Job Title: Adoptions Counselor
Department: Placement
Reports to: Adoption Supervisor

The Adoptions Counselor is part of the Adoptions Team and is responsible for reviewing adoption inquiries submitted by potential adopters, receiving adoption fees, and updating the software system with information necessary to complete the adoption. The Adoption Counselor must interact with potential adopters with the utmost respect, professionalism, and compassion. This role counsels the public about potential pets for adoption and may recommend other pets to the adopter to make a good placement decision. The goal of the Adoption Team is to balance providing an enjoyable experience for the public with making the best placement decisions for the pets in our care. 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Work within the adoptions flow to ensure the team is functioning at the highest level.

• Connect, through matchmaking, potential adopters to their future pets to best ensure positive outcomes.
• Retrieve animals from the kennels to facilitate meet and greets with potential adopters and/or their resident pets.
• Positive collaboration with all teams in the shelter and flexibility to learn/promote/initiate lifesaving best practices.
• Answer emails and phone calls from the public regarding pets for adoption in a prompt, professional and informative manner.
• Provide information to potential adopters about housetraining methods, the need for puppy/kitten follow up shots/yearly veterinary care/heartworm prevention and other pet related information.
• Answer questions from the public about pets for adoption including the behavior of specific breeds, dog and cat behavior, pet care, whether a specific pet would be good with children or other dogs and other pertinent information.
• Review adoption applications submitted by the public to determine if the applicant meets written adoption guidelines. Approve or deny the application for adoption in a professional manner. Ask questions of the applicant if necessary to clarify information on the adoption application.
• Write the clinic transfer paperwork for animals that have been adopted to ensure they are spayed/neutered, microchipped, vaccinated, heartworm or combo tested, etc.
• Properly input all information necessary for the adoption into the software system.
• Handle adoption fees and perform cash box closing for the adoption cash box.
• Call adopters to inform them when their adopted pet is ready for pickup.
• Perform tasks to increase the number of adoptions which may include taking pictures and videos of adoptable pets to share with the Social Media Coordinator and place in the animal management software.
• May be required to assist with other departments when needed. 
• Other duties as assigned.
• Must promote LifeLine Animal Project’s policies and philosophies.  

QUALIFICATIONS  

To perform this job successfully, each essential duty must be performed satisfactorily.  

• Excellent customer service skills, with the ability to remain compassionate and clear-minded when faced with challenging situations.
• Extensive knowledge of dog and cat behavior, training and of animal breed recognition is also required.
• Knowledge in animal health and well-being to include nutrition needs, resources for information, knowledge of common animal diseases.
• Ability to identify animal species, breeds, ages and sexes.  Ability to identify signs of animal illnesses and injuries. Ability to recognize common animal behavior.
• Demonstrated personal communication knowledge to include effective phone skills, effective interviewing techniques, public speaking and ability to communicate effectively in writing and orally.
• Must be available to work on weekends.
• Must pass background check and drug screening.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE 

Minimum of high school diploma and 1+ years of experience in animal related field.  Must pass general knowledge test and animal knowledge test.  

LANGUAGE SKILLS 

Must be able to read and interpret policies and procedures.  Must be able to communicate effectively to adopters and must provide good customer services skills.  

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS 

Must pass general knowledge test which includes mathematical problems.

REASONING ABILITY 

Must have the ability to interpret a variety of instructions in written or verbal form and to follow those instructions correctly.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS 

None required.  

WORK ENVIRONMENT  

While performing the duties of this job, employee may be exposed to a kennel that is not air-conditioned and may be exposed to unpleasant kennel smells.

To apply, please send your resume to employment@lifelineanimal.org.

Job Title: Animal Care Specialist
Department: Animal Care
Reports to: Animal Care Manager

Responsible for cleaning cages and kennels, feeding animals, processing animals during intake, assisting people looking for their lost pets, and assisting customers who are interested in adopting a pet. Other duties may include washing dishes, doing laundry, unloading dog food, assisting with euthanasia, and other tasks as assigned.

