What are the responsibilities and job description for the Animal Services Representative position at Animal Welfare League of Arlington?
Animal Services Representative – full time and part time positions available
This position qualifies for a sign on bonus of $800 for full time and $500 for part time
The Animal Services Representative is responsible for the front-desk customer service experience at the
Animal Welfare League of Arlington. Full time and part time positions available with occasional
weekend, holiday and evening shifts. The Animal Services Representative is a resource at the front-desk
providing assistance and information regarding owner surrenders, return to owners, wildlife issues, and
questions from the public. This position is based in Arlington, Virginia.
About the Animal Welfare League of Arlington
The Animal Welfare League of Arlington (AWLA) provides animal adoption and community programs to
Northern Virginia and D.C. Metropolitan areas, as well as animal rescue, control, and wildlife services
within Arlington County. For more than 75 years, AWLA has remained committed to its mission to
improve the lives of animals and the people who love them by providing resources, care, and protection.
The Animal Welfare League of Arlington is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization.
The Animal Welfare League of Arlington is dedicated to creating a humane community in which animals
and people live together harmoniously. For more information, please visit www.awla.org .
Reporting Relationships
This position reports directly to the Director of Community Support. The Animal Services
Representative will also work closely with AWLA staff members, volunteers, and the general public on a
regular basis.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Provide high quality customer service; work to create a positive experience for all visitors in
- Function comfortably in a fast-paced environment
- Ability to carry out several tasks at the same time; answer phones, transfer calls and return
- Provide information to clients on animal guardianship, animal care and local ordinances
- Reply to customer inquiries in a courteous, efficient and professional manner providing a high
- Provide rehoming resources for pets and information about public assistance programs
- Create receipts and process payments accurately, following departmental protocols
- Maintain a clean, organized work space (this may include filing paperwork, sorting donations
- Work one (1) day a week (approx. eight (8) hours) in the Animal Care department, helping out as
- Additional duties as considered necessary and assigned
Required Qualifications
Animal Services Representative
- High School Diploma or equivalent
- Experience in a customer/client focused professional environment
- Excellent communication and customer service skills; professional telephone etiquette
- Ability to learn and effectively communicate behavioral and medical information about animals
- Ability to work effectively and cohesively with all AWLA departments
- Skill to successfully connect clients with AWLA resources
- Knowledge of computers and relevant software applications such as G-Suite, Microsoft Excel,
- Knowledge and understanding of AWLA’s policies/information for companion animals and
- Ability to remain calm and composed and compassionate in sensitive and emotional situations
- Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills
- Demonstrated organizational skills
- Ability to utilize effective problem solving and decision-making skills
- Flexible schedule with availability to work weekends, evenings, holidays and overtime if needed
- Experience in the field of animal care, animal welfare or customer service such as retail
- Experience with “hands on” nonprofits
- Experience working with PetPoint
- Fluent in English and Spanish (oral and written)
Personal Characteristics
- Passion for the mission of Animal Welfare League of Arlington
- Ability to think analytically and problem-solve
- Willingness to ask questions and work collaboratively
- Energetic, hard-working, team player
- Highly organized, and detail-oriented self-starter
- Positive, enthusiastic, and professional image in representing AWLA, both internally and
- Discretion with confidential information
Typical Physical & Mental Demands
Requires frequent bending, reaching, stooping, kneeling, walking/standing, eye-hand coordination and
manual dexterity sufficient to operate a keyboard, telephone, photocopier, calculator and other
equipment or machinery. Will have exposure to injured and deceased animals, disinfectant solutions,
and variable indoor and outdoor temperatures. May assist in animal restraint and deal with distressed
or dangerous animals, and could be subject to bites and scratches. Requires manual dexterity to keep a
strong animal on leash or operating a door while holding a strong animal on leash simultaneously. May
be required to lift heavy items or animals (upwards of 50 lbs) and be otherwise physically active.
Requires normal range of hearing and eyesight to communicate with the public, volunteers, staff, and
animals. Also requires flexibility and adaptability to work with frequent interruptions.
Animal Services Representative
Must be comfortable around dogs, cats, small companion animals, reptiles, amphibians and wildlife.
Will be required to receive rabies prophylaxis and tetanus vaccinations.
Compensation plus sign on bonus!
This is a full time or part time, nonexempt position. Generous benefits include: medical, dental, and
vision coverage (available for purchase at a discount rate), annual paid holidays, floating holidays, 7%
employer retirement contribution after 2 years of employment and much more. This position qualifies
for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. The compensation for the position is within the AAWA
(Association of Animal Welfare Advancement) median range ($16.50) and the League pays a salary
bonus for language ability in: Arabic, Mandarin, Sign Language, Spanish or Vietnamese. This position
also qualifies for a sign on bonus: eligible hires can earn half of the bonus after 90 days of employment
and the final half after 6 months of employment.
To Apply: Please submit the following application materials to Claudia West and apply directly through
our website: https://www.awla.org/about/careers/
If you are unable to access our website, please submit application materials to Claudia West at
jobs@awla.org with Animal Services Representative in the subject line.
- A cover letter describing your interest in the position and relevant experience/qualifications
- Current up to date resume
AWLA welcomes applications from people of color, indigenous people, LGBTQ individuals, and other
communities that have been marginalized and disproportionately impacted by violence and abuse.
AWLA maintains a diverse and dynamic workforce and is committed to providing equal employment
opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment and promotions without regard to
race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, veteran status, age,
national origin, disability, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law. Applications will be
considered on a rolling basis. Position will remain posted until filled. No phone inquiries, please.
Animal Services Representative