York County SPCA Canine Pathway Coordinator

🐾 LOVE DOGS? KNOW DOGS? WE WANT YOU! 🐾

Are you an experienced dog handler who knows that working with dogs is about more than just walking a leash? Do you have a passion for canine enrichment, playgroups, foster, rescue, and helping shelter dogs become the best versions of themselves? If so, we want to hear from you!

The York County SPCA is looking for an experienced, enthusiastic Canine Pathway Coordinator to join our team. This is a hands-on position for someone who is confident handling dogs of all sizes, personalities, and energy levels and who understands the importance of enrichment, socialization, and positive experiences for shelter dogs.

Extensive canine handling experience is a must. Experience leading or participating in dog playgroups and strong customer service skills are also important. Previous animal shelter experience is a HUGE plus!

Our Canine Pathway Coordinator plays an important role in helping dogs thrive while they are with us, both inside and outside of the kennel. If you love working with dogs, enjoy a fast-paced environment, and want your work to directly impact the lives of shelter animals, this could be the perfect position for you.

This position has a schedule of either Sunday–Thursday OR Wednesday–Sunday. This is an on-call position as you manage the Canine Foster Program.

If you’re ready to put your canine expertise to work and make a difference every day, we’d love to meet you!

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Full Job Description:

The Canine Pathway Coordinator (CPC) is a key member of the York County SPCA’s Canine Leadership Team and plays an essential role in creating positive pathways and live outcomes for canine residents. The Canine Pathway Coordinator is part of the Canine Leadership Team, which includes the Animal Operations Manager, Canine Behavior Specialist(s), and Canine Pathway Coordinator. This position oversees pathway planning for each canine resident and works collaboratively with the Canine Leadership Team and other departments to identify and pursue the best possible outcomes for each dog.

A primary focus of this position is overseeing all aspects of the York County SPCA’s canine foster and rescue programs. The CPC is responsible for the placement and care of canine foster and rescue animals, as well as the recruitment, training, and ongoing support of foster volunteers. This position is also responsible for the continued growth and development of the organization’s Canine Foster and Rescue Programs.

The CPC also leads the organization’s canine enrichment program, both inside and outside of the kennel. This includes creating and coordinating opportunities for dogs to receive appropriate physical exercise, mental stimulation, socialization, and engagement while in our care. The CPC also oversees the Dogs Day Out program, providing dogs with opportunities to spend time outside of the shelter environment and experience activities that improve their quality of life and support their individual pathways.

In addition, the Canine Pathway Coordinator serves as the primary coordinator of the Canine Playgroups Program. This includes coordinating, organizing, and supporting playgroups to provide safe and meaningful social opportunities for appropriate dogs while working closely with the Canine Behavior Team and Animal Care staff.

All responsibilities of this position are focused on providing excellent customer service, quality animal care, efficient pathway planning, collaboration, and a strong commitment to lifesaving and live outcomes.

Duties and Responsibilities:

General Pathway Planning and Administrative Functions:

- Works closely with the Animal Operations Manager, Canine Behavior Specialist(s), and Animal Care Staff to develop pathway plans for all canine residents to ensure live outcomes.

- Tracks canine progress and updates intake/outcome information in Shelterluv, including rescue and foster status changes.

- Participates in media coverage and coordinates canine involvement.

- Leads or assists with canine outreach activities and adoption events.

- Serves as Manager on Duty, overseeing shelter operations during assigned shifts, including opening and closing procedures.

- Serves as an expert handler for fearful and/or aggressive dogs (e.g., during intake or euthanasia).

- Intervenes in dangerous or potentially dangerous situations involving customers or animals.

- Participates in outcome decision-making for canine residents.

- Performs or assists with humane euthanasia when needed.

- Attends weekly dog rounds and both Canine and Animal Leadership meetings.

- Performs administrative tasks such as responding to communications and preparing reports.

- Works with the Communications Team to promote urgent foster/rescue needs and high-risk animals.

- Initiates internal placement for at-risk dogs and contributes to outcome decisions.

- Oversees our monthly Dogs Day Out Program.

- Oversees our in-kennel Canine Enrichment Program.

- Coordinates, oversees, and participates in dog playgroups ensuring consistency and safety.

- Builds a group of consistent dog playgroup and enrichment volunteers and works closely with them to ensure enrichment occurs at regular intervals.

- Provides a safe and compassionate environment for all dogs.

- Promotes a culture where all staff and volunteers support canine behavioral and mental health in every interaction.

- Supports canine outreach efforts, special opportunities, and adoption events.

- Coordinates with the Communications Team and Canine Pathway Coordinator to capture media content for promotional use.

- Performs other duties as assigned to support the mission of the York County SPCA.

Foster Program Responsibilities:

- Collaborates with the Canine Leadership Team, ACT Supervisors, and ACTs (Animal Care Technicians) to identify foster-eligible dogs and manage all canine foster placements.

- Supports the development and growth of the canine foster program.

- Reviews and manages foster volunteer applications, onboarding, and training.

- Serves as the primary contact for medical and behavioral foster-related inquiries, including after-hours emergency response.

- Designs and delivers training programs, educational materials, and recruitment strategies for foster volunteers.

- Manages foster program visibility through York County SPCA digital platforms and social media groups.

