About the role
Animal Rescue League of Iowa
Volunteer Role Description
Role: Animal Care Intern
Status: Volunteer
Department: Animal Care
Job Summary
To advance the mission and programs of the Animal Rescue League of Iowa (ARL) by volunteering time and effort to support the Animal Care teams and gain valuable knowledge and experience.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Assist the Animal Care teamwithproviding daily care and enrichment for animalsat ARL Main, ARL Animal Services, and the Second Chance Ranch.
- Assistwith regular cleaning of animal housing.
- Monitor animals and immediately report health, behavior, or temperament issues to staff, as necessary.
- Assistintimelydata entry including integrity of data in shelter databases, such as Shelter Buddy.
- Participate in stress anddisease reduction efforts through purposeful and compassionate handling of animalsintheshelter environment.
- Operate laundry, cleaning, dishwashing, and other equipment and report the need for repair or replacement, asappropriate.
- Complete rotations with the Shelter Manager at ARL Main, Shelter Manager at ARL Animal Services, and Second Chance Ranch Manager to get a full educational understanding of theshelter operations.
- Complete an educational,research-basedprojectto further the ARL’s mission with a presentation at the conclusion of the internship.
- Ensure a safe environment by following all safety guidelines and modeling safe work practices.
- Demonstrate knowledge of and adherence to ARL policies and procedures.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- Interestin animal care.
- Previousexperience with animal handling and/or customer service, preferred.
- Ability to commit to90 daysinterningwith a minimum of 4 hours on-site at least 5 days a week.
- Must be able to function in a fast-paced and stressful environment.
- Abilityto perform basicmathematical skills.
Physical Requirements/Working Conditions
- Ability tolift upto 50 lbs.
- Work may
