Volunteer Training Coordinator

A Northwest leader in protecting animals since 1967, the Progressive Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) shelters homeless animals, rehabilitates injured and orphaned wildlife, and empowers people to demonstrate compassion and respect for animals in their daily lives.

Position Title:    Volunteer Training Coordinator (35 hours / week)

Starting Wage: $22.00 – 24.00 per hour

Purpose of Position:

To train volunteers, volunteer mentors, and rehabilitation interns in the day-to-day operations of the Snohomish Wildlife Rehabilitation Center and Lynnwood Companion Animal Shelter, including cleaning, walking, and caring for animals. The Volunteer Training Coordinator will also work with new PAWS employees, orienting them to the roles volunteers provide.

VALUES
All employees and volunteers exemplify the values of PAWS and exhibit mindful demonstration of:

           Commitment – A champion for animals no matter the difficulty.

           Compassion – Acting to ease pain and distress.

           Kindness – Demonstrating caring toward all living beings.

           Respect – Welcoming to people of all backgrounds and identities.

           Trust – Believing in the ability and positive intention of others.

Essential Responsibilities:

In accordance with organizational policies, duties include but are not limited to:

• Schedule and set up volunteer training with new staff, volunteers, and interns at both the Snohomish and Lynnwood centers
• Assists the Volunteer Program Managers with updating volunteer and intern training manuals, materials, virtual, and in-person training sessions.

• Conduct hands-on and virtual training and mentoring with volunteers and interns in conjunction with the managers. Ensure animals are being handled in a manner that maximizes human and animal safety.
• Ensure protocols to minimize the risk of cross contamination and spread of illness between animals are being properly followed.

Other Responsibilities Include: 

• Assist with the implementation of a volunteer mentoring program.
• Assist with new volunteer info sessions and provide coverage as needed.
• Help to identify, recruit, and train volunteers to act as Peer Guides to complete mentorship duties. Delegate and ensure satisfactory completion of tasks of the Mentorship Program, and track statistics of the program activities.
• Help identify, recruit, and train volunteers in the Volunteer Training Assistant role.
• Assist new interns and volunteers with daily duties as needed.
• Delegate and ensure satisfactory completion of tasks.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Controls over Work:

The Volunteer Training Coordinator works under the direction of the Wildlife Volunteer Program Manager and the CAS Volunteer Program Manager and is expected to perform the established duties and essential functions without direct supervision.

Physical Demands:

Must be able to lift a minimum of forty (40) pounds. Work is performed both in and out of the wildlife center and animal shelter, which requires lifting, bending, stooping, pushing and other moderately strenuous activities. Must be able to sit or stand for long periods of time, including working at a computer. Must be able to work directly with animals once properly trained. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.

Benefits:

Generous benefits available including health/vision/dental/long-term disability/life insurance for employees and their families, enrollment in 403(b) plan with employer contribution and match, paid time off (PTO) starting with accrual of up to 15 days annually, paid sick leave accrued on all hours worked, 10 paid holidays per year, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), pet supply discounts, and discounts for veterinary services at select veterinary clinics.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

PAWS is an equal opportunity employer. PAWS employment decisions are made based on merit and business needs. PAWS is committed to recruiting, hiring, training, and promoting qualified people of all backgrounds, regardless of actual or perceived race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor. We celebrate the diversity of individual unique identity, perspectives, and experiences and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

We encourage ALL to apply.

All PAWS positions receive written performance evaluations after the first 90 days and annually thereafter.

Application process:

Upload your Cover Letter stating your qualifications and why you are interested in this position, your Resume, and complete the online Application.

Only Complete Application Packets will receive consideration.

Applications received through January 5, 2025, will receive priority consideration.

Position Open Until Filled but may be closed at any time a qualified candidate is selected.

Note: Under the provisions of the Immigration and Reform Act of 1986, the successful candidate will be required to provide both evidence of identity and eligibility for employment.

All Offers of Employment are Conditional, based on successful completion of reference and background checks.

Requirements: 

• Minimum of two (2) years’ experience working with cats, dogs, and/or wildlife.
• Experience in a wildlife rehabilitation center or related field preferred.

• Highly proficient working in database management systems, as well as Microsoft Office.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities: 

• Work cooperatively with people and communicate clearly about PAWS’ mission, the care and treatment of animals, and the safety of the public and other employees. Must be able to always represent PAWS professionally.
• Capacity to work daily with companion animals and have a basic understanding of the needs and behavior of domestic cats and dogs.
• Possess excellent interpersonal, organizational, written, and verbal communication skills and work effectively and respectfully with diverse groups of people and maintain high quality customer relations.  
• Important considerations for this position include the ability to handle animals safely and humanely and to always communicate clearly about their needs.
• Organized, efficient, and able to work independently where there may be no existing protocols.
• Must be able to represent the mission, goals, and the policies of PAWS in a creative and energetic manner.
• Ability to work a variable schedule, including weekends and evenings as needed.
• Ideal candidates embrace and embody the five core values of the organization: commitment, compassion, respect, kindness, and trust.