Animal Care Team Lead

Job Description

Job Description

Title : Animal Care Team Lead

FLSA Status : Non-Exempt

Your Mission :

As an Animal Care Team Lead at the Animal Rescue League of Iowa (ARL), you will help advance our mission by assisting with oversight of the daily operations of the Animal Care Team. You will ensure the highest standards of animal care, facility cleanliness, and customer service while leading by example to create a compassionate, safe, and efficient environment for both people and animals.

What You’ll Do :

In this role, you’ll guide the daily operations of the Animal Care Team, ensuring all animals receive proper care and that the facility remains clean, organized, and welcoming. You’ll monitor animal health, behavior, and temperament, promptly reporting concerns to medical or behavior teams and ensuring accurate updates in the animal database. You’ll mentor, train, and support Animal Care staff to help them develop their skills and maintain consistent care standards. You’ll also step in to provide hands-on animal care as needed, lead efforts to reduce stress and disease through compassionate handling and ensure supply areas are well stocked. Every day, you’ll model professionalism and kindness while providing excellent service to staff, volunteers, visitors, and community partners.

What You Bring :

You have a High School Diploma or GED and at least one year of professional experience in animal care. You bring strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills, with a natural ability to motivate and support others. Experience in customer service is preferred, along with proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and comfort working in a fast-paced environment. You are compassionate, detail-oriented, and committed to maintaining the health and well-being of animals in your care.

Working Conditions :

This role requires the ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and to work outdoors in varying weather conditions. Work may expose you to odors, animal waste, bites, scratches, and contagious animal diseases. You must be comfortable standing or sitting for long periods and following proper handling and safety protocols at all times.

Why Work at the ARL?

At the ARL, you’ll join a passionate team dedicated to helping animals and the people who love them. As an Animal Care Team Lead, you’ll play a key role in shaping the quality of care our animals receive and mentoring others to do the same. Every day offers the chance to make a meaningful difference and grow within a mission-driven organization that values compassion, collaboration, and integrity.

Employment in this position is at-will, meaning that either the employee or the ARL may terminate the employment relationship at any time.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and / or applicable state regulations, the Animal Rescue League will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations.