Employment and Internship Opportunities

Paws4ever is an equal opportunity employer. Paws4ever offers equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, age, physical or mental ability, veteran status, military obligations, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. These opportunities include all terms, conditions, and privileges of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, job placement, training, compensation, discipline, advancement, and termination. This policy also applies to outside vendors, members and customers, volunteers, use of contractors and consultants, and interactions with the general public.

Employment Opportunities:

Dog Training Program Manager

To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume to jobs@paws4ever.org

Looking for an opportunity to assist pet parents with training and support shelter pets at the same time? Paws4ever, an animal welfare nonprofit in Mebane, North Carolina, seeks a committed, compassionate, and skilled trainer to lead, promote, and grow our Dog Training Program. Paws4ever is dedicated to creating and growing lifetime relationships between pets and people through adoption, training, education, and care. As one of our core programs, the Dog Training Program is committed to using positive, science-based, and proven-effective methods to help clients achieve their training goals.

The Dog Training Program Manager is responsible for managing all aspects of the Paws4ever Dog Training Program and Learning Center. Primary duties include program development and management, analysis, and growth; dog training program staff and volunteer management and mentorship; and customer relations, including teaching classes, private consultations, answering behavioral or training related questions/concerns from the public and working with dogs, volunteers and staff at the adoption center on training techniques/behavioral issues.

Qualifications & Requirements for the Dog Training Program Manager:

  • Minimum of 1 year of experience in dog training using science-based, positive reinforcement techniques.
  • The candidate should have experience teaching group classes, addressing basic obedience and behavior problems, as well as skill interpreting canine body language, and experience with canine behavior assessments.
  • Experience training dogs in a shelter environment and certifications (such as CPDT-KA or KPA CPT) are strongly preferred or the candidate should be willing to become certified within 6 months of starting the role.
  • 1 to 2 years’ experience in program or project management or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • strong organizational and leadership skills, be attentive to details and have the ability to prioritize and meet multiple deadlines and projects while planning strategically for future efforts.
  • Exceptional writing, oral communication and interpersonal skills, and customer services skills are essential.

Hours and Job Type for Dog Training Program Manager:

  • The Dog Training Program Manager is expected to work approximately 20-40 hours per week, with some evenings and weekends required. This role is considered part-time with the opportunity for full-time hours depending on the number of classes taught and time spent working with the adoption center staff/volunteers and dogs. The Dog Training Program Manager reports to the Executive Director, with additional accountability to the Board of Directors.

Salary for Dog Training Program Manager: $20-22/hour, depending on experience.

Working Conditions:

  • Must be able to move/lift 50 lbs., bend frequently, and stand throughout the workday.
  • Work may be performed in a kennel/shelter setting.
  • Exposure to disinfectant solutions and zoonotic diseases possible.
  • Subject to animal bites and scratches while handling or working around animals.

Benefits for Dog Training Program Manager:

  • Employee discount
  • Flexible schedule
  • Paid time off
  • Parental leave
  • Professional development assistance
Adoption Coordinator

To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume to jobs@paws4ever.org.

Do you love animals AND people? Join the team at Paws4ever and find an engaging and fun work environment with great opportunities for growth and skill-building in the animal welfare field. Paws4ever is an animal adoption center and dog training facility in Mebane, North Carolina, and we are seeking a dedicated, organized, and compassionate individual to serve as Adoptions Coordinator. We partner primarily with county shelters to rescue and care for animals in need. We offer training, socialization, and enrichment for our animals, and ultimately we build relationships between pets and people!

This position is full-time, 40 hours per week, some holidays and one weekend day per week. Will not respondto candidates without the required qualifications which are: High School Diploma AND at least 6 months of professional animal work (veterinary clinic, boarding facility, zoo or animal shelter).

Primary duties include:

  • Animal Adoptions & Promotion – Help animals find their forever home! Manage the adoption process from inquiry, to initial meeting, to adoption counseling, and through follow-up; help train/support animal care staff and volunteers to assist with the adoption process. Assist communications team with animal promotion by documenting adoptions through photography and writing.
  • Guest Services & Community Relationships – Provide helpful and pleasant customer service. Greet all guests and provide tailored customer service based on the reason for their visit; ensure all visitors, including volunteers, follow proper safety policies and procedures; answer the phone and respond to email inquiries. Establish and maintain a strong, professional relationship with our adopters, rescue partners, veterinarians, volunteers, and donors.
  • Animal Intake – Assist in the intake procedures of animals from county shelters, partner rescues or community members (in consultation with the Intake Coordinator and Adoption Center Manager). This may animal assessment, animal transport, and completion of administrative intake procedures.
  • Direct Animal Care – Provide quality care for the animals in the Paws4ever Adoption Center and in foster care, including proper nutrition, cleaning, medication, exercise, and attention.
  • Administration & Special Projects/Events – Create and manage animal records in paper and electronic format, utilizing organization database; process adoptions accurately and in a timely manner; process payments and donations accurately; oversee general appearance of Adoption Center

Qualifications Required:

High School diploma

At least 6 months of experience in vet, shelter, or other animal care field

Ability to work some holidays and one weekend day per week is required.

The successful candidate will have strong direct animal care experience, including a working knowledge of medications, vaccinations, animal behavior, socialization and dog training, as well as an interest in working with people to support animal adoptions.

The successful candidate should have professional maturity, adaptability, and ability to build relationships with colleagues and the community in a way that is consistent with Paws4ever values (Compassion, Commitment, Connection, and Curiosity). Must have knowledge of and ability to work with all breeds and sizes of dogs and cats. Must have reliable transportation and a valid NC driver’s license.

Must have sound written and interpersonal communication skills, be attentive to details and self-motivated.

Must be familiar with Microsoft Office Suite and have the ability to learn and utilize new technologies.

Must be able to prepare and maintain accurate administrative records.

Customer service experience, experience working with volunteers and database systems, and graphic design skills are a plus.

Must be able to move/lift 50 lbs., bend frequently, and stand throughout the workday.

Salary is $15/hour.

Working Conditions: Work is performed in a kennel/shelter setting. Exposure to disinfectant solutions and zoonotic diseases possible. Subject to animal bites and scratches while handling or working around animals.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $15.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

  • Paid time off

Schedule:

  • 8 hour shift
  • Day shift

Work Location: In person

Internship Opportunities:

Fundraising, Communications, and Marketing Internships

On-going

Paws4ever, a unique animal services agency in Mebane, seeks a creative, dedicated and detail-oriented student specifically interested in the nonprofit field for an internship. We currently have particular needs in the areas of volunteer management, fundraising, event planning, and communication, and marketing.

The details of a particular internship will be developed according to the current needs of the organization and the interests of the student.

Examples of potential projects include:

  • Helping to organize a fundraising event
  • Creating marketing plans
  • Curating a digital resource library
  • Storytelling through photos and videos

The candidate must be able to meet strict deadlines and work independently. The intern is expected to work at least 10 hours a week, and may work up to 40 hours a week if interested. Hours are flexible. It is preferable for the intern to work on-site at Paws4ever, although some work may be accomplished at home. Occasional evenings and weekends may be required. This position is unpaid, but may be used for course credit (if applicable).

This position will serve as an excellent foundation for most careers in nonprofit management. The position will offer the student the opportunity to grow his/her interpersonal communications, public relations and organizational operations experience.

Preference will be given to candidates with strong organizational and communication skills. A background in development, graphic design, or event planning is a plus.

To apply for this position, please submit cover letter and resume to Whitney Zoghby at whitney@paws4ever.org

Animal Care Internships

On-going

Paws4ever, a unique animal services agency in Mebane, seeks hardworking interns with an interest in animal care at our Adoption Center. Interns will have the opportunity to learn about animal care in a shelter environment and support rescued cats and dogs!

Examples of potential Animal Care Intern tasks include:

  • Making enrichment activities for dogs and cats
  • Cat socialization
  • Dog baths
  • Fetch with dogs
  • Dishes
  • Laundry
  • Animal food prep
  • Sweeping/mopping
  • Donation sorting
  • Inventory organization

Animal Care Interns must be at least 16 years old. 

If you are interested in an Animal Care Internship, please contact Adoption Center Manager, Sara Shellman at sara@paws4ever.org and include any required paperwork for school credit. 

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