Rescue Assistant

Catawba County Government; Newton (NC); On-site; USD 34,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Catawba County Emergency Services is seeking an organized, detail-driven professional with a passion for animal welfare to join our Animal Shelter team as a Rescue Assistant.

This role serves as the administrative backbone of the Shelter's transfer program, gathering, organizing, reviewing, and filing all documentation for animal rescue and transfer operations to ensure compliance with state law, county ordinances, and receiving agencies' requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or higher in business/public administration with 6 months+ of high-pressure, complex processes experience.
• Familiarity with state and local transfer policies and recordkeeping.
• Knowledge of animal welfare guidelines and ability to manage sensitive information accurately.

Responsibilities

• Complete and file all documentation required to transfer ownership of animals to external rescue organizations in accordance with state law, county ordinances, and local policies, including error-free Certified Veterinarian Inspection (CVI) forms for animals crossing state lines
• Verify rescue organization compliance, track animal placements, and compile medical records to ensure all transfer requirements are met prior to transport
• Coordinate transfer logistics, including ground and air transport, and communicate timelines and requirements to kennel staff and shelter management
• Direct kennel staff, in coordination with the Kennel Tech Supervisor, to administer vaccines, perform medical tests, and maintain accurate records in the Chameleon software system
• Perform front desk duties, conduct volunteer orientations, assist with animal euthanasia, and assist with animal transport as needed

Skills

Organization

Detail orientation

Communication skills

Policy interpretation

Office coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or Public Administration

Associate's degree in Business Administration or related field

High school diploma or GED with 4 years office/clerical experience

Tools

Chameleon software

Microsoft Office

Job description

Catawba County Emergency Services is seeking an organized, detail-driven professional with a passion for animal welfare to join our Animal Shelter team as a Rescue Assistant. In this role, you'll serve as the administrative backbone of the Shelter's transfer program, gathering, organizing, reviewing, and filing all documentation associated with animal rescue and transfer operations, ensuring every transfer meets state law, county ordinances, and receiving agencies' requirements. This is meaningful, high-stakes work that directly protects the Shelter's license and gives animals a second chance.

Working Tuesday through Saturday 9 AM – 6 PM, you'll enjoy the stability of county employment, reliable pay, and a strong benefits package while doing work that truly matters to your community.

• Complete and file all documentation required to transfer ownership of animals to external rescue organizations in accordance with state law, county ordinances, and local policies, including error-free Certified Veterinarian Inspection (CVI) forms for animals crossing state lines
• Verify rescue organization compliance, track animal placements, and compile medical records to ensure all transfer requirements are met prior to transport
• Coordinate transfer logistics, including ground and air transport, and communicate timelines and requirements to kennel staff and shelter management
• Direct kennel staff, in coordination with the Kennel Tech Supervisor, to administer vaccines, perform medical tests, and maintain accurate records in the Chameleon software system
• Perform front desk duties, conduct volunteer orientations, assist with animal euthanasia, and assist with animal transport as needed

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, or other related field and 6 months of office management or advanced clerical experience with a focus on high-pressure, complex processes; OR
• Associate's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field and 2 years of office/clerical experience, including 1 year of office management or advanced clerical experience with a focus on high-pressure, complex processes; OR
• High school diploma or GED equivalent and 4 years of office/clerical experience, including 1 year of office management or advanced clerical experience with a focus on high-pressure, complex processes

• NC Certified Euthanasia Technician or ability/willingness to obtain within a specified timeframe
• Certified Rabies Vaccinator or ability/willingness to obtain certification within a specified timeframe
• Valid driver’s license with a safe driving record (Driving is an essential function of this position)
• Familiarity with the Animal Welfare Act and comfort working around animals
• Considerable knowledge of office techniques
• Ability to practice effective communication techniques both orally and in writing
• Skill in organizing workflow and coordinating activities
• Ability to analyze, interpret, and implement policy and procedural guidelines

Preferences:

• Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree