Maintenance
Position:
General Maintenance
Description:
Repair and maintain the physical shelter facility including repairs to cages, dog runs and cat enclosures;
Lawn mowing and shrubbery care;
Assist with snow removal;
Will report to the Maintenance Director.
Requirements:
Team player with self starter initiative;
Compliance to organization guidelines and procedures as noted in DAWS Volunteer Handbook;
Insured and bonded a huge plus!
Location:
Bethel Shelter
Schedule:
Anytime during shelter hours/flexible
Cat Program
Position:
Cat Socializer
Description:
Socializing cats to provide them with human companionship in order to keep them happy, provide them with exercise and help them find their forever home;
Brush cats to improve coat;
Make notes about the animals’ behavior for use by staff and potential adopters;
Alert medical team to any issues of concern.
Requirements:
Attend a Volunteer Orientation;
Use safe animal handling practices (instruction provided) when interacting with the animals;
Follow directions from a Team Lead;
Adhere to guidelines in DAWS Volunteer Handbook.
Training:
On the job training is provided by DAWS Personnel and experienced volunteers;
Additional training warranted by position.
Location:
Bethel Shelter
Schedule:
One 2 hour shift (6-8 Monday – Friday , 2-4 Saturday and/or Sunday)
Position:
Adoption Counselor - Cats
Description:
Review adoption process with prospective adopters;
Assist potential adopters in filling out cat Adoption Application Form;
Answer questions about DAWS or specific animals;
Ask questions to ascertain the best match between cat and prospective adopter;
Discuss individual cats and their personalities and/or needs;
Complete both a Veterinarian and Personal reference check for prospective adopters;
Inform prospective adopters about their application status;
Ensure Adoption Agreements and documentation are completed and filed appropriately;
Release cats to their adoptive family.
Requirements:
General knowledge about cats;
Specific knowledge about the cats currently available for adoption;
Verbal and written communication skills are essential;
Enjoy working with the public and answering questions;
Compliance to organization guidelines and procedures as noted in DAWS Volunteer Handbook.
Training:
Adoption Counseling training will be provided by DAWS Personnel or experienced volunteers;
Additional training warranted by the position.
Location:
Bethel Shelter
Schedule:
One 2 hour shift (6-8 Monday – Friday , 2-4 Saturday and/or Sunday) and one weekend shift per month (if not normally scheduled on a weekend)
Dog Program
Position:
Dog Socializer
Description:
Walk dogs or spend time in exercise yards;
Read and follow the kennel signage when working with a specific dog;
Use safe animal handling and designated training protocols;
Read Evaluation Book on needs of ALL dogs for safe handling and to aid in adoption inquiries;
Clean kennels when necessary for the comfort and safety of the dogs;
Scoop feces and dispose of properly in the yards as well as on walks;
Socialize and/or leash train dogs increasing their adoptability;
Write notes about observations of behavior or health issues (limping, loose stool, barking with other dogs approach, etc);
Other related assistance as asked by Team Lead or Staff;
Assist with kennel laundry.
Requirements:
Attend a Volunteer Orientation;
Attend a Basic Dog Handling course provided by the DAWS trainers;
Physically able to handle dogs of all sizes, shapes, and strength
Appropriate dress and shoes required;
Compliance to organization guidelines and procedures as noted in DAWS Volunteer Handbook.
Training:
Basic Dog Handling course provided by the DAWS trainers;
Advanced dog handling & training techniques provided by DAWS Training Team as needed.
Location:
Bethel Shelter
Schedule:
One 2 hour shift (6-8 Monday – Friday , 2-4 Saturday and/or Sunday)
Position:
Adoption Counselor - Dogs
Description:
Speak with prospective adopters about lifestyle, home environment, experience with dogs, etc to find a potential match;
Explain the dog adoption process to potential adopters;
Answer questions about DAWS or specific animals;
Introduce dogs to prospective adopters by retrieving them from the kennel area and monitoring interaction in the meeting areas;
Assist prospective adopters in filling out adoption application form;
Provide information about supplies that will be needed.
Requirements:
General knowledge about dogs;
Be an attentive and active listener;
Understanding and ability to educate potential adopters about crate training;
Specific knowledge about the dogs currently available for adoption;
Dog Socializer for at least 3 months with a consistent volunteer experience;
Verbal and written Communication Skills are essential;
Enjoy working with the public and answering questions;
Compliance to organization guidelines and procedures as noted in DAWS Volunteer Handbook.
Training:
Adoption Counseling training will be provided by DAWS Personnel or experienced volunteers;
Additional training warranted by the position.
Location:
Bethel Shelter