DESIRED SKILLS

• Previous animal related employment experience required. Examples of previous experience include employment at an animal shelter, veterinary clinic, doggy daycare or other animal related business where you had hands-on experience with animals.
• Ability to stand for extended periods of time (8 hours a day) and to bend and reach to perform assigned work activities. Ability to lift and carry 50 lbs without assistance.
• Ability to interact with impounded dogs, cats, and other animals including vicious, stray, sick or injured animals. Ability to determine which animals are aggressive.
• Ability to handle seeing and dealing with animals that have been abused, neglected, or treated cruelly.
• Ability to learn/perform a variety of animal care related work activities.

QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Must be available to work early mornings and on weekends.
• Must pass background check and drug screening.
• Must have reliable transportation.

To apply, please send your resume to employment@lifelineanimal.org.

DeKalb County Animal Enforcement Services is managed by DeKalb County Government.

Did you know a career in Animal Enforcement can be both rewarding and challenging? Due to increased awareness and national attention to combatting animal cruelty, it is becoming one of the fastest growing professions in the country! Animal Enforcement work is NEVER dull and can be quite exciting!

AVAILABLE POSITIONS:

• Animal Control Supervisor
• Animal Control Officer

As an Animal Enforcement employee, you would be responsible for:

• Public health
• Public safety
• Law enforcement
• Protection of pets and people with education and intervention
• Agency interaction in communication and cooperative endeavors

To apply, visit DeKalb County’s website to view current employment opportunities.

Position: Behavior Program Coordinator
Department: Behavior
Reports To: Behavior Program Manager

Summary:
LifeLine Animal Project is committed to the care and welfare of pets and the people who love them. The values we exhibit as an organization show the strength of our staff, our leadership and our community. We expect all employees to exhibit LifeLine’s core values as we complete daily tasks, provide services to clients and care for our animals.

This position is responsible for contributing to the physical and emotional health of animals in our shelter and community by applying best practices of animal behavior and training. Focus is on advice and training for recent adopters and foster parents with the goal of supporting successful adoptions and positive outcomes. Provide training for staff, volunteers, adopters and foster parents.

Essential Job Functions:
This represents a list of essential job duties. Other duties or special projects may be assigned as needed.

• Uphold the standards and values of LifeLine Animal Project:
• When in shelter, work with potential adopters on animals with known challenges and use the Homeward Bound protocols to help with a smooth transition into the adopter’s home.

• Receive referrals from Adoptions staff at all locations of recent adopters who have contacted the shelters for assistance with behavior issues of their new pets.
• Contact each adoption referral by email or phone call.
• Provide assistance, tips, training and advice to recent adopters who are in need of behavior support with their new pets.
• Set appointments in shelter for one-on-one advice meetings.  Conduct one-on-one meetings in order to provide behavior support to adopters and pets.
• Teach private or group training classes for recent adopters. Classes should be scheduled at all shelters if space is available.
• In coordination with Behavior Program Manager, work with CAC Foster Coordinator on animals in foster that could benefit from training classes or help with foster animal challenges.
• Teach training classes for foster parents.
• Assist in training staff and volunteers at CAC in dog behavior and handling by leading training classes.
• Assist any animal in need by cleaning enclosure, seeking medical attention or alerting nearby staff members when care is needed.
• Perform data entry and keep accurate records on referrals from each shelter, adopters contacted and assisted and adoption outcomes.  Produce monthly reports on program activities.
• Keep records on classes taught for adopters, foster parents, staff and volunteers.  Provide training information to staff supervisors after each class.
• As a hybrid position, reporting and recordkeeping is essential to measuring success of the program.
• Lead playgroups at CAC.  Work with Volunteer Coordinator to schedule and train volunteers for playgroup sessions.  Include shelter staff when they are available.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

• Excellent customer service skills.
• Advanced knowledge of dog behavior and training.
• Dynamic teacher and leader of group training and activities related to dog behavior and ownership.
• Knowledge of general animal care principles and practices.
• Ability to stand for extended periods (at least 8 hours a day) and to bend and reach to perform assigned work activities.
• Ability to lift and carry 50 lbs. without assistance.
• Ability to interact with impounded dogs, cats and other animals including vicious, stray, sick or injured animals. Ability to handle seeing and dealing with animals that have been abused, neglected or treated cruelly.

