We are always looking for dedicated staff to join our team. Specific positions are listed below, but please feel free to send your resume and completed application to the associated email.
Animal Care Technician
Job Overview
SUMMARY
Join Our Team caring for the animals! Are you passionate about hands-on work that makes a real difference? We’re looking for dedicated individuals to support the daily care, health, and well-being of the animals in our shelter. As part of our Animal Care team, you’ll be on the front lines—cleaning kennels, feeding residents, monitoring behavior and health, and ensuring a safe, compassionate environment for every animal in our care.
This is a physically active role that requires attention to detail, empathy, and a commitment to high standards of animal welfare. Whether you’re experienced or just starting out in shelter work, if you care deeply and work hard, we want to hear from you.
This is a fast-paced, physically demanding position that involves a lot of cleaning, lifting, and time on your feet. We’re seeking team members who are detail-oriented, dependable, and ready to jump into meaningful, messy work every day.
Requirements:
- Must be able to work full-time (40 hours/week)
- Must be available to work weekends
- Must be 18 years of age or older
- Comfortable working in a physically active, cleaning-intensive role
If you’re motivated by purpose and want to be part of a mission-driven team helping animals in need, we’d love to hear from you.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $13.00 – $14.00 per hour
Expected hours: 40 per week
Benefits:
- Flexible schedule
- Paid time off
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
Work Location: In person
Please send resumes to lwilson@dorchesterpaws.org
Adoption event Coordinator
Job Overview
Pay: From $15.00 per hour
Job description:
Position Summary
The Part-Time Adoption Event Coordinator supports Dorchester Paws’ mission by executing all offsite adoption events scheduled by the Development & Marketing team. This role ensures the public-facing success of adoption events, community outreach opportunities, and PetSmart adoption promotion.
The ideal candidate thrives in fast-paced environments, communicates confidently with the public, and prioritizes the safety and wellbeing of animals while elevating adoption outcomes. They are organized, reliable, and comfortable working independently with changing schedules.
Key Responsibilities Event Execution & Logistics
- Attend, set up, and run all offsite adoption events coordinated by the Development & Marketing team.
- Transport animals, supplies, and event equipment to and from event sites.
- Ensure all event materials (tables, kennels, signage, paperwork, enrichment, etc.) are present, clean, and set up professionally.
- Showcase animals in a way that drives positive adoption outcomes.
- Provide friendly, informative customer service to event attendees.
- Track event data including adoptions, attendance, supply usage, volunteer participation, and overall event outcomes.
- PetSmart Adoption Promotion
- Serve as the Dorchester Paws liaison in designated PetSmart stores.
- Ensure animals are properly transported, set up, and represented in PetSmart adoption spaces.
- Refresh marketing materials, update signage, and ensure kennels are maintained while onsite.
- Assist with or host PetSmart adoption weekends and promotional events.
- Volunteer & Partner Coordination
- Work side-by-side with volunteers during events to ensure safe handling and positive public interactions.
- Maintain strong, respectful relationships with event hosts, business partners, and PetSmart staff to encourage continued collaboration.
- Animal Handling & Care
- Safely handle dogs and cats of varying sizes, strengths, and behaviors in busy public settings.
- Monitor animals for stress, illness, or behavior concerns and report issues promptly.
- Follow established safety and welfare protocols for transport and public handling.
- Administrative & Reporting
- Submit post-event reports, photos, and feedback to the Community Engagement Manager and Development team.
- Assist with inventory of event supplies and preparation for upcoming events.
- Qualifications Required:
- Prior experience handling animals (shelter, rescue, veterinary, or equivalent).
- Comfortable transporting animals and driving company vehicles (training provided).
- Exceptional communication and customer service skills.
- Ability to work independently, problem-solve, and adapt on the fly.
- Regular weekend and evening availability.
- Ability to lift 40+ pounds, walk dogs, and work outdoors in heat, rain, or cold.
- Positive, team-oriented attitude and commitment to Dorchester Paws’ mission.
