Lead Animal Care & Enrichment Assistant

Asheville Humane Society; Asheville (NC); On-site; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Simple IRA with 3% match

Paid time off (18 days)

Job summary

Asheville Humane Society is seeking a Lead Animal Care & Enrichment Assistant to support the Animal Care team and provide direct care for animals at the Buncombe County Shelter and Adoption Center.

This full-time, on-site role includes cleaning, feeding, medicating, enrichment, and leading dog playgroups, with adoption meet‑and‑greets and volunteer training. Weekend/holiday shifts required; starting pay is $18.00/hour plus benefits.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Basic computer skills and the ability to learn shelter software.
• Ability to work weekends and holidays as needed.
• Must complete Fear Free Shelters certification within 90 days.

Responsibilities

• Maintain knowledge of animals at the Shelter and Adoption Center.
• Perform daily cleaning and disinfection of animal areas and public spaces.
• Monitor inventory and report restocking needs and equipment issues.
• Assist with storing and inventorying donations.
• Support adoption meet‑and‑greets and veterinary transport as needed.
• Provide training and guidance to new hires, staff and volunteers.
• Ensure consistent communication and task coordination on assigned days.
• Set up enrichment activities and monitor enrichment supplies.

Skills

Basic computer skills

Mentoring training

Weekend/holiday readiness

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Shelter software

Job description

The Lead Animal Care & Enrichment Assistant is responsible for being a point of contact and support for the Animal Care team as well as the direct care of the animals housed at the Buncombe County Animal Shelter and Asheville Humane Society Adoption Center.

This position provides hands‑on animal care while helping support the day‑to‑day operations of the Animal Care team. Responsibilities include serving as a primary on‑site resource for Animal Care staff, assisting with daily workload as needed, and providing routine care such as cleaning, feeding, medicating, enrichment, and walking. This position also helps safely move animals throughout the facility, leads designated dog playgroups, supports adoption meet‑and‑greets, assists with veterinary transportation, and helps train and guide Animal Care Assistants and volunteers. The role works closely with staff and volunteers to promote consistent adherence to animal care, safety, behavior, medical, and operational procedures.

Schedule: The Animal Care Lead is a full-time (40 hours per week) position located on the Animal Care Campus. This is a fully on‑site position requiring regular and reliable attendance. Consistent attendance and punctuality are essential functions of this role to ensure that the daily needs of the animals are met.We are currently hiring for two openings for this position. Schedules may vary based on departmental needs and will include some weekends and holidays.

Compensation & Benefits: The compensation for Lead Animal Care & Enrichment Assistant starts at $18.00/hour. AHS is pleased to offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits package to full-time employees that includes: medical, dental, and vision insurance, a Simple IRA plan with up to 3% company match, 18 days of PTO in the first year, paid holidays, pet prescription discounts, and more! Benefits are available after 60 days of employment.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain working knowledge of the animals housed at the Shelter and Adoption Center.
• Perform daily cleaning of all animal areas, including laundry, dishes, and disinfection of public areas as needed.
• Monitor animal care supply inventory and report restocking needs, equipment issues, and facility repairs.
• Assist with properly storing and inventorying donations.
• Respond to departmental requests requiring animal care assistance.
• Report animal temperament, behavior, and medical concerns to the appropriate department.
• Assist the medical and behavior teams with handling, restraining, moving, and medicating animals.
• Provide training and on‑the‑job guidance to new hires, animal care staff and volunteers by demonstrating proper procedures and offering support.
• Respond promptly to calls for assistance from staff including handling support or retrieving supplies.
• Fill in during staff callouts, breaks, or shortages to ensure smooth operations.
• Report personnel concerns, issues, and positive performance observations to the Animal Care Supervisor.
• Serve as the designated Animal Care point person on assigned days ensuring clear communication, consistent animal care, and appropriate task coordination.
• Set up and distribute enrichment activities and monitor and maintain enrichment supplies as needed.
• Coordinate administration of medications for off-campus dog walking and hiking groups and ensure accurate documentation.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Minimum of six months of experience caring for and handling animals in an animal shelter or other professional animal care environment.
• Basic computer skills and the ability to learn and effectively use shelter software.
• Ability to safely handle animals and apply appropriate handling techniques based on individual animal temperament and behavior.
• Ability to work professionally and collaboratively with coworkers and volunteers.
• Ability to provide clear direction, training, and support to staff and volunteers.
• Dependable and able to maintain regular and reliable attendance for scheduled shifts.
• Ability to work weekends and holidays as needed.
• Must complete Fear Free Shelters certification within the first 90 days of employment.
• Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record if required to operate organizational vehicles or transport animals.

Physical Requirements

This position requires frequent standing, walking, stooping, bending, reaching, lifting, and handling animals throughout the day. Applicants should be able to safely lift items weighing up to 50 pounds to a height of 4 feet and safely handle and restrain dogs weighing up to 150 pounds.

The position involves working with animals of varying sizes, ages, temperaments, and behavioral needs in a shelter environment that may include cleaning products, animal dander, noise, and occasional exposure to bodily fluids. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

This position is an essential role in Asheville Humane Society's emergency operations and inclement weather plan. The ability to safely report to work or remain on campus during inclement weather and emergencies may be required.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Mental health benefits covered at 100% for in‑network providers
• SIMPLE IRA with up to a 3% employer match
• 18 days of paid time off during the first year
• Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• 9 Paid Holidays
• Pet Bereavement
• Pet prescription discounts

Benefits begin after 60 days of employment.