Hybrid Animal Flow Assistant bei Animal Rescue League of Iowa

Title: Animal Flow Assistant

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt, Part-time

Location: ARL Main

Your Mission: Keep Animals Moving, Safely and Compassionately

Are you passionate about helping animals and making sure they’re in the right place at the right time? As an Animal Flow Assistant at the Animal Rescue League of Iowa, you’ll play an essential role in the daily movement and handling of animals throughout our shelters. You’ll help ensure that animals move smoothly through their shelter journey—from intake to adoption—while supporting a safe, clean, and compassionate environment.

This role is ideal for someone who is dependable, calm under pressure, and finds purpose in teamwork and hands-on animal care. You'll be working with a variety of departments to make sure animals are where they need to be and are receiving the care they deserve.

What You’ll Do

As an Animal Flow Assistant, you’ll support the movement of animals throughout ARL facilities. You’ll handle and restrain animals with kindness and professionalism, reducing stress and maintaining a calm environment. You’ll be a key player in cross-department collaboration, working closely with behavior, medical, and adoption teams to make sure every animal’s needs are met.

You’ll monitor animals and report health or behavior concerns to the appropriate team. You may assist with feeding, cleaning, and basic care duties as needed, as well as operating cleaning equipment and maintaining shared workspaces. You’ll help ensure that records in our animal sheltering database are accurate and up to date and contribute to volunteer training and support, helping foster a collaborative, mission-driven atmosphere.

Most importantly, you’ll be an ambassador for the ARL—communicating with professionalism and compassion as you help both animals and people navigate their journey with us.

What You Bring

You have a high school diploma or GED and ideally have at least one year of experience in animal handling or shelter care. You are calm in fast-paced environments, responsive to both people and animals, and you work well independently and on a team. You’re comfortable using basic computer programs, able to perform simple math, and can clearly communicate with staff, volunteers, and members of the public. A valid driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record is required.

Working Conditions

This is a physically active role that involves standing or sitting for long periods of time and lifting up to 50 pounds. You may be exposed to pet dander, animal waste, cleaning solutions, loud noise, and occasional scratches or bites. You must be comfortable working in environments where animals may be ill, fearful, or recovering from trauma, and where safety protocols must be followed closely.

Why Work at the ARL?

At the ARL, every animal’s journey matters—and as an Animal Flow Assistant, you’ll be part of the team that helps them move safely and lovingly toward a brighter future. You’ll work with dedicated professionals who care deeply about animals and who work every day to make our community a more compassionate place. Your role is essential to making sure animals get where they need to be, and your impact will be felt in every life you help along the way.

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.