Summary

Animal Care Coordinators ensure that all animals receive a high standard of care while also serving as a shift lead and support to fellow team members. This is a fast-paced position with responsibilities including daily cleaning and disinfecting of kennels, general facility cleaning, feeding animals, administering medications, and animal handling. In addition to direct animal care, Coordinators help train new staff and volunteers, support daily planning, assist with problem-solving during challenging situations, and contribute to shelter-wide initiatives like our safety committee. Candidates must be dependable, solutions-oriented, and comfortable taking initiative. Strong work ethic, attention to detail, and multitasking ability are essential. This role requires early morning/late night/weekend and holiday availability.

Job Responsibilities & Duties

(included but are not limited to)

Core Competencies

• Exceptional animal care and husbandry skills, ensuring the health and well-being of all animals in the shelter.
• Passionate about animal welfare and committed to upholding the highest standards of care.
• Strong leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills with the ability to support, train, and guide staff and volunteers.
• Organized and detail-oriented, capable of tracking animal care and contributing to shift planning.
• Knowledgeable in animal behavior, handling, and enrichment practices—or a strong willingness to learn and teach others.
• Able to work in a fast-paced environment while helping to identify and implement solutions as challenges arise.

Animal Care & Husbandry

• Provide daily care to shelter animals, including feeding, cleaning, and monitoring their health and behavior.
• Lead and guide team members during assigned shifts, helping to maintain an organized and efficient workflow.
• Perform routine cleaning and sanitization of kennels, cages, and common areas to maintain a safe and hygienic environment.
• Administer medications and treatments as directed by veterinary staff.
• Observe and report changes in animal behavior or health concerns to appropriate personnel.
• Assist with intake and processing of animals, including vaccinations, deworming, and microchipping.
• Ensure all animals have access to appropriate enrichment and exercise opportunities.
• Provide training and ongoing support to new staff and volunteers.

Medical & Behavioral Support

• Work closely with veterinary staff to assist in medical treatments and examinations as needed.
• Assist with animal behavior assessments and provide input on training or behavioral modification plans.
• Monitor animals post-surgery and follow post-operative care instructions.
• Follow all safety protocols and contribute to the organization’s safety committee and broader shelter initiatives.
• Perform other duties and support other teams as needed.
• Transport animals to Veterinary Emergency Group: Oak Brook if a manager or director is not available.

Minimum Requirements

• Candidates must have the ability to bend, stand for long periods of time, and lift 50 pounds.
• High School Diploma or higher education required.
• Minimum of 1 year working in an animal shelter or handling animals is strongly preferred.
• Supervisory or managerial experience preferred.
• Available to work mornings, evenings, and weekends.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment:

• Ability to lift and transport items weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to handle animals effectively and humanely.
• Have a high level of manual dexterity, the ability to bend and squat, and the ability to stand and sit for significant periods of time.
• Be comfortable working with animals who may be stressed or who have experienced trauma.
• Ability to maintain composure and emotional maturity in a high stress environment
• Exposure to disinfectant solutions, zoonotic diseases, and loud noises.
• Subject to animal bites and scratches.

This is an on-site position with an hourly range of $16-$17 depending on experience.

Candidates who do not have the basic requirements may not be considered.

For consideration, please send Resume and Cover Letter to Alayna at operationsdirector@animalcareleague.org.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $16.00 - $17.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Bereavement leave
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person