Job Details

Job Details

Job Location
Oakland Adoption Center - Oakland, CA

Position Type
Full Time

Salary Range
$26.00 Hourly

Description

The Animal Care Lead (ACL) works with Animal Care Coordinators (ACCs) and Animal Care Associates (ACAs) and provides guidance and coaching to deliver appropriate and efficient animal care, professional and courteous customer care, and maintain a clean and orderly work area. This role plays an important part in overseeing animal flow through the shelter and ensuring the highest quality care from intake through adoption. The ACL also serves as a liaison for all canine/feline care, companion, and enrichment volunteers, facilitating a rewarding volunteering experience. This position requires an individual who can lead by example and who is a confident decision maker.

East Bay SPCA is a 501(c)3 non-profit committed to the welfare of dogs and cats in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties. Our mission is to transform the lives of cats and dogs by enriching the human-animal bond through respected and accessible expertise. East Bay SPCA is one of the nation's oldest humane organizations, in operation since 1874, and receives no funding from any national organizations. You can find more information about East Bay SPCA on our website at www.eastbayspca.org.

Category: Full-time; Non-exempt
Location: Oakland
Reports to: Shelter Supervisor and Shelter Manager
Benefits: Medical, Dental, and Life insurance; 10 paid holidays; 401K retirement plan with 3% contribution; discounted veterinary care; and more

Qualifications

Responsibilities

• Guide and support Animal Care staff by training, reinforcing protocols, maintaining skill competency, and coaching to ensure top-quality animal care.
• Answer staff questions, troubleshoot problems, and ensure adherence to guidelines and procedures.
• Delegate daily tasks efficiently and ensure timely completion.
• Perform routine animal care, including feeding, cleaning, and monitoring health and behavior for all shelter animals.
• Observe, document, and report animal health or behavior concerns to the appropriate staff.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of all animal and shelter areas, including sweeping, mopping, dishwashing, laundry, cleaning litter pans and crates, and maintaining outdoor spaces.
• Conduct daily inventory checks to support animal adoption pathway upkeep.
• Identify opportunities for Animal Care staff growth and provide mentorship.
• Communicate team concerns to supervisors, contribute to problem-solving, and assist with performance evaluations.
• Perform physical intake examinations for cats and dogs, ensuring accurate recordkeeping.
• Administer vaccines, medications, and treatments as needed.
• Conduct behavioral evaluations for dogs and cats, including assessments of potential owner surrender animals.
• Deliver excellent customer service during adoptions, returns, surrenders, and other client interactions.
• Maintain accurate data entry in the shelter database (Shelter Buddy).
• Collaborate with the Animal Care Associate Lead (ACAL) to align daily operations, maintain consistency in protocols, and address team needs effectively.
• Report to Shelter Supervisor and Manager with project updates and new assignments.
• Collaborate with Animal Care Associate Lead and Volunteer Services to train and support animal care volunteers, ensuring a positive experience.
• Report and address volunteer performance or safety concerns.
• Open and close the shelter as scheduled.
• Occasionally perform humane euthanasia following established laws and East Bay SPCA policies, maintaining accurate records.
• In cooperation with Animal Recruitment Coordinator, facilitate the transfer of animals into East Bay SPCA.
• May be required to transfer animals between all East Bay SPCA campuses and offsite locations (fleet vehicle provided or mileage reimbursement if using personal vehicle).
• Maintain consistent attendance and punctuality.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the team and the mission.

• Advanced knowledge of domestic animal care, including breeds, behavior, humane care, fear free handling techniques, and recognizing common health issues.
• Minimum of two years of experience working with animals, preferably in a shelter setting.
• At least 1 year of lead or supervisory experience preferred.
• Strong organizational skills with clear and effective communication abilities.
• Ability to think critically, make sound decisions, multi-task, inspire, and lead with empathy in a fast paced, emotionally charged, environment.
• Competent in handling dogs and cats of all sizes, ages, and temperaments. Requires the ability to leash, walk, and maintain control over large and extra-large dogs, which can include dogs 90 pounds and over.
• Commitment to treating all animals humanely, with compassion and concern, both on and off the job, and promoting these values to others.
• Possess or obtain a California State Euthanasia Certification within six months of hire.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Veterinary Assistant Controlled Substance Permit within six months of hire.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and engaging coaching style.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office; familiarity with Shelter Buddy is a plus.
• Pre-employment background check and drug screening clearance required.
• Reliable transportation, a valid CA driver's license, and evidence of insurability are required. Will occasionally need to transfer animals between all East Bay SPCA campuses and offsite locations (fleet vehicle provided or mileage reimbursement if using personal vehicle).
• High school graduate or equivalent required.

• A strong commitment to the mission of East Bay SPCA.
• Animal Knowledge & Care Expertise: Advanced handling skills with animals of all sizes, including safe and fear free techniques, along with the ability to assess behavior and health concerns.
• Critical Thinking & Adaptability: Ability to multi-task, make quick decisions, shift focus quickly between tasks and adjust to changing priorities and emergencies, and remain composed in a fast-paced, emotionally charged environment.
• Customer Service & Communication: Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to guide and educate all clients and provide counseling with empathy, patience, and professionalism.
• Organizational & Time Management Skills: Detail-oriented with the ability to maintain accurate records and effectively manage daily tasks.
• Compassion & Resilience: A deep commitment to humane treatment of people and animals, and the emotional strength to handle difficult situations, such as euthanasia or caring for sick and injured animals.
• Flexible Availability: Willingness to work weekends, evenings, holidays, and occasional overtime.
• Multilingual Fluency: Ability to communicate effectively with diverse communities.
• Marketing and Event Participation: Comfortable promoting shelter programs and participating in outreach events.

• Work is primarily performed in an animal shelter environment with exposure to detergents, cleaning products, wet and humid environments, and seasonal outdoor conditions.
• Weekend work required; must be willing to work occasional irregular hours, holidays, and overtime.
• Animal contacts and related injuries, including bites and scratches, may occur. Will occasionally handle sick, injured, and deceased animals.
• Noise exposure varies and often includes uncontrolled barking and other animal vocalizations.
• Animal waste contact, smells, and visual exposure are prevalent.
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds frequently and occasionally lift up to 75 pounds with assistance. Must be able to push and/or pull over 50 pounds occasionally.
• Frequent standing, walking, typing, bending, twisting, crouching, kneeling, and stooping.