A Northwest leader in protecting animals since 1967, the Progressive Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) shelters homeless animals, rehabilitates injured and orphaned wildlife, and empowers people to demonstrate compassion and respect for animals in their daily lives.

Position Title: Seasonal Assistant Wildlife Admissions Specialist

Seasonal Position: May 11th, 2025 - August 16th, 2025 (14 weeks)

Wage: $16.66/hour

Purpose Summary:

To assist and support the Wildlife Admission Specialist with the intake of wildlife. Greet customers, provide accurate information, and courteous service to the public, both in person and via phone and electronic communications, about PAWS and all aspects of wildlife operations. Handle all transactions with customers and animal care procedures safely and accurately while processing a wild animal into or out of the center. Gathers information from finders, accurately completes paperwork, and enters information into wildlife database. 

Essential Responsibilities:

• Answering and transferring phone calls that come through the wildlife front desk and track types of calls. Reply to or forward emails that come through the “info paws”.

• Responding to public enquiries and concerns about wildlife.  Ensures that accurate and humane information is given out, promoting co-existence with wildlife.
• Assists other agencies/wildlife centers transferring animals to and from PAWS.
• Accept donations of goods or products from the public, completes in-kind paperwork, and coordinates with staff for their proper storage.
• Assists in data entry and accuracy of records in database.  Assists in creating monthly and other reports as required.
• Deal compassionately with distressed members of the public.

 Controls over Work:

Seasonal Assistant Wildlife Admission Specialist work under the direction of the Rehabilitation Manager and alongside current full-time Wildlife Admission Specialist.   

Benefits:

Washington State Paid Sick Leave, enrollment in 403(b) plan, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and pet supply discounts.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

PAWS is an equal opportunity employer. PAWS employment decisions are made based on merit and business needs. PAWS is committed to recruiting, hiring, training, and promoting qualified people of all backgrounds, regardless of actual or perceived race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. People of Color and Members of the LGBTQ+ community are strongly encouraged to apply.

All PAWS positions receive written performance evaluations after the first 90 days.

Application process:

Please submit a Cover Letter stating your qualifications and why you are interested in this position, your Resume and a complete PAWS Employment Application.

Only Complete Application Packets will receive consideration.

Application Materials must be received no later than February 28, 2025.

Note: Under the provisions of the Immigration and Reform Act of 1986, the successful candidate will be required to provide both evidence of identity and eligibility for employment.

All Offers of Employment are Conditional, based on successful completion of reference and background checks.

Physical Requirements:

Candidates must be able to lift a minimum of forty (40) pounds and heavier weights with the assistance of another member of staff. Work is performed both in and out of the Wildlife Center that requires lifting, bending, stooping, pushing and other moderately strenuous activities, and must be able to stand for long periods of time.

Requirements:

• Capacity to work quickly, efficiently, and calmly under stressful conditions; handle multiple responsibilities; and work cooperatively with co-workers (volunteers, interns, and staff), and the public.

• Work cooperatively with people and communicates clearly about PAWS’ mission, the care and treatment of animals. 
• Must represent PAWS professionally at all times and work maturely and respectfully with diverse groups of people while maintaining high quality customer relations.  Must possess excellent interpersonal, organizational, written, and verbal communication skills to maintain communication in an effective and professional manner with the public, trainees, volunteers, and all PAWS staff members. Always utilize a high level of patience and compassion when interacting with the public 
• Must work a flexible schedule, including weekends, nights and/or holidays as needed.
• Willing to work daily with wild animals and have a fundamental understanding of the natural history of Washington’s wildlife. Must be able to handle individual animals in a caring, safe, and humane manner. Additional schooling and/or experience in the animal care profession are highly desirable.
• Possess excellent telephone manners
• Strong organizational and time management skills are needed. Demonstrated leadership skills will be helpful. A functional level of computer literacy is expected.
• Experience in customer service and/or reception positions is preferred. 

• Preference may be given to candidates with previous wildlife/shelter or veterinary office skills and experience.
• Have or be able to obtain a valid Washington driver’s license with no major or repeated minor traffic offenses and auto-insurance with required coverage limits.

• Ideal candidates embrace and embody the five core values of the organization: commitment, compassion, respect, kindness, and trust.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Experience in customer service and/or reception positions is preferred. 
• Organized, efficient and flexible, and able to balance concurrent projects and adjust to rapid, changing needs.
• Possess basic computer skills and knowledge in programs such as Word and Excel. Ability to become proficient with the wildlife center’s database and computer systems used in operations and already