Playgroup And Enrichment Technician at THE HUMANE SOCIETY FOR GREATER SAVANNAH

Job Description

Job Description

The Humane Society for Greater Savannah is looking for one Playgroup and Enrichment Technician at our Adoption Center. This is a full-time position with PTO, group health, dental, and vision insurance, 401k, and an employee pet benefits program.

This is a full-time position (40 hours) with a 5-day work week, Tuesday through Saturday. HSGS is a private, non-profit, no-kill animal welfare organization in Savannah, GA. Each year, HSGS finds homes for 2,500 animals and performs 9,000 spay/neuter surgeries at our clinic, Pet Fix Savannah.

Job Summary

The goal of the Behavior & Enrichment Program is to enhance the quality of life of shelter animals to increase lifesaving and promote adoption. The Playgroup & Enrichment Technician (PET) along with the Behavior & Enrichment Manager (BEM) will promote positive mental and physical health for the animals in HSGS’s care by following the enrichment program designed by the BEM. The PET is responsible for providing species-appropriate activities and opportunities with regular supervision of the individual animal’s needs.

Working Relationships

Reports to the Behavior & Enrichment Manager. Works closely with adoptions, animal care, and medical teams, as well as potential adopters and volunteers.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Adhere to the Daily Enrichment Schedule; including but not limited to daily playgroups, activities, and training.
• Assist in enrichment preparation and cleanup. Maintain the organization and placement of enrichment supplies. Communicate inventory needs to the BEM.
• Make objective behavioral observations and record animal responses to given enrichment activities. Attentive to and communicative of individual animal welfare with the BEM. Work with BEM to provide extra attention for those suffering from stress or fear in the shelter environment.
• Conducts Dog-to-Dog Observation Assessments during playgroups.
• Lead daily dog playgroups in accordance with HSGS’s playgroup program.
• Communicate effectively with BEM, Adoptions and Medical teams on relevant issues, keeping them informed in a timely manner.
• Coordinates with the BEM in implementing in-shelter behavior and training plans for individual animals as assigned.
• Inform potential adopters on individual animal behaviors & demeanor.
• Facilitate promotional strategies and activities and solicit support of agency overall, maintaining and promoting a positive public image standard relevant to HSGS. Represent HSGS at public events and fundraisers as requested.
• Work closely and provide general supervision and guidance with relevant volunteers (Dog Walkers, Playgroup Runners & Handlers, etc.)
• Attend and participate in departmental and shelter meetings. Attend educational opportunities as recommended/approved.
• Participate in disaster preparedness and response activities for the shelter and community as it pertains to pet animal related needs.
• Participate in the daily feeding and cleaning of shelter animals as assigned by the BEM or another manager.
• Other duties as assigned by BEM.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Fear Free Shelter certification (within 15 days of employment start date).
• Ability to handle animals safely and with patience, gentleness, and compassion.
• Must understand and be able to employ humane training methods that are consistent with the HSGS standards.
• Willingness to learn and be able to identify animal body language.
• Ability to work with animals of all sizes including dogs more than 100 lbs.
• Ability to appropriately apply learning theory concepts and training methods using positive reinforcement.
• Always provide a high level of customer service even under stressful conditions.
• Ability to create and sustain positive working relationships within HSGS with staff, volunteers, and the public.
• Strong organizational skills, with attention to detail and accuracy and good follow-up skills; time management skills with the ability to implement priorities, and the ability to consistently meet deadlines with steadfast dependability.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks in a busy workplace environment.
• Ability to think clearly, act quickly and utilize sound judgment in a variety of situations.
• Must work in a manner that reflects a safe environment for animals, the public, and other employees.
• Working Conditions: Must be comfortable working outdoors in the various weather elements of Georgia and a shelter environment (extreme heat, cold, dust, dirt, temperature changes, rain, occasional wet floors, animal noises, odors and dander).

Benefits:

• PTO, Paid Sick Leave, Group Health insurance, 401k, Employee Pet Benefits

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