Animal Care Coordinator

Justin Bartlett Animal Rescue; Bartlett, Northern (TN, KY); Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Paid time off

Professional development

Flexible hours

Job summary

Justin Bartlett Animal Rescue seeks an Animal Care Coordinator to lead the daily care, health, and welfare of animals in our Bartlett, TN facility. You will supervise staff and volunteers, develop SOPs, and work with veterinary and adoption teams to uphold humane care standards.

You will oversee feeding, enrichment, health monitoring, and safety, with a focus on collaboration, training, and maintaining accurate records. This role requires flexibility and a passion for animal welfare.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in animal science, veterinary technology, or related field preferred; equivalent experience considered.
• 3+ years of professional animal care experience, including 1–2 years in supervision or management.
• Strong knowledge of animal behavior, enrichment, and welfare best practices.
• Excellent organizational, leadership, and communication skills.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
• Comfortable working with animals of all sizes in a physically demanding environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead, train, and schedule animal care staff and volunteers.
• Mentor staff, conduct performance evaluations, and provide feedback.
• Coordinate with veterinary and adoption teams to ensure humane care.
• Oversee feeding, cleaning, enrichment, and health monitoring for all species.
• Develop SOPs, maintain records, and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Communicate policies and updates to staff, volunteers, and the public.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Communication

Organizational skills

Animal welfare knowledge

Flexibility

Education

Bachelor’s degree in animal science or related field

Equivalent experience

Job description

The Animal Care Coordinator oversees the daily care, health, and well-being of all animals in the organization’s facility. This role combines hands‑on animal care with leadership responsibilities, ensuring staff and volunteers follow best practices in animal welfare, safety, and enrichment. The manager will develop and implement procedures, supervise the animal care team, and coordinate with veterinary and adoption departments to maintain the highest standards of humane care.

• Leadership & Supervision
  • Manage, train, and schedule animal care staff and volunteers.
  • Provide mentorship, performance evaluations, and constructive feedback.
  • Foster a positive, collaborative, and safety-focused work culture.
• Animal Care & Welfare
  • Oversee feeding, cleaning, exercise, and enrichment routines for all species in care.
  • Monitor animal health and behavior; promptly report and address medical or behavioral concerns.
  • Ensure all animals receive proper vaccinations, medical treatments, and wellness checks in collaboration with veterinary staff.
• Operations & Compliance
  • Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) for animal care and facility sanitation.
  • Maintain accurate records for intakes, adoptions, medical treatments, and daily care logs.
  • Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal animal welfare regulations.
• Coordination & Communication
  • Serve as a key liaison between animal care staff, veterinary teams, adopters, and management.
  • Coordinate animal transfers, foster placements, and adoption preparation.
  • Communicate clearly with staff, volunteers, and the public regarding animal care policies and updates.
• Facility Oversight
  • Monitor supplies and order food, bedding, cleaning products, and medical materials as needed.
  • Ensure facility cleanliness, safety, and readiness for visitors and inspections.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in animal science, veterinary technology, or related field preferred; equivalent experience considered.
• 3+ years of professional animal care experience, including at least 1–2 years in a supervisory or management role.
• Strong knowledge of animal behavior, enrichment, and welfare best practices.
• Excellent organizational, leadership, and communication skills.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
• Comfortable working with animals of all sizes and temperaments in a sometimes physically demanding environment.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and stand or walk for extended periods.
• Ability to work in varying weather conditions and environments (kennels, outdoor enclosures, etc.).
• Competitive salary based on experience
• Health, dental, and vision insurance (if applicable)
• Paid time off and holiday pay
• Professional development and training opportunities