Humane Educator (Part-Time)

The Humane Educator is responsible for delivering educational programs that promote compassion, responsible pet ownership, and awareness of animal welfare issues. The ideal candidate will be comfortable educating the community – particularly youth – through interactive presentations, classroom visits, and shelter tours. They will represent HAWS in schools, community events, and outreach activities while fostering positive relationships with local organizations and groups. 

Essential Position Functions:

• Responsible for delivery of Humane Education and program initiatives. 
• Works well with individuals and small groups of youth. 
• Works with a variety of Humane Education programs including but not limited to youth club activities and birthday parties at the main shelter facility in Waukesha and the HAWS Schallock Center for Animals in Delafield. 
• Ability to handle animals and work with groups of youth simultaneously. 
• Act as ambassadors for humane values including but not limited to kindness, empathy, compassion and responsibility; using this in all interactions with participants; be mindful of attitudes and activities to live the mission. 
• Builds a good public image by communicating appropriately, professionally and timely with participants, their families, school and other personnel, maintaining all assets, providing client services, and by being courteous, helpful and receptive to the public and their needs. 
• Maintains all supplies and equipment required for smooth operations. 
• Works with all staff in all departments for optimum collaboration. 
• Other duties as assigned. 

An individual in this position must be able to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities listed above. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. 

Minimum Qualifications:

• Previous experience working with animals in a shelter, veterinary clinic, or similar setting preferred. 
• Flexibility in staffing events at varying times and varying days of the week, including weekend and weeknight availability required. 
• Experience in youth program delivery or related field; experience in customer service. 
• Ability to pass criminal background check. 
• Ability to obtain a work permit, if required. 
• Preferred knowledge of animal behavior, care, and welfare. 
• Necessary to be able to work independently and as part of a team. 
• Excellent communication (written/verbal and nonverbal) and interpersonal skills are required. 
• Physical ability to lift and carry animals and supplies, bend, stoop, and stand for extended periods is required. 
• Proficient use of computer, email, and the internet and shelter specific software required. 
• Demonstrated animal handling skills and high comfort level: equine experience preferred. 
• High degree of confidentiality, courtesy, professionalism and reliability when interacting with the public. 

Working Conditions:

• Work is performed indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions. 
• Exposure to animal dander, fur, and odors. 
• Potential exposure to zoonotic diseases. 
• May be required to work evenings, weekends, and holidays. 
• Expose to potentially unpleasant conditions. 
• Noisy, fast-paced environment. 

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an individual encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. 

Requirements:

• Ability to lift, carry, push or pull up to 50 pounds. 
• Ability to look, move head, hear and have dexterity to work computer and other machinery. 
• Ability to bend, stoop, and stand for extended periods. 
• Ability to work in environments with loud noises and strong odors. 
• Ability to analyze situations, identify issues, and develop effective solutions. 
• Ability to make sound decisions based on available information and company policies. 
• Ability to solve complex problems efficiently and effectively. 
• Ability to pay close attention to detail and ensure accuracy in work. 
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and work environments. 
• Ability to think creatively and develop innovative solutions. 
• Ability to manage and cope with stress in a fast-paced environment. 
• Ability to manage and cope with stress in a fast-paced environment. 
• Ability to communicate effectively with colleagues, clients, and other stakeholders. 
• Ability to understand and manage one’s emotions and empathize with others. 

The mental and physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an individual to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. 

Please submit application and or resume to HAWS Business and Culture Director at [email protected].