Operations Lead (Dog Walking & Pet Sitting)

Four Dog Paws is a high-touch dog walking and pet sitting company serving busy Denver professionals who expect reliable, warm, and professional care for their pets. We are seeking an Operations Lead to support the day-to-day operations and communication of the business, working in close partnership with the owner. This role exists to ensure that schedules run smoothly, staff feel supported, and clients receive timely, friendly communication — while freeing the owner to focus on growth, strategy, and long-term planning. This is a hands-on, steady operational role, not a high-pressure or chaotic one. Most days follow predictable rhythms, with occasional adjustments when schedules shift, staff call out, or client needs change. We’re looking for someone who is calm, organized, and responsive, and who enjoys keeping things running smoothly behind the scenes. Location Requirement: This role is fully remote, but candidates must be based in the Denver metro area to support local operations, routing decisions, and occasional in-person training. Why This Role May Be a Great Fit This position offers meaningful flexibility and autonomy. It can be an excellent fit for someone who wants: Work that can flex around school hours or family commitments Part-time, reliable income without a rigid schedule Responsibility and ownership without constant supervision Hours are not strictly defined, but availability during business hours and responsiveness to operational needs are important. Workload may increase during busy seasons and holidays. Key Responsibilities Daily Operations & Scheduling Create and manage weekly dog walking and pet sitting schedules Schedule Meet & Greets for new clients Schedule and adjust on-demand visit requests as they come in Handle staff call-outs and coordinate coverage Approve time-off requests and manage staff availability Optimize routing using Time to Pet and local Denver knowledge Client & Staff Communication Serve as the first point of contact for staff questions and field issues Respond to client and prospective client inquiries via email, text, and phone Communicate changes, updates, and confirmations clearly and professionally Build rapport with both clients and staff through friendly, responsive communication Escalate defined exceptions to the owner as needed Systems & Administrative Support Manage Time to Pet (TTP) for scheduling, routing, and updates Update client portals with pet instructions and visit notes Process cancellations and routine schedule changes Send weekly invoices and make routine invoice adjustments Document issues and resolutions as appropriate Social Media Support Post dog photos and light content to social media (Instagram/Facebook) Get creative with simple, engaging pet-focused posts Maintain a consistent, on-brand presence (no heavy editing required) Working Relationship & Support The Operations Lead works in tandem with and under the guidance of the owner. While this role requires independent decision-making and a self-starter mindset, the owner remains actively involved in higher-level strategy, pricing, hiring decisions, and exception handling. This is a collaborative relationship built on trust, communication, and shared responsibility — not micromanagement. What Success Looks Like Schedules are accurate and well-managed Staff feel supported and know who to contact Clients feel informed, cared for, and responded to promptly Day-to-day operational issues are handled calmly and efficiently The owner has protected time to focus on growth and strategy Traits & Skills We’re Looking For You may be a great fit if you are: Customer-centric, with a warm, friendly, and professional communication style A self-directed problem solver who can make decisions independently Tech savvy and quick to learn new systems (Time to Pet experience is a plus) Familiar with Denver neighborhoods and traffic patterns, or eager to learn Flexible and able to adapt when plans change Comfortable working during busy seasons and holidays Social media comfortable and creative (especially dog photos!) A people person who builds rapport with clients, staff, and leadership Organized, diligent, and detail-oriented Highly responsive to staff and client inquiries Equipped with reliable computer access and mobile availability A can-do self-starter who thrives without micromanagement An excellent written and verbal communicator This Role Is Not a Fit If You: Prefer rigid schedules or strictly defined hours Need constant direction or close supervision Are uncomfortable making day-to-day judgment calls Dislike frequent communication or coordination work Compensation & Schedule Compensation will be based on experience and availability and will be structured as: $22–$26 per hour, depending on experience and availability Schedule: Part-time, flexible hours. Expected commitment is approximately 10–20 hours per week, with increased needs during peak seasons and holidays. Benefits: Flexible schedule and remote-friendly work environment. Why This Role Matters The Operations Lead plays a key role in maintaining the quality, consistency, and reliability that Four Dog Paws is known for. This position directly supports pets, clients, and staff — and helps create a sustainable business that works for everyone involved. Job Type: Part-time Pay: $22.00 - $26.00 per hour Expected hours: 10 – 15 per week Benefits: Flexible schedule Paid sick time Paid training Application Question(s): This role averages 10–15 hours per week with some flexibility and occasional increases during busy seasons or holidays. Does this align with your availability? This role requires making day-to-day decisions independently and escalating only defined exceptions. How comfortable are you working this way? This role uses tools like Time to Pet, Slack, Google Workspace, Google Voice, and Toggl. How comfortable are you learning and using multiple digital tools? In 2–3 sentences, tell us why this role appeals to you and what experience you bring that would help you succeed. Are you currently based in the Denver metro area and able to attend occasional in-person training or meetings if needed? Work Location: Remote