Adoption Specialist

St. Louis County, Missouri; United States; On-site; USD 23,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

PTO

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

Job summary

The St. Louis County Department of Public Health is seeking compassionate Adoption Specialists to support our mission of connecting animals with loving homes and serving the public.

In this role you will guide adopters, assist visitors and volunteers, care for shelter animals, and ensure smooth daily operations at the St. Louis County Animal Care & Control. Weekend shifts are required.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Preferably at least two years of experience in animal welfare.
• Extensive customer service experience working with the public.

Responsibilities

• Administer animal adoption processes to support successful and responsible placements.
• Assist visitors, staff, and volunteers with animal intake and adoption procedures.
• Provide education and ongoing support to adopters before and after adoption.
• Provide daily care for shelter animals according to established guidelines.
• Use software applications for word processing, data entry, and spreadsheet tasks.
• Oversee placement of animals needing foster care and coordinate return for surgery or adoption.
• Serve as the primary contact for foster volunteers and recruit/foster families.
• Collaborate with team to identify animals needing foster placement and support animals with medical or behavioral needs.

Skills

Customer service

Animal welfare

People skills

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Word processing

Data entry

Spreadsheets

Job description

Discover Your Future with Opportunity Central! Job Description Summary: Are you passionate about animal welfare and helping pets find loving homes? St. Louis County Department of Public Health is seeking dedicated and compassionate Adoption Specialists to support our mission of delivering high quality care to animals and exceptional service to the public. This role offers the opportunity to make a direct impact on community animal wellbeing, improve shelter outcomes, and build meaningful connections with adopters, volunteers, and foster families.

Job Description: Ideal candidates thrive in people-focused, service-driven environments and are committed to supporting the health and safety of animals in our care. As an Adoption Specialist, you will ensure adopters are well-informed, animals are placed responsibly, and shelter operations run smoothly seven days a week.

Starting Salary: $16.80–$20.16 hourly depending on qualifications and budget considerations

Work Location: St. Louis County Animal Care & Control

Hours/Schedule: Shelter operates 7 days a week. This position will be required to work at least one weekend day with hours and work schedule subject to change for operational needs.

Why You Should Consider a Career as an Adoption Specialist

Meaningful Impact: You’ll help animals find safe, loving homes and support families through the adoption process.

Community Contribution: Play a key role in promoting responsible pet ownership and strengthening community health.

Growth & Experience: Gain hands-on experience in animal welfare, customer service, and shelter operations.

Comprehensive Benefits

• St. Louis County offers competitive benefits, PTO, and eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

Learn more at: https://stlouiscountymo.gov/st-louis-county-departments/administration/work-for-us/benefits/

Key Responsibilities

• Administer animal adoption processes to support successful and responsible placements.
• Assist visitors, staff, and volunteers with animal intake and adoption procedures, ensuring positive experiences and animal wellbeing.
• Provide education and ongoing support to adopters before and after adoption.
• Provide daily care for shelter animals, including feeding, watering, exercising, and interacting with them according to established guidelines.
• Apply current, evidence-based practices to support animal health and welfare.
• Use software applications for word processing, data entry, and spreadsheet tasks.
• Oversee placement of animals needing foster care and coordinate their return for surgery, treatment, or adoption.
• Serve as the primary contact for foster volunteers; recruit and support foster families and share relevant resources.
• Collaborate with team members to identify animals needing foster placement and support animals with medical or behavioral needs.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Preferably at least two years of experience in animal welfare.
• Extensive customer service experience working with the general public.

Pre-Employment Process Requirements

Applicants will be evaluated based on relevant education, experience, responses to supplemental questions, and other work-related information provided on the application. Resumes are supplementary and do not replace the required application. All candidates will receive notifications regarding application status once determined. Status updates are provided via email and can be found within each candidate’s Workday profile. Only the most qualified candidates will be invited to interview. Interview scores will determine the applicant's final grade; a minimum score of 70 is required for hiring consideration. The five highest-ranking candidates will be referred to the Department Director/Appointing Authority for final selection.

Pre-Employment Screening

Candidates extended a conditional offer must successfully complete all required pre‑employment screenings. These screenings include a drug test administered at no cost to the candidate by a certified laboratory and a background check evaluating the recency and relevance of the candidate’s history to the position. Candidates must complete the drug test within 48 hours of receiving a conditional offer; failure to do so may result in withdrawal of the offer.

Equal Opportunity Employer

St. Louis County is committed to fair and equitable employment opportunities for all, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, veteran status, or political affiliation. St. Louis County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for the application or hiring process should contact the St. Louis County ADA Coordinator at 314-615-1796 or call Relay MO at 711 or 1-800-735-2966 (TTY) or email [e-mail].

About Opportunity Central

At St. Louis County, we're not just about jobs, we're about opportunity. Welcome to Opportunity Central — your gateway to meaningful careers in local government. We’re more than just a job board; we’re a hub for purpose-driven professionals looking to make a real difference in their communities.

Saint Louis County is the most populous county in Missouri, home to over a million people and spans 523 square miles. Saint Louis County maintains a convenient proximity and access to the city of St. Louis while also providing a place where one can explore and carve out their own niche. Saint Louis County is a place where all are welcome to pursue the endless opportunities available to them.