Lifesaving and Care Specialist - Lifesaving & Care-Bunny House

Location: Kanab, Utah (relocation assistance may be available)

Hiring Range: The hiring range for this position starts at $22.50 per hour and is eligible for great benefits!

During the selection process, candidates may be asked to participate in an onsite 3-day working interview. 

Position Summary: Lifesaving and Care Specialists work within a team setting to provide hands-on daily care and medical support to the animals at Bunny House. This position works directly with the public to create positive volunteer and visitor experiences and to find adoptive homes for rabbits and guinea pigs. 

Culture Statement and Responsibility: We believe in treating everyone with kindness and compassion, building trust through authenticity and following through on commitments. We prioritize well-being alongside our mission, fostering strong relationships through open communication and transparent feedback. Diversity and inclusion are integral to our culture, enriching team dynamics by valuing diverse perspectives. Each team member is responsible for creating an inclusive environment where all voices are respected and contributing to a workplace that embodies our shared values and commitment to progress. By consistently aligning our actions with our Guiding Principles, we strengthen our culture and ensure that our values are lived every day.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide basic and routine care for animals per department guidelines including but not limited to diet preparation and distribution, cleaning of enclosures, bonding, creating and implementing enrichment and training plans. 

• Support animals with medical issues, which may include zoonotic diseases, by medicating (oral/topical/injectable), treating wounds, grooming as needed (nail trims, brushing, shaving), preparing special diets, observing, identifying, and reporting concerning issues, and assisting in the maintenance of required veterinary records. 

• Support lifesaving objectives of the department by performing all aspects of the adoption process and providing superior customer service to visitors, volunteers, and adopters. 

• Serve as a sanctuary ambassador, representing Best Friends’ work to visitors and volunteers, and speaking to the sanctuary’s special role in Best Friends’ no-kill goals. 

• Support a “volunteers-first” team giving every volunteer the opportunity to maximize their skills and value towards Best Friends’ lifesaving activities, and inspiring visitors to continue the work in their communities. 

• Greet and conduct tours, speak about specific animals, the work of the Bunny House and the sanctuary, answer questions and assist visitors with their needs. 

• Clean work areas and preserve physical appearance of Bunny House buildings and grounds: sweeping, mopping, washing dishes, doing laundry, removing trash, storing items in their proper locations when not actively in use, and identifying and requesting maintenance repairs as needed. 

• Maintain a safe workplace by modeling safe work practices, adhering to organizational safety practices and rules, and communicating about unsafe practices and conditions. 

• Assist in the training of newer staff members as they are gaining competency in various aspects of the job. 

• Demonstrate kindness and the golden rule in our everyday actions by practicing inclusion and respect for every person for the value they bring to the table. Treat others with compassion, empathy, and understanding. 

• Other duties as assigned.

Skills and Experience: 

• Strong desire to work with bunnies. Previous small animal care experience is preferred. 

• Customer-centric, non-judgmental approach to engaging with adopters, partners, visitors, volunteers, and colleagues; familiarity and comfort with providing extensive education during the adoption process, experience interacting with the public (customer service) is preferred. 

• Interest and comfort working with, carrying, and handling rabbits and guinea pigs, including those with health and/or behavior conditions including shyness, fearfulness, and aggression. After a short training period, ability to identify and speak about the unique medical needs and behavioral characteristics of rabbits and guinea pigs.  

• Ability to professionally and accurately discuss Best Friends activities and positions on various animal related issues. Comfortable with public speaking in both small and large group settings.  

• Resourceful, get-it-done attitude; ability to adapt to new work areas or processes; seeking answers independently and enthusiastically; flexibility with unanticipated changes to the daily routine, eagerness to persist until department goals are achieved. 

• Strong interpersonal skills: maintain a positive attitude even in stressful situations, project a professional demeanor while avoiding an overly casual style within the workplace, comfort working collaboratively within a team and able to get along with people from different backgrounds and with differing opinions. 

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, well-developed critical thinking skills and flexible problem- solving abilities. Able to simultaneously juggle multiple competing tasks and priorities.

• Excellent communication and listening skills. Verbal and written communication should be accurate, professional, and clear.

• Basic experience with Microsoft Office products; familiarity with shelter software (Best Friends uses Shelterluv), or a desire to learn. 

Physical Requirements: 

• Ability to work with, carry, and handle rabbits and guinea pigs, including those with health and/or behavior conditions including shyness, fearfulness, and aggression.

• Tolerate significant exposure to hay and animal allergens on a daily basis. 

• Lift up to 40lbs (including large hay bales) 

• Perform daily strenuous activities including but not limited to lifting, carrying, reaching, stooping, squatting, cleaning, and bending. 

• Perform repetitive tasks for extended periods of time including but not limited to typing, bending, twisting, holding/restraining animals. 

• Sit, walk, or stand for extended periods of time.

• Work indoors and outdoors in a variety of weather conditions including extreme heat and cold. 

• Must have a valid driver's license for at least 3 years, ability to qualify to be added to Best Friends insurance.

• Daily hours and days of the week may vary according to the needs of the department schedule; position includes weekends, nights and holiday work. 

Thank you for your interest in pursuing a career at Best Friends Animal Society. Best Friends Animal Society is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, marital status, or domestic partner status.

Applicants for employment in the U.S. must have valid work authorization that does not now and/or will not in the future require sponsorship of a visa for employment authorization in the U.S. by Best Friends Animal Society.