Education and/or Experience:

• Minimum of high school diploma or equivalent. 
• Five plus years experience in animal sheltering.
• Experience in dog behavior and training.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

• Valid, Georgia Drivers license may be required.

Work Environment:

While performing the duties of this job, employee may be exposed to a kennel that is not air-conditioned and may be exposed to unpleasant kennel smells.  May have to handle dogs and cats that are stray, injured, diseased or vicious.

To apply, please send your resume to employment@lifelineanimal.org.

Position: Placement Manager
Department: Placement
Reports To: Director of Operations

Summary:

LifeLine Animal Project is committed to the care and welfare of pets and the people who love them.  The values we exhibit as an organization show the strength of our staff, our leadership and our community.  We expect all employees to exhibit LifeLine’s core values as we complete daily tasks, provide services to clients and care for our animals.

Responsible for supervising placement staff and the day to day operations of the Placement Department.  Must have the expertise to correctly answer questions from staff on proper procedure and LifeLine mission.  Handle situations with clients that are angry, step in to diffuse and rectify in the best interest of the animal.  Provide back up to other departments and work closely with the kennel and clinic on animal health and behavior to ensure adoptability of animals in shelter.  Responsible for following Standard Operating Procedures.

Essential Job Functions:

This represents a list of essential job duties.  Other duties or special projects may be assigned as needed.

• Uphold the standards and values of LifeLine Animal Project: Saves Lives, Build Community, Be Compassionate, Be Exceptional Stewards, Take Responsibility, Be Courageous, and Respect, Embrace and Celebrate Diversity
• Schedule placement staff.

• Fill in for absent employees when needed.
• Review PetPoint regularly to make sure accurate memos are being place by Placement Staff.  Provide reports and data analysis when requested.
• Interview, hire, and train new employees.
• Provide staff with performance feedback on an informal and formal basis.  Conduct employee performance reviews, performance corrective actions, and discipline meetings as needed.
• Conduct regular department meetings.
• Review PetPoint regularly to ensure accurate memos are being placed by Placement Staff.
• Provide input to Standard Operating Procedures.  Ensure staff is trained and following SOP’s.
• Act as escalation point for clients when necessary.  Use judgement to balance client requests, animal needs, and LifeLine policies to create positive solutions for problems and issues.
• Order supplies and make sure employees have resources needed to complete their duties.
• Work with clinic on making sure animals going out through placement get proper medical care and documentation.
• Work closely with Animal Care Manager on ideas for best marketing and placement of animals for fast movement.
• Work with other Divisions of LifeLine on projects and venues for placement of animals.
• Be open to employee ideas and give honest and practical feedback on why an idea can or cannot be implemented.

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

• Proven leadership and teambuilding skills.
• Excellent customer service skills including de-escalation knowledge and the ability to handle difficult customers.
• Ability to recognize common animal behavior.
• Knowledge in animal health and well-being to include nutrition needs, resources for information, knowledge of common animal diseases.
• Ability to identify animal species, ages and sexes. Ability to identify signs of animal illnesses and injuries. 
• Demonstrated personal communication knowledge to include effective phone skills, effective interviewing techniques, public speaking and ability to communicate effectively in writing and orally.

Education and/or Experience:

Minimum of high school diploma or equivalent. One+ years’ experience in animal related field preferred. 

Language Skills:

Must be able to read and interpret policy guidelines and policies and procedures.  Must be able to communicate effectively to kennel visitors and provide good customer services skills.

Work Environment:

While performing the duties of this job, employee may be exposed to a kennel that is not air-conditioned and may be exposed to unpleasant kennel smells.  May have to handle dogs and cats that are stray, injured, diseased or vicious.

To apply, please send your resume to employment@lifelineanimal.org.

As the leading animal welfare organization in metro Atlanta, LifeLine Animal Project is committed to keeping pets united with the families who love them. A big piece of this commitment is the care we provide to the animals in our shelters.

