HomeMy WebLinkAboutVolunteer Program Assistant - Animal ServicesUpdated: March 2024
CITY OF IOWA CITY – JOB DESCRIPTION
Posi�on Title: Volunteer Program Assistant - Animal Services
Department: Police
Division: Animal Services
Supervisor: Animal Services Coordinator
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Civil Service: Yes
Pay Grade: 4
Job Number: 0422
Job Summary
Under general direc�on, coordinates the volunteer and foster care programs sponsored by
Friends of the Animal Center Founda�on including recruitment, training and scheduling of
program volunteers. Organizes outreach ac�vi�es. Assists other division staff as needed.
Essen�al Job Du�es and Responsibili�es
The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive
or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.
• Recruit volunteers using the website, print media, community calendars, public
speaking, atendance at community mee�ngs and other events.
• Orients, schedules, and serves as ini�al primary contact and resource for 65-200
volunteers including fosters.
• Maintains volunteer database and schedule using Volgis�cs online so�ware.
• Monitors foster program applica�on process, training and record keeping.
• Monitors home inspec�ons.
• Accurately and thoroughly tracks volunteer and foster hours and prepares reports as
needed.
• Communicates regularly with volunteers and fosters through weekly updates via email,
phone, face to face conversa�ons, the white board, shelter signage and check lists.
• Plans and coordinates volunteer recogni�on program and special events for the Friends
of the Animal Center Founda�on and Animal Services Division such as the annual dog
paddle, Holiday with the Hounds and other events.
• Atends outreach and special events as needed.
• Answers the telephone, dispatches calls to Animal Control Officers and JECC via phone
calls, provides customer service to walk in visitors as well as phone and/or electronic
inquiries.
• Assists other staff with all aspects of animal center opera�ons as needed including
providing animal physical and behavioral care, bathing and cleaning of animal housing
areas and overall facility.
• Conducts self in a manner which promotes and supports diversity and inclusivity in the
workplace and community.
• Performs other du�es as assigned.
Updated: March 2024
Minimum Education, Experience, Certification/Licensure, Other
• High school educa�on or G.E.D. or pursuit of degree and one to three months of related
experience or training; or equivalent combina�on of educa�on and experience.
Experience in general office/clerical work, animal care, and handling.
• Valid State of Iowa driver's license with sa�sfactory driving record. Must be 18 years of
age. Must pass criminal background check.
Preferred Education, Experience, Certification/Licensure, Other
• High school educa�on or G.E.D. and four to six months of related experience or training;
or equivalent combina�on of educa�on and experience. Experience in public speaking.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abili�es
• Ability to add and subtract two-digit numbers and to mul�ply and divide with 10's and
100's.
• Ability to administer medica�ons.
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instruc�ons furnished in
writen, oral, or diagram form.
• Ability to be comfortable around animals and able to handle frac�ous animals at �mes.
• Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized
situations.
• Ability to disseminate educa�onal informa�on to the public rela�ng to the center’s
mission.
• Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to
customers, clients, and other employees of the organization.
• Ability to mul�task and work directly with the public in very emo�onal, some�mes
highly charged environment.
• Ability to mul�-task, priori�ze, and effec�vely delegate.
• Ability to perform these operations using units of American money and weight
measurement, volume, and distance.
• Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos.
• Ability to reliably and predictably carry out duties.
• Ability to work both independently and as a team in a very busy, hec�c, high stress
environment.
• Ability to work in a very busy, hec�c, high stress environment.
• Ability to write simple correspondence.
• Knowledge of animal care and animal behavior.
• Skill in excellent public rela�ons experience, be public service oriented and believe in the
mission of the division.
• Skill in excellent writen and verbal communica�on.
• Skill in using computers and applicable so�ware applica�ons (Microso� Office – Word,
Excel, Outlook).
Updated: March 2024
Supervision
No supervision of direct reports.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an
employee to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities of this job.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform
the essential duties and responsibilities.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use
hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally
required to sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or hear. The employee
regularly lifts and/or moves 10 pounds, occasionally will lift and/or move 50 pounds, and will
occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds with assistance. Specific vision abilities required
by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception
and ability to adjust focus. Hand dexterity, balance and strength are essential in performing
treatments on animals and during animal handling.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee
encounters while performing the essential duties and responsibilities of this job. Reasonable
accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential
duties and responsibilities.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to moving
mechanical parts, high or precarious places, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic
chemicals, risk of electrical shock, vibration, confined space, and traffic hazards. The employee
is regularly exposed to outside weather condition, dampness, direct sunlight, dust, pollen,
insect stings, and animals. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to
work closely with both domestic and wild animals and will be exposed to related hazards. The
employee is regularly exposed to communicable and Zoonotic diseases. The noise level in the
work environment is usually loud. Involves moderate exposure to dangerous situations.
Involves moderate exposure to stress due to the work environment and/or crisis situations.
Iowa City is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities
Act as Amended, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with
disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential
accommodations with the employer.
Reviewed/Approved by: Dus�n Liston, Police Chief (4/2024)
Updated: March 2024
I have read and understand the duties and requirements of this job description, and I
agree that I can perform the duties of this position with or without reasonable
accommodation.
Employee Date
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