- Maintains foster supplies and ensures caregivers have necessary equipment.

- Coordinates transportation and ensures timely veterinary care, vaccinations, and preventive treatments.

- Monitors the health and behavior of foster animals and communicates updates to the Shelter Medical Director.

- Schedules and tracks placements, pick-ups, and appointments; maintains accurate records in Shelterluv.

- Updates bios and photos of foster animals and coordinates their participation in events.

- Collaborates with the Humane Society Police Officer for protective custody foster placements, ensuring compliance with all related policies.

- Works with the Canine Leadership Team to determine outcomes for returning foster dogs (e.g., adoption, rescue, or behavioral SOP).

- Reports and documents any foster-related incidents, ensuring proper submission and follow-up with the Operations Director.

- Supports volunteer appreciation efforts in collaboration with the Volunteer and Community Engagement Manager.

Rescue Program Responsibilities:

- Identifies dogs in need of rescue placement and evaluates current and potential rescue partnerships.

- Develops and maintains Standard Operating Procedures and agreements for rescue transfers.

- Builds and expands relationships with rescue groups, especially those accepting behavioral and special-needs cases.

- Visits and communicates with rescue partners to foster collaboration and maximize lifesaving efforts.

- Maintains the rescue database and ensures accurate intake, medical, and vaccine records in Shelterluv.

- Ensures timely veterinary exams for rescue intakes (within 72 hours).

- Coordinates or provides transport to and from rescue partners.

- Supports rescue-related outreach and event participation.

Education and Experience:

Required:

- Minimum of high school diploma (or GED).

- Minimum of three years canine care and canine handling experience.

- Minimum of three years customer service experience.

- Minimum of one year canine playgroup experience.

- Experience professionally communicating with the public, co-workers, and members of other agencies.

- Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license with a clean record.

- Must be self-guided and work with minimal supervision.

- Ability to interpret animal body language.

- Animal training and behavior knowledge including theory of positive reinforcement, animal training techniques, behavioral evaluations, and modifications.

- Knowledge of physical and behavioral characteristics of common breeds of dogs; common disease symptoms; working knowledge of animal care techniques.

- Proven ability to communicate clearly, be a productive member of a team, and support all employees at the York County SPCA.

- Must be euthanasia certified or capable of certifying within six months of start date.

Preferred:

- Minimum three years’ experience in animal behavior, health, handling, and care in a shelter environment.

- Minimum of one certification or 10 hours of education in canine behavior.

- Minimum of three years’ of canine playgroup experience.

- Minimum of one year of experience in an animal shelter or veterinary facility.

- Working knowledge of common animal medical conditions.

- Bilingual (English and Spanish) preferred.

Skills and Abilities:

- Possesses a strong passion for the York County SPCA’s mission.

- Communicates well both in writing and verbally with customers, volunteers, and staff.

- Possesses a history of multitasking with positive results.

- Possesses excellent organizational skills and is detail oriented; adapts to changes in the workplace.

- Works efficiently without supervision and uses talents to creatively further the mission of the York County SPCA.

- Possesses strong oral and written communication skills and a thorough understanding of the York County SPCA’s programs and services.

- Assists in creating and promoting a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace environment.

- Upholds the mission and values of York County SPCA throughout their work.

- Possesses skills in animal restraint and handling techniques.

- Possesses the ability to interpret animal body language.

- Attends offsite continuing education and other training opportunities, as required.

- Possesses a working style that is transparent, encouraging, and collaborative.

- Conducts themself in a professional manner and creates a favorable impression among potential, new, and ongoing community supporters.

- Possesses a strong knowledge and experience with the entire Microsoft Office suite (Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Excel).

Physical Requirements:

- Possesses and maintains a valid driver’s license with a clean record.

- The ability to lift up to 50 pounds without assistance.

- The ability to independently retain leash control of dogs up to 125 pounds.

- The ability to work both inside and outside of the shelter.

- The ability to bend, squat, and stand for extended periods of time.

- The ability to independently handle and restrain small animals, cats, and dogs.

- The ability to stand for an 8–10-hour shift.

Salary and Benefits

- $45,000 - $55,000 per year, paid biweekly, direct deposit required.

- York County SPCA offers medical, dental and vision coverage.

- The York County SPCA offers retirement benefits with a dollar-for-dollar match up to a maximum of three percent (3%) of your salary per year. The organization offers a SIMPLE IRA.

- Company paid life insurance and short-term disability insurance.

- 216 hours of Paid Time Off (27 eight-hour days) plus six holidays.

- Continuing education allowance as determined by the Executive Director.

Working Conditions and Expectations:

- 40-hour workweek.

- Flexible availability to include evenings, holidays, and weekends.

- Participates in the occasional holiday animal care and/or supervisory oversight.

- Fundraising and event attendance may be required.

- Comfortable with regular exposure to animal odors, diseases, possible contagious conditions, bites, scratches, animal waste and moderate noise levels.

- Potential for exposure to zoonotic diseases and cleaning chemicals.

- Potential for exposure to dangerous and fractious animals.

- Must have a valid state Driver’s License and the willingness and ability to travel in a personal vehicle around the York County area.

- Accessible via phone for foster families to provide direction for medical concerns and emergencies.

- After-Hours on call availability.