The Opportunity: Adoption Specialist
The Humane Society of Boulder Valley (HSBV) is seeking full-time non-seasonal and part-time, seasonal Adoption Specialists. Adoption Specialists provide for the general care of shelter animals and the animal shelter facilities. Adoption Specialists are typically the first to assist our shelter clients, potential adopters, and our visitors. Specialists counsel guests about pet adoption and share information about our pet training and veterinary services. Adoption Specialists begin the workday by cleaning the animal areas and continue to support the overall operations of the animal shelter throughout the day. Current opportunities are for full-time, non-seasonal roles, regularly scheduled 30-40 hours per week. Training is provided.
You are an excellent candidate for this position if your superpowers include helping people feel valued and having empathy for others. You love animals almost as much as you enjoy working with people. Those who know you might describe you as optimistic and always looking at the bright side of situations. You are looking for a role that is not only meaningful but gives you a sense of purpose and accomplishment. You thrive as a member of a team and enjoy working with colleagues who appreciate you.
We encourage you to apply if you have experience that is transferable, even if it’s not a perfect match. We encourage applications from members of underrepresented groups including but not limited women, members of the LGBTQ+ community, people of color, people with different abilities, and veterans. Spanish/English speaking individuals encouraged to apply. Applications will be accepted through August 22, 2025
Summary of Responsibilities
- Caring for the shelter animals by ensuring each has adequate food and water, is housed in a clean and safe environment, are treated humanely and handled with care, and reporting changes in animal health or behavior.
- Providing pet adoption counseling support which includes thoughtful and informative conversations about pet health, animal behavior and training, and additional services available after adoption.
- Cleaning and maintaining animal housing areas including disinfecting kennels and cages daily; cleaning crates, dishes, equipment, and laundry, and restocking supplies.
- Assisting clients and visitors by conducting retail transactions, performing computer data entry, answering, and directing phone calls, completing paperwork, and documenting changes to animal and client information.
- Supporting and training volunteers to ensure animals receive quality and timely care.
- Adoption specialists receive training to assist with animal euthanasia.
This job posting is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time and without notice. Job description available upon request.
What We Offer - The starting pay rate for this position is $19.00 per hour and there is an additional $2.00 per hour paid or hours worked on Saturdays and Sundays. This pay rate is the Humane Society of Boulder Valley’s best estimate for this position and actual compensation will be based on factors including but not limited to the depth and extent of relevant experience, education, and additional training/certifications for preferred skills. Additional compensation is available for qualified employees who can translate for our Spanish-speaking clientele. The compensation package for full-time, non-seasonal employees includes:
- Paid time off (PTO)
- Health insurance
- Dental and vision plans
- Life & disability insurance
- Flexible spending accounts for health care and dependent care expenses
- Retirement plan options with employer match
- Employee assistance program (EAP)
- Discounts on adoptions, pet food, pet supplies, veterinary care, and training services
- Complimentary pet boarding benefit
- Paid medical and family leave
The Humane Society of Boulder Valley seeks to employ motivated, innovative, and talented individuals who bring passion, expertise, and a positive attitude to the workplace. Our employees embody our internal values: Kindness, Trust, Optimism, Humility, Collaboration, Ingenuity. The Humane Society of Boulder Valley offers equal employment opportunities to qualified applicants and employees without regard to an individual's race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, ancestry, military status, or any other status.
Qualifications and Requirements - Adoption specialists are expected to be able to perform basic computer skills in a Windows environment. We prioritize applicants who have at least one year of customer service experience or experience working with the general public. Adoption specialists must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds with assistance. A pre-employment background check and drug screen are required for all employment candidates.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities - We are looking for highly motivated and sociable individuals who are polite and professional when working with the public, both in person and on the phone. The adoption specialist must be a team player and is able to sustain working through a busy day standing, walking, bending, twisting, kneeling, squatting, and lifting while also handling several tasks at once. Knowledge of animal breeds, animal behavior, and pet training is helpful.
About HSBV - The Humane Society of Boulder Valley (HSBV) is a community-supported, open-door facility that provides shelter, medical care and behavioral rehabilitation to almost 5,000 animals annually. Its programs are inspired by its mission to protect and enhance the lives of companion animals by promoting healthy relationships between pets and people. Since its inception in 1902, the Humane Society of Boulder Valley has become one of the most recognized nonprofit organizations in the community and a national leader in animal welfare.
