JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer-we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles - Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity - anchors in delivering services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee. What Makes the City of Austin Special? - Make a Difference : Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.
- Value and Innovation : Work in an environment where employees are valued and innovation thrives.
- Competitive Benefits : Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.
- Retirement Security : Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.
- Sustainable Transportation Options : Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.
- Focus on Wellness : Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
- Career Growth : Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.
- Modern Workspaces : Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration.
By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.Job Description:Purpose:Under general supervision, this position organizes, manages, and supports volunteer programs specifically for animal service, contributing to the welfare and care of sheltered animals at the Austin Animal Center.
Duties, Functions, and Responsibilities:Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.
- Conducts needs assessments to determine volunteer requirements for various animal care programs and initiatives.
- Develops and conducts ongoing training programs for volunteers to ensure they are prepared to assist with animal care, customer service, and shelter operations.
- Recruits, interviews, and selects volunteers, ensuring a good fit for roles that support animal welfare and shelter activities.
- Supervises and coordinates volunteer activities, ensuring adherence to shelter policies and animal care protocols.
- Conducts orientation sessions for new volunteers to familiarize them with shelter operations, animal care practices, and customer service expectations.
- Schedules and manages volunteer shifts, ensuring adequate coverage for all shelter operations that involve volunteer support.
- Compiles data and information for reports, cost estimates, and program evaluations related to volunteer services.
- Delivers presentations to civic and community groups to promote volunteer opportunities and community involvement in animal welfare.
Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:May be responsible for the full range of supervisory activities, including selection, training, evaluation, counseling, and recommendation for dismissal.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:- Knowledge of community organizations and their role in supporting animal welfare.
- Skill in dealing with the general public, especially in a volunteer or customer service context.
- Skill in maintaining and establishing effective working relationships with other City employees, volunteers, and the public.
- Ability to recruit, screen, and assign volunteers to appropriate tasks or projects, particularly those involving animal care and welfare.
- Ability to communicate effectively with diverse groups and individuals.
Minimum Qualifications:- Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university plus two (2) years of experience related to the job.
- Experience may substitute for education up to a maximum of four (4) years.
Licenses and Certifications Required: None
Preferred Qualifications: - Bilingual (Spanish)
- Demonstrated experience in communicating with diverse populations
- Demonstrated experience organizing and executing dynamic volunteer programming
- Demonstrated ability to create and manage teams with a professional demeanor
- Demonstrated experience in successfully resolving conflict or complaints with sensitivity and diplomacy
- Demonstrated experience keeping calm under pressure in high-stress situations
Notes to Candidate: Who Are We? Austin Animal Services mission is to enhance the lives of pets and people by preventing animal homelessness, to help lost pets find their way home or find new homes, to provide education and resources to preserve the human-animal bond, and to administer animal-related ordinances to ensure public and animal safety, all while achieving a 95% live outcome rate for sheltered pets.
We offer outstanding benefits including several health and welfare benefits such as low-cost medical, dental, vision, paid leave, a highly competitive retirement plan, training opportunities, and more. Please click
City of Austin Benefits for more information.
Regarding Your Application: Please be sure to detail on the application all previous employment that you wish to be considered as part of your qualifications. A detailed, complete employment application is required. It helps us to better evaluate your qualifications and will be used to determine salary if you are selected for this position. Be sure to provide job titles and employment dates for all jobs you wish to be considered. A cover letter and résumé are required but will not substitute for a complete employment application. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please include contact information from previous employers.
Pay Rate: $24.40 - $28.42
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 40-hour week.
Applicants should be available to accommodate the flexible needs of the shelter such as evening orientations, volunteer supervision, emergency response efforts, and weekend or evening off-site events.
PLEASE NOTE: Austin Animal Services is not a 100% remote operation. This position is considered “essential;” employees may be required to report to work when the City of Austin offices are otherwise closed (bad weather, etc.). Work Location: Austin Animal Services, 7201 Levander Loop, Bldg. A, 78702 If you are selected to interview: Military/Veterans must provide a copy of their DD214 at the time of initial interview to receive military/veteran interview preference.
If you are selected for hire: You must provide proof of education which may include your official college transcript, High School diploma, GED or equivalent degree and your professional licenses. A Criminal Background check (CBI) will be conducted.
Additional Information: Austin Public Health/Austin Animal Services worksite locations are tobacco-free. Use of tobacco products and/or e-cigarettes is not permitted on any APH/AAS worksite - including construction sites, parking lot, or in any personal vehicle located on the premises.
90-Day Provision for Additional Vacancy: This posting may be used to fill other vacancies in other sections within the Division. Decisions on assigned section will be made at the time of hire based on business needs.
Please Note this posting may close any time after 7 days.
Essential Employee:This position has been designated as an Essential Employee position. In the event of a city-designated extraordinary situation or emergency condition, essential employees provide services that impact the public health, safety, utility services, and welfare of members of the Austin community and other employees, as well as ensure the continuity of essential operations. Essential Employees may be called back in during such events, required to modify their schedule, assigned to a City-designated work site, or retained on-site to assist with operations and recovery.
Please be aware that the Job Posting Close Date reflects the
final day to apply, but the posting will
close at 11:59 PM the day before the date listed. All application steps, including attachments and submission, must be fully completed before that time.
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EEO Statement for City of Austin:
The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.
City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.
Closing Date/Time: 2026-02-11