Animal Shelter Volunteer Coordinator

 Plans, develops, implements, and monitors the volunteer services program of the Animal Shelter Division. The volunteer services program involves recruiting, selecting, training, and evaluating volunteer staff. Builds a rescue network of animal welfare groups and a network of foster individuals which is essential to enhancing the positive outcomes of the animal shelter population. Performs other related duties as required. 

1.   Develops and recommends policies and procedures for volunteer, rescue, and foster 
      Programs;
2.   Works with supervisors to identify needs and opportunities for volunteers and designs 
      programs to fill those needs;
3.   Recruits, coordinates, and schedules volunteers, rescue partners, and fosters for the shelter 
      based on need and priority;
4.   Ensures volunteers and fosters are trained by preparing training materials and procedural  
      guides; trains volunteers and fosters on subjects such as program procedures, departmental 
      policies, applicable laws, and techniques for dealing effectively with the public; scheduling 
      volunteers and fosters for training on the humane handling of animals.
5.   Monitors and evaluates the daily work of volunteers to assure maximum program coverage 
      and effectiveness. Ensures that volunteers comply with department policies and procedures;
6.   Documents concerns with volunteers, rescue organizations, and fosters not following Animal 
      Shelter policies or procedures, bringing information to management;
7.   Maintains current schedules, attendance records, prepares reports, and other files 
      concerning volunteers and service groups;
8.   Plans volunteer recognition events for individual volunteers and service groups;
9.   Represents the department's volunteer, rescue, and foster programs to the public through 
      classes, workshops, events and presentations to local groups, schools and civic 
      organizations;
10. Receives donations of supplies and equipment and determines the distribution of such 
      donations based on priority;
11. Works with Animal Care Staff and Animal Shelter Operations Supervisor when animals are 
      determined to be suitable for rescue but not adoption;
12. Builds a network of animal welfare organizations to allow alternative placement of animals 
      that may not be suitable for adoption;
13. Encourages positive communication between staff and volunteers; brings any concerns 
      between individuals to management;
14. Ensures the confidentiality of volunteers' personal information and animal shelter's records 
      that could document information related to criminal and civil investigations;
15. Builds a network and support protocols for animal fosters with special attention focused on
      providing fosters for underage kittens and/or nursing cats and animals with illness or injury 
      that need a more suitable environment to recover;
16. Transports shelter animals to and from veterinary procedures and adoption events utilizing a 
      county vehicle;
17. Assist colleagues in the cleaning, feeding, and comprehensive care of shelter animals   
      during periods of understaffing or as required;  
18. Prepares various reports on volunteers, partner rescue groups and the foster network;
19. Prepares release documentation of animals leaving rescue or foster care;
20. Maintains log of foster animals to ensure vaccine schedule and veterinary treatment is being 
      Followed;
21. Performs the duties of a Customer Service and Animal Shelter Adoption Coordinator during 
      staff shortage and special events;
22. Performs other duties as assigned.

1.   Knowledge of methods and procedures of animal care and shelter cleaning protocols;
2.   Knowledge of laws, rules, and regulations governing animal shelter operation and the lawful
      disposition of animals;
3.   Knowledge of animal breeds, animal handling, husbandry, health and behavior;
4.   Knowledge of computer applications, such as volunteer management, scheduling software 
      and Microsoft Office Suite;
5.   Ability to recruit and cultivate volunteers and ensure they are properly trained and managed   
      to maximize volunteer effectiveness, engagement, retention and satisfaction;
6.   Maintain records and provide reports, information or documentation;
7.   Ability to handle animals safely and effectively;
8.   Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with those encountered in 
      the work environment including County officials and employees, animal welfare 
      organizations, volunteers, and the public;
9.   Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing;
10. Ability to deal effectively with volunteers and the public.

1.  High school diploma or GED equivalent;
2.  Three years of direct professional animal handling experience in an animal shelter or non-
     profit environment, including one year of supervisory experience. 
3.  Any acceptable combination of education, training and relevant experience that provides the 
     above knowledges, abilities and skills may be substituted on a full-time year for year basis.

Additional Requirements:
1.  Must possess a valid Maryland Driver’s Licenses;
2.  Must be 18 years of age;
3.  Subject to call-back in emergency situations;
4.  Ability to safely operate a County owned vehicle;
5.  Obtain a pre-exposure rabies vaccinations upon hire;
6.  Negative drug screen;
7.  Successfully pass extensive background investigation with favorable results;

Physical and Environmental Conditions:
Ability to control, lift and carry animals handled at the facility; requires long periods of standing, frequent walking indoors, repeated bending, crouching, stooping, stretching or reaching; recurring lifting of objects up to 50 pounds; operation of keyboard devices; work may be physically or emotionally demanding.