Lead Animal Care & Enrichment Assistant

The Lead Animal Care & Enrichment Assistant is responsible for being a point of contact and support for the Animal Care team as well as the direct care of the animals housed at the Buncombe County Animal Shelter and Asheville Humane Society Adoption Center.

This position provides hands-on animal care while helping support the day-to-day operations of the Animal Care team. Responsibilities include serving as a primary on-site resource for Animal Care staff, assisting with daily workload as needed, and providing routine care such as cleaning, feeding, medicating, enrichment, and walking. This position also helps safely move animals throughout the facility, leads designated dog playgroups, supports adoption meet-and-greets, assists with veterinary transportation, and helps train and guide Animal Care Assistants and volunteers. The role works closely with staff and volunteers to promote consistent adherence to animal care, safety, behavior, medical, and operational procedures.

Schedule: The Animal Care Lead is a full-time (40 hours per week) position located on the Animal Care Campus. This is a fully on-site position requiring regular and reliable attendance. Consistent attendance and punctuality are essential functions of this role to ensure that the daily needs of the animals are met. We are currently hiring for two openings for this position. Schedules may vary based on departmental needs and will include some weekends and holidays.

Compensation & Benefits: The compensation for Lead Animal Care & Enrichment Assistant starts at $18.00/hour. AHS is pleased to offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits package to full-time employees that includes: medical, dental, and vision insurance, a Simple IRA plan with up to 3% company match, 18 days of PTO in the first year, paid holidays, pet prescription discounts, and more! Benefits are available after 60 days of employment.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain working knowledge of the animals housed at the Shelter and Adoption Center.
• Perform daily cleaning of all animal areas, including laundry, dishes, and disinfection of public areas as needed.
• Monitor animal care supply inventory and report restocking needs, equipment issues, and facility repairs.
• Assist with properly storing and inventorying  donations.
• Respond to departmental requests requiring animal care assistance.
• Report animal temperament, behavior, and medical concerns to the appropriate department.
• Assist the medical and behavior teams with handling, restraining, moving, and medicating animals.
• Provide training and on-the-job guidance to new hires,  animal care staff and volunteers by demonstrating proper procedures and offering support.
• Respond promptly to calls for assistance from staff including handling support or retrieving supplies.
• Fill in during staff callouts, breaks, or shortages to ensure smooth operations.
• Report personnel concerns, issues, and positive performance observations to the Animal Care Supervisor.
• Serve as the designated Animal Care point person on assigned days ensuring clear communication, consistent animal care, and appropriate task coordination.
• Set up and distribute enrichment activities and monitor and maintain enrichment supplies as needed.
• Coordinate administration of  medications for off-campus dog walking and hiking groups and ensure accurate documentation.
• Perform other duties as assigned.