Animal Welfare Specialist

Animal Welfare Specialist

Salary

$38,121.20 - $49,575.24 Annually

Location

C292-Animal Control

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

04365

Department

Animal Control

Opening Date

07/21/2026

Closing Date

8/4/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Position Purpose/Summary

The Animal Welfare Specialist ensures the successful operations of TJO Adoption Center by providing effective customer service, medical and behavioral evaluation and treatment, direct animal care, as well as kennel sanitation. They ensure that the general public is treated respectfully, and that appropriate information with regard to animal related situations/issues is communicated effectively. Responsible for ensuring that quality care is provided for all shelter animals in accordance with the policies and procedures established by the Thomas J. OConnor Animal Control and Adoption Center. No supervisor is exercised over other employees.

Essential Functions

• Provides high quality customer service to the general public
• Treats the public in a courteous and respectful manner at all times; while assisting with adoption counseling, surrenders, receiving complaints and advice on general animal welfare issues - both in person and by phone.
• Examines all incoming animals - including administering vaccinations, heartworm and feline leukemia testing, micro-chipping, grooming procedures (nail trimming, ear cleaning, etc.), and daily medical treatments.
• Conducts adoption counseling sessions, surrenders, and Return To Owners.
• Receives reports of possible cruelty/neglect and gives advice on general animal welfare issues both in person and by phone.
• Participates in the euthanasia process in accordance with the policies and procedures as set forth by the Center.
• Arranges transfers of animals between organizations, monitors colonies of feral cats or stray populations, and secures resources for indigent clients that contact to TJO for assistance
• Makes arrangements for spay/neuter and other medical appointments
• Assists with animal emergencies and/or law enforcement cases as needed and directed by the Executive Director or Shelter Supervisor.
• Ensures all shelter animals are provided with the best possible care.
• Continually makes observations of each animal for signs of illness, injury, or behavioral deterioration.
• Cleans and disinfects kennels, cages, etc., and provides proper food, water, bedding, etc.
• Works with the computer program, Chameleon Software, and handles all necessary transactions.
• Adheres to systems, methods, and procedures in accordance with modern humane and business.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Advanced interpersonal skills to deal with conflict, highly emotional, and difficult clients.
• Ability to diffuse potentially aggressive or hostile behaviors in clients.
• Ability to work well and communicate effectively with the public and volunteers.
• Ability to work effectively and independently.
• Knowledge of animal handling skills.
• General knowledge of animal welfare issues.
• Ability to use shelter/rescue equipment safely and effectively.
• Knowledge of legal protocol n handling, administering, and logging controlled animal drugs.

Education and Experience

• Associates degree in a related field.
• Two years of related experience in animal welfare.

NOTICE: The following benefits are contingent upon hours worked and bargaining vs. non-bargaining agreements.

Medical/Dental/ Vision

75% City Subsidized

All health insurance plans include Dental and Vision

Retirement

Available to employees working 20+ hours per week

Paid Vacation

Earned vacation time can be taken after 6 months of service. Earned time is accrued.

Paid Holidays

All City employees receive 11 paid holidays per year.

Paid Sick Time

Full time employees are immediately eligible to begin accruing 1 1/4 days per month which can be taken after 6 months of service. Supplemental Long Term and Short disability coverage is available to employees at the employee cost.

Paid Personal Days

Use up to 3 of your accrued sick days as Personal days. Personal days cannot be rolled over into the next calendar year.

Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

A means for eligible employees to balance work and family responsibilities by taking unpaid leave for authorized reasons.

Training

On the job and instructor led courses available

Employee Assistance Program

Free, confidential and personal assistance to employees and their families to resolve issues that affect their personal lives as well as job performance.

Direct Deposit

Easy, convenient, and free!

01

Do you have an associates degree in a related field?

• Yes
• No

02

Do you have two years of related experience in animal welfare?

• Yes
• No

03

Are you a current City of Springfield, Chicopee or Holyoke resident?

• Yes
• No

04

The City of Springfield requires all employees to be residents of either Springfield, Chicopee or Holyoke. If you are not a current resident, are you willing to relocate?

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer City of Springfield

Address 36 Court St

Springfield, Massachusetts, 01103

Phone 413-787-6018

Website https://www.springfield-ma.gov