- Preferred:
- Event execution or community outreach experience.
- Familiarity with shelter operations and animal adoption processes.
- Experience working with volunteers or public-facing programs.
- Work Environment & Schedule
- Part-time, fluctuating hours determined by the event calendar. Weekends required
- Work occurs at Dorchester Paws, PetSmart locations, and various offsite venues.
- Requires physical stamina, comfort with animals, and the ability to work in unpredictable conditions.
- Please send resumes to lwilson@dorchesterpaws.org
Volunteer Coordinator
Job Overview
Pay: From $15.00 per hour
Job description:
Position Summary
SUMMARY
The Volunteer Coordinator oversees all aspects of the volunteer program including recruitment, training and ongoing management of volunteers. The Volunteer Coordinator will work to engage volunteers as animal advocates who support the work and mission of Dorchester Paws. The Volunteer Coordinator interfaces with all shelter departments to meet the needs and expand our services through volunteer assistance including adoptions, events, animal care, and community outreach. This role requires strong leadership skills, excellent communication abilities, and a commitment to fostering a positive volunteer experience.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES
- Oversee all responsibilities associated with the volunteer program
- Evaluate and expand all aspects of the volunteer program
- Create policies and procedures to ensure the volunteer program meets the needs of the organization, expands and instills the shelters mission
- Organize and provide volunteer orientations and trainings for advanced skills development particular to a volunteer’s role
- Maintain all aspects of administrative responsibilities associated with the volunteer program. Maintain all record keeping for volunteers through Volgistics and maintain electronic resources for volunteers
- Maintain an organized, welcoming space for volunteers to access supplies, training, etc.
- Collaborate with management to identify the needs of the organization and programs. Further develop existing volunteer opportunities and implement new volunteer roles to continuously meet these needs
- Identify opportunities for volunteer recruitment and engage in recruitment activities, with a focus on promoting diversity and inclusion
- Maintain and enhance volunteer relations with fellow volunteers, staff and community
- Support shelter staff by assisting departments with daily tasks as assigned
- Other duties as assigned
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Must be able to work both indoors and outdoors. Must be able to work at a computer for extended periods of time. Must be able to stand, walk, and move for extended periods of time. Must be able to have reliable transportation to conduct all work in and out of the shelter in Summerville. This role requires flexibility and the ability to stand, lift, kneel, crouch, and bend. This job functions inside and outside the shelter, as duties will take place at a variety of locations. This position also requires frequent lifting or moving of objects or materials up to 50lbs.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Excellent attention to detail.
- A high level of professionalism, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to be a team player are required.
- Flexible and Independent
- Ability to work well with animals and people
- Proven experience in volunteer management or a related field.
- Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and inspire others.
- Excellent public speaking skills with the ability to engage diverse audiences.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
- A passion for community service and a commitment to making a positive impact through volunteerism.
- Certified Volunteer Administrator or ability to obtain certification within 6 months
Only applications with a cover letter will be reviewed
This is a part time position (32 hours) with weekends and flexible hours needed!
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: $15.00 per hour
Expected hours: 32 per week
Benefits:
- Flexible schedule
Schedule:
- Weekends as needed
Work Location: In person
- Please send resumes to lwilson@dorchesterpaws.org
Clinic technician
Job Overview
Pay: From $13.50 per hour
Job description:
This is a full time position, including weekends.
JOB SUMMARY
The Clinic Technician position is a key role in the composition of the staff for maintaining the wellbeing of our shelter animals by tending to their medical needs. Clinic technicians must be self-motivated, team player, efficient, dependable, able to multi-task, and enjoy caring for animals! The primary functions are to work in our processing clinic doing intake exams on all animals that come into the shelter. This includes giving vaccines, drawing blood, microchipping, trimming nails, assessing medical needs, daily evaluation and care of animals, maintenance of preventative health programs and medical protocols, keeping records up to date in Shelterluv.
