Animal Welfare Officer - Shelton

Humane Society of Mason County; Shelton (WA); On-site; USD 38,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental and vision coverage

Uniform/clothing allowance

Professional development opportunities

Vacation/Paid time off

Sick leave

Six paid holidays

Job summary

Humane Society of Mason County is seeking a dedicated animal welfare professional to care for stray animals, coordinate veterinary services, and engage with the community to promote responsible pet ownership.

The role requires empathy, strong communication, and the ability to work independently or as part of a team in a fast-paced shelter environment. Occasional travel to Belfair HQ and evening/weekend hours are expected.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or certificate in Animal Science or Veterinary Technology; 1–3 years of direct experience in animal care, shelter work, or rescue operations may substitute for degree or certification credentials.
• Certifications from the National Animal Care & Control Association as Animal Control Officer I & II, within timeframe for next certification cycle.
• Level I Professional Animal Cruelty Investigator from National Animal Cruelty Investigations School, within timeframe for next certification cycle.
• Must possess a valid Driver’s license and clean driving record
• Must pass background check

Responsibilities

• Safely retrieve and care for stray animals while prioritizing reuniting lost pets with their families.
• Maintain a safe and clean environment within the shelter; provide daily enrichment and species-specific care.
• Coordinate transport and veterinary services to support medical recovery and wellness of shelter pets.
• Respond to community requests for support with stray, injured, or at-risk animals in alignment with humane protocols.
• Engage in outreach efforts to promote responsible pet ownership, including spay/neuter education, licensing, and microchipping.
• Investigate reports of animal neglect or cruelty, documenting findings and coordinating with legal or rescue partners as needed.
• Provide respectful enforcement of local and state animal welfare guidelines, always seeking voluntary compliance before legal action.
• Keep detailed records of intakes, adoptions, reclaims, and any field activities.
• Collaborate with our communications team to promote adoptable animals and share their stories across various platforms.
• Build relationships with volunteers, foster caregivers, and community members to extend our reach and impact.
• Represent the humane society at local events and serve as a knowledgeable, empathetic resource to the public.
• Travel occasionally to Belfair headquarters for training and/or meetings
• Availability evening and weekend hours for emergency calls
• Perform other duties, as assigned

Skills

Communication

Animal handling

Empathy

De-escalation

Judgment

Teamwork

Medical administration

Tech literacy

Education

Associate degree in Animal Science/Vet Tech

NAAC Animal Control Officer I

NAAC Animal Control Officer II

Animal Cruelty Investigator Level I

Driver's license

Background check

Tools

Radios

Field equipment

Basic tech tools

Job description

Essential Job Functions

• Safely retrieve and care for stray animals while prioritizing reuniting lost pets with their families.
• Maintain a safe and clean environment within the shelter; ensure animals receive daily enrichment and species-specific care.
• Coordinate transport and veterinary services to support medical recovery and wellness of shelter pets.
• Respond to community requests for support with stray, injured, or at-risk animals in alignment with our humane protocols.
• Engage in outreach efforts to promote responsible pet ownership, including spay/neuter education, licensing, and microchipping.
• Investigate reports of animal neglect or cruelty, documenting findings and coordinating with legal or rescue partners as needed.
• Provide respectful enforcement of local and state animal welfare guidelines, always seeking voluntary compliance before legal action.
• Keep detailed records of intakes, adoptions, reclaims, and any field activities.
• Collaborate with our communications team to promote adoptable animals and share their stories across various platforms.
• Build relationships with volunteers, foster caregivers, and community members to extend our reach and impact.
• Represent the humane society at local events and serve as a knowledgeable, empathetic resource to the public.
• Travel occasionally to Belfair headquarters for training and/or meetings
• Availability evening and weekend hours for emergency calls
• Perform other duties, as assigned

Interpersonal Skills and Professional Attributes

• Exceptional communication skills with a calm, collaborative demeanor, especially in sensitive or high-pressure situations.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment with minimal supervision, particularly in emotionally charged or urgent circumstances.
• Comfortable using radios, field equipment, and basic tech tools to document work and communicate with the team
• High proficiency in learning new software systems
• Extensive knowledge and experience handling various types of animals who may be frightened, aggressive or in need of medical care.
• Must be comfortable administering injections and medications.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Compassionate and empathetic approach to working with animals and people.
• Demonstrate ability to quickly, calmly, and efficiently meet deadlines, juggle multiple and competing priorities, and maintain a positive, engaging atmosphere
• Excellent interpersonal skills; authentic team player and demonstrate de-escalation tactics and resolve conflict
• Excellent written and oral communication skills

Company Mission and Workplace Core Values

All employees of HSMC are expected to embrace the organizational mission of providing a second chance for companion animals. In addition, adhering and contributing positively to our team core values is required. These values embody: Team over ego, solutions over blame, psychological safety, progress not perfection, and a "compassion first" approach.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions.
• Physical capacity to work in varied environments, including active outdoor rescue in extreme weather along with indoor shelter settings;
• Must be able to lift 50+ lbs safely.
• Regular driving of company vehicle
• The role involves exposure to animal odors, noises, and behaviors typical of an animal care facility, as well as interaction with animals at various stages of health and recovery.
• Communicating with others to exchange information

Education and Licenses

• Associate degree or certificate in Animal Science, Veterinary Technology, or a related field; 1-3 years of direct experience in animal care, shelter work, or rescue operations will substitute for degree or certification credentials.
• Certifications from the National Animal Care & Control Association as Animal Control Officer I & II, within timeframe for next certification cycle.
• Level I Professional Animal Cruelty Investigator from National Animal Cruelty Investigations School, within timeframe for next certification cycle.
• Must possess a valid Driver’s license and clean driving record
• Must pass background check

Benefits Include

Health, Dental and Vision with company contribution; Annual clothing/uniform allowance; Professional Development Opportunities; Vacation/Paid Time Off at 1.5 hours earned per 40 hours paid; Sick Leave at 1 hour earned per 40 hours worked; Six Paid holidays per year.

Questions? Please email Stephanie Walsh at [e-mail].