Shelter Associate

Posting Date04/30/26 Application Deadline05/07/26 Pay RangeAnticipated Hiring Range: $18.50 - $24.50 hourly Full Pay Range: $18.50 - $30.50 hourlySalary offers are based on the candidate's equivalent experience and internal equity with other employees within the same job classification. This position is eligible for overtime compensation for all hours worked over 40 in the designated workweek.Job TypeUnclassified DepartmentAnimal Care and Control About the PositionAre you a passionate animal advocate who is motivated to care for animals by providing a clean and caring kennel environment for the dogs in our care?As one of the largest animal shelters in the Nation, we need your support to make a difference! We want you to be our next diligent Shelter Associate to provide daily care and support for our shelter dogs. You'll be an advocate for the dogs and promote the health, safety, and welfare of the people and animals of Maricopa County.This position requires the employee to be in the office and or customer-facing for all hours worked.About UsMaricopa County Animal Care & Control employees are committed to animal welfare and strengthening the human-animal bond in our community, and we are always looking to add talented individuals to our team, either at our West or East Valley Animal Care Centers. As one of the nation's largest open-admission shelters, we work with our community to serve the animals and people of Maricopa County. Our adoptions, shelter, clinic, and animal services officer teams learn first-hand about the proper care of homeless and stray animals and work hard to help find them new homes.Proud to OfferWork with a greater purposeTuition reimbursementExceptional work-life balanceOpportunities for growth and development within Maricopa CountyLow-cost, high-value healthcare for you and your qualifying dependentsChild care benefits, including access to our on-site center,Maricopa County Kids Club, dedicated to serving Maricopa County familiesPaid vacation, sick time, and parental leaveExtensive wellness program, including an incentiveEnrollment in the Arizona State Retirement System, a defined retirement benefit requiring a 12% monthly contribution rate that includes a 100% employer match on Day 1Want to learn more about the County's Qualifying and Compensation Philosophy? Follow this link to learn more!Work With Us | Maricopa County, AZWe RequireSix months of experience working with animals in a veterinary hospital, humane society, or other animal facilityHigh school diploma or GEDOther RequirementsCandidates must be flexible and able to work all shifts, including starting as early as 6 AM and finishing as late as 7 PM. Weekends and holidays are required. Shelter Associates are assigned to any shift, with any combination of days off, as determined by the Department's needs. May be assigned to work at other shelter locations as needed.Must complete department-required animal handling training within 30 days of hire.We Also ValueSix months of in-person customer service work experienceBilingual in Spanish and English-speaking skillsFear Free CertificationJob ContributionsPerform animal care and related duties, including feeding, cleaning, exercising, and monitoring the behavior and health of animals in our care.Responsible for the daily care of animals, including providing appropriate food and water, cleaning animal kennels, and performing general housekeeping of the shelterEnsure all shelter animals are properly housed and cared for within the guidelines of the Five Domains of Animal Welfare, and that positive reinforcement training and Fear Free methods are utilizedFollow all feeding, handling, and care policies and expectations within the guidelines of the Five Domains of Animal Welfare, and ensuring low stress handling and Fear Free methods are utilizedConduct daily shelter welfare rounds, assist with the movement of animals, and record and address concerns following standard protocolsEnsure shelter areas, such as yards and meet-and-greet rooms, are maintained throughout the day. Keep supply areas stocked and clean, and ensure tools and equipment are kept in good working order. Reports broken items timely mannerUpdate animal records and perform data entry at the shelter, including animal identification, photographs, kennel cards, animal bios, and medical and behavioral information. Ensure animal records are updated throughout the shelter stay processAssist with in-shelter animal adoption meet and greet by interacting with customers in person and providing exceptional customer serviceAssist with in-shelter animal enrichment in accordance with the daily enrichment schedulesOther job duties as assignedWorking ConditionsWork is performed in an animal shelter with exposure to extreme and varying temperatures, excessive noise, dogs and cats with unknown temperaments or behaviors, animal waste and fluids, deceased animals, cleaning chemicals, and zoonotic diseasesWhile performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand and walk on various surfaces that are sometimes slippery, uneven, or roughExerting 50-100 lbs. occasionally, 10-25 lbs. frequently, or up to 10-20 lbs. constantlySelection ProcedureConsideration will only be given to candidates who submit online applicationsCandidates will be contacted primarily through email and their Workday online application profileMust pass a pre-employment background and/or fingerprint investigation as required by statute or policy, including drug and alcohol testing requirements for positions designated as safety-sensitiveMaricopa County is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants. If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application process or to perform the essential functions of the position under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), please contact MHRFeedback@maricopa.gov to initiate the interactive process.Apply Now!