We believe in a workplace with a healthy work life balance where you have the opportunity to practice medicine and surgery and connect with our community.

Lifeline is contracted to run the Fulton and Dekalb county animal shelters but we also run the Lifeline Community Animal Center. The center acts as a cross between a shelter and private practice. We take in animals from both shelters that need more advanced medical care and/or surgery, and also treat animals from the public. A number of our clients are low income and we strive to help them as much as possible through payment plans and/or donated funds depending on their situation.

As a shelter veterinarian, you will have the opportunity to grow and expand your skills with shelter animals and animals where referral is not an option. We have a team approach and encourage you to ask for help from our other skilled veterinarians when taking on new treatments/procedures. There are also be opportunities for relief shifts at full-service as well as high volume spay/neuter.

Reporting Structure:

Reports directly to Medical Director (Veterinarian) and Shelter Director

Benefits/Salary:

• 4 day work week- Typically 9am-6pm (36 scheduled hours that includes 1 hour lunch breaks).
• 401k available after one year of employment.
• Pay is commensurate with experience.
• Federal 501(c)(3) loan forgiveness programs apply.
• Liability insurance is provided by the organization.
• Professional development and continuing education opportunities are available.
• DEA and state licensing fees are paid by the organization.

Requirements:

• DVM degree
• Demonstrated ability to show empathy toward clients and treat animals with respect and compassion.
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills.
• A commitment to outstanding client service.
• Ability to lift at least 40lbs
• Ability to maintain clear and accurate records and to charge clients for all products and services rendered.
• Preferred: 1 year experience as a veterinarian.

To apply, please send your resume to employment@lifelineanimal.org.

Job Title: Veterinary Assistant
Department: Clinic
Reports To: Clinic Manager

Assisting the veterinarian by performing health checks, surgery, and providing medications for animals. 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Perform intake on new animals including exam, vaccines, testing.
• Examine animals in the shelter for diseases, parasites, injuries and other afflictions. 
• Assist the veterinarian with diagnostic exams and medical procedures.
• Collect blood, urine, and stool samples as needed.
• Prepare animals for surgery.  Monitor health during surgery and recovery.
• Administer vaccinations and medications for animals in the clinic and kennel.
• Perform basic first aid on injured animals.
• Maintain cleanliness and orderliness of medication and medical equipment.
• Clean instruments and surfaces.  Wrap packs.
• Clean recovery and other cages in the clinic area.  Clean crates if needed.
• Data entry of medical information, procedures, and notes.
• Other duties may be assigned.
  
  

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.    

• Knowledge of general animal care principles and practices.
• Ability to stand for extended periods (8 hours a day) and to bend and reach to perform assigned work activities.
• Ability to lift and carry 50 lbs. without assistance.
• Ability to interact with impounded dogs, cats and other animals including vicious, stray, sick or injured animals. Ability to handle seeing and dealing with animals that have been abused, neglected or treated cruelly.  
• Ability to understand and follow a variety of oral and written instructions/procedures.
• Ability to learn animal management software system and accurately enter information into the software system.  
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to learn/perform a variety of animal care related work activities.
• Ability to serve the public and fellow employees with honesty and integrity. 
• Ability to handle performing or assisting with euthanasia.
  
  

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE 

• Minimum of high school diploma.
• One+ years’ experience in animal related field preferred. 
• Must be available to work on weekends.
• Must pass background check and drug screening.
• Must have reliable transportation.
• Must like animals!
  
  

LANGUAGE SKILLS 

Must be able to read and interpret kennel policy guidelines and policies and procedures.  Must be able to communicate effectively to kennel visitors and provide good customer services skills.  

REASONING ABILITY 

Must have the ability to interpret a variety of instructions in written or verbal form and to follow those instructions correctly.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS 

Certification in euthanasia may be required.  Drivers license may be required. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT

While performing the duties of this job, employee may be exposed to a kennel that is not air-conditioned and may be exposed to unpleasant kennel smells.  May have to handle dogs and cats that are stray, injured, diseased or vicious.  May also be exposed to animal carcasses. 

To apply, please send your resume to employment@lifelineanimal.org.