JOB DUTIES
Support organization in daily functions including the general care and maintenance of the facility and all animals including morning cleaning
Assist in the processing of animals coming into the shelter
Examine animals to determine if there is a need for treatment
Giving medication to the animals on campus that are being treated for various conditions
Keeping up to date animal inventory and assure all animals have intake photos
Walk and exercise animals to maintain their physical and mental health
Making rounds to check on animals listed on the medical board for inspection
Perform animal grooming duties, such as washing, brushing, clipping, trimming coats, cutting nails, and cleaning ears
Collect, prepare, maintain, and record animal information, such as weight, age, size, physical condition, treatments received, medications given, and food intake
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, other organizations, and the public
Maintain the shelter by performing tasks including, but not limited to, sweeping/mopping floors, wiping counters, taking out the trash, cleaning bathrooms, and checking equipment and supplies
Assist other staff members on occasion with such tasks as helping restrain an animal, helping clients with their pets, etc.
Make medical decisions regarding continued animal care under the supervision of the Clinic Supervisor and Shelter Health Manager
Checking in foster appointments and relaying anything done during the foster appointment, including explaining medications dispensed
Perform other duties as assigned
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The Clinic Technician will work both indoors and outdoors. Must be able to stand, walk, and move for extended periods of time. Must be able to have reliable transportation to conduct all work at the shelter in Summerville. This role requires flexibility and the ability to stand, lift, kneel, crouch, and bend. Requires routine use of medical supplies and clinic equipment. Light travel is required.
QUALIFICATIONS
Ability to work well with cats and dogs
This position requires many detailed tasks and multi-tasking abilities
Must be able to work effectively in a team environment
Must be flexible and be able to communicate with other team members proficiently
Become euthanasia certified within 6 months of hire
Be on a rotating foster medical emergency line
Job Type: Full-time
Please send resumes to lwilson@dorchesterpaws.org
community support coordinator
Job Overview
Pay: From $14.00 per hour
Job description:
JOB SUMMARY
The Community Support Coordinator is responsible for developing and executing programs to connect animals with their loved ones, communicate with the public by being on the Community Support desk along with other departments at the shelter. Excellent communication and empathy skills will be required in order to thrive in the position. The duties for the Community Support Coordinator include but are not limited to the list below:
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES
-Handle both dogs and cats
-Effective use of different technologies- texting apps, Shelterluv, google calendars
-FANTASTIC customer service skills
-De-escalate any customer situations that could be disruptive
-Research and comb through missing pet pages to reunite animals with their families
-Call microchip companies to reunite animals
-Ensure messaging is consistent regarding the program and its services
-Liaise with the medical team, behavior team and adoption team about case and possible treatment pathways
-Ensure all waivers and consent forms are signed, and all records are accurate and maintained. Documentation is critical
-Maintain inventory and supplies for the program
-Ensure data collection and tracking to measure program outcomes.
-Provide empathy, compassion and emotional support to clients as needed in a variety of situations, including pet loss, housing insecurity and evictions, family crisis and trauma.
-Provide regular check-ins and follow-up support in an effort to maintain relationships with community members
-Working the intake desk to assist the community with questions/ concerns, intaking animals, offering solutions to avoid surrender, answering phone calls/texts/emails
Other duties as assigned
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The Community Support Coordinator will work both indoors and outdoors. Must be able to work at a computer for extended periods of time. Must be able to stand, walk, and move for extended periods of time. Must be able to have reliable transportation to conduct all work at the shelter in Summerville. This role requires flexibility and the ability to stand, lift, kneel, crouch, and bend.
QUALIFICATIONS
-Excellent communication skills
-Detail and goal oriented
-Professional, responsible, and innovative
Take initiative and able to work in a fast-paced environment
-Ability to problem solve and make decisions
-Dependable and organized
-Flexible and cooperative
The Community Support Coordinator will report to the Community Support Manager.
**Schedule for this position is set to Thursday-Monday. Must be over the age of 18. Full time (40 hours per week), shifts are 8am-5pm**
Please send resumes to lwilson@dorchesterpaws.org
