Adoptions & Behavior Counselor - Pima Animal Care Center

Pima County; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Pima Animal Care Center is seeking a full-time Adoptions & Behavior Counselor to join the Outcomes Team. This role involves working with the community to place animals, running dog enrichment, and conducting behavior assessments. The position includes nontraditional hours and weekend rotations.

Responsibilities include humane animal care, handling, and documentation, with training provided as needed. A GED or high school diploma is required, and bilingual ability is preferred.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED is required.
• Relevant education and/or experience may be substituted.
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.
• Minimum one year of customer service experience; shelter or animal care experience helpful.

Responsibilities

• Provides humane care and safe handling for dogs, cats, and small pets, while monitoring behavior and health.
• Performs behavioral assessments and oversees dog playgroups.
• Facilitates adoptions and fosters, including enrichment and matchmaking.
• Documents animal history, behavior, health, and outcomes in shelter software.
• Assists with intake, vaccinations, and medications under veterinary guidance.

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 full-time Adoptions & Behavior Counselor 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. 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.) Qualifying education and experience must be clearly documented in the "Education" and "Work Experience" sections of the application. Do not substitute a resume for your application or write "see resume" on your application.

Preferred Qualifications

(Be specific in describing your experience in your application. Ensure the descriptions provided illustrate your competencies, specifically addressing the required and preferred qualifications.): Bilingual (English/Spanish). Minimum one (1) year experience working in customer service. Minimum one (1) year experience working or volunteering 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. Successful candidates will receive a post-offer, pre-employment background screening to include verification of work history, education, and criminal conviction history. A prior criminal conviction will not automatically disqualify a candidate from employment with the County. Within nine months of appointment, employees must receive the full series of pre-exposure rabies immunizations. Medical inability to be immunized or previous immunization must be verified by the County Physician prior to employment. Recommended boosters are required for the duration of employment, unless medically excused or physiologically unable to develop immunity. This position will require a post-job offer physical and/or drug screen. This position will require post-job offer proof of immunization(s) or immunization(s) and/or a TB screening. Pima County determines whether a position is eligible for visa sponsorship at the time of recruitment. Eligibility is based on the requirements of the position and applicable laws and regulations. Not all positions with Pima County are eligible for visa sponsorship.

Physical/Sensory Requirements

Physical and sensory abilities will be determined by position. Action Activity - bending, climbing, crawling, kneeling, reaching, squatting, and stooping; Motion Activity - grasping; Hearing Activity - in noisy areas on a radio, behind themselves; Speaking Activity - in person, on a phone, on a radio; Vision - must be able to operate a motor vehicle, distinguish color, have depth perception, have peripheral vision. Frequently required to lift, push or pull objects weighing up to 100 pounds.

Working Conditions

Working conditions will be determined by position.

EEO Information

Pima County Government is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We are committed to an inclusive and diverse workforce and will not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, kinship, political interest, or any other characteristic protected by law. Pima County stands out as an exceptional workplace, offering a supportive environment that fosters professional growth and personal satisfaction. As one of the largest employers in the region, Pima County prioritizes its commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace, recognizing the unique contributions of each employee. Embracing innovation and collaboration, Pima County provides multiple opportunities in which individuals can make a meaningful impact on their community. One of the key advantages of working for Pima County is its comprehensive benefits package. Employees enjoy competitive salaries, generous health insurance coverage, and retirement plans that contribute to long-term financial security. Pima County recognizes the importance of a healthy work-life balance, offering flexible work schedules, a generous family leave policy and wellness programs that prioritize employee well-being. Furthermore, Pima County takes pride in fostering a culture of continuous learning and development. Employees benefit from opportunities for professional advancement through training programs, workshops, and educational reimbursement programs. In addition, a County-wide employee recognition program rewards employees who exemplify the County values of being accountable, respectful and ethical as well as providing great customer service. By joining Pima County, individuals become part of a dedicated team working towards a common goal: enhancing the quality of life for residents and building a vibrant future. Pima County is not just an employer; it's a community that values its employees, encourages their growth, and invests in their success.