Adoptions & Behavior Counselor - Pima Animal Care Center

pimacounty; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 22,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

Pima Animal Care Center is seeking a part-time Adoptions & Behavior Counselor to join our Outcomes Team in Tucson. This position handles indoor and outdoor work with dogs of varying behavior, runs play groups, provides enrichment, and assesses behavior to support adoptions and placements.

The role requires excellent customer service, the ability to work on weekends and rotating shifts; bilingual in English/Spanish is preferred and a GED or high school diploma is required.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• 1 year of customer service experience preferred.
• 1 year experience in an animal shelter or related setting preferred.
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide humane care and safe handling for dogs, cats and small pets.
• Conduct behavioral assessments and enrichment activities.
• Document animal history, health, and outcomes in shelter software.
• Assist with adoptions, meet-and-greets, matchmaking and notes reviews.
• Care for animals and maintain cleanliness of kennels and facility.
• Safely transport animals and supplies using county vehicles.

Skills

Customer service

Bilingual (English/Spanish)

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Job Description Summary

Department - Pima Animal Care Center Job Description

OPEN UNTIL FILLED

Job Type: Classified

Job Classification: 5931 - Animal Care Technician I

Salary Grade: 3

Hiring Pay: $18.79 Per Hour

The first review of applications will be on 10/02/2026.

Pima Animal Care Center (PACC) is looking to add a part-time Adoptions & Behavior Counselors to join our Outcomes Team. As an Adoptions & Behavior Counselor, you will work directly with our community to find the best furry friends for their home. This position is customer service centered and includes working both indoors and outdoors with dogs of varying behavior types. You will run large dog play groups, provide dog enrichment, and assess dog behavior.

This position will work 19 hours max a week and must work a minimum of three days including one weekend day. PACC is open 7 days a week. Nontraditional work hours and rotating schedules.

Essential Functions:

• Provides humane care and safe handling for a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, and small pets, while monitoring behavior and health;
• Works outdoors in all weather conditions and safely handles live animals, including those that may be injured, frightened, or offensive, using appropriate techniques to minimize risks to self and others;
• Demonstrates excellent customer service to the public and volunteers by answering questions, addressing concerns, and guiding decisions regarding intakes, outcomes, redemptions and animal care in adherence to PACC policies;
• Handles animals for behavioral assessments and playgroups, identifying placement or behavior concerns, and participates in decisions regarding outcomes, including euthanasia;
• Accurately organizes and documents information on animal behavior, history, medical records and outcomes, utilizing shelter software and other systems for recordkeeping, communication, and scheduling;
• Administers vaccinations and medications under veterinary guidance, assesses animals for signs of illness or injury and documents and communicates health concerns;
• Facilitates adoption and foster processes by assisting with enrichment, behavioral evaluations, animal meet and greets, matchmaking and note reviews;
• Supports intake and admissions by providing correct intake pathways, checking animals for health concerns, identifying ages/breeds and finding kennel placements;
• Maintains a clean and sanitary facility, including kennels, workspaces, public lobbies, and treatment spaces;
• Frequently lifts and carries heavy objects, bends, stoops, reaches, and performs other physical tasks as required;
• Safeguards and accounts for scheduled drugs and funds received for PACC services;
• Operates County-owned vehicles to transport animals and supplies.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or General Education Development (G.E.D.) certificate.
• (Relevant experience and/or education from an accredited college or university may be substituted.)

Preferred Qualifications :

• Bilingual (English/Spanish).
• Minimum one (1) year experience working in customer service.
• Minimum one (1) year experience working in an animal shelter or other relevant animal care setting.
• Experience working or volunteering with dogs and/or cats.

Selection Procedure :

Pima County Human Resources Department reserves the right to admit to the selection process only those candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. All applications will be assessed based on an evaluation of the listed education and experience. Candidates meeting the minimum qualifications may be further evaluated/scored against any advertised Preferred Qualifications. The hiring authority will interview and select the successful candidate from a referral list provided by Human Resources. Additional assessments/testing may be required as part of the selection process.

Supplemental Information:

Licenses and Certificates :

Some positions require a valid Arizona Class D driver license at the time of application or appointment. Failure to obtain/maintain the required licensure shall be grounds for termination.

Special Notice Items :

The County requires pre-employment background checks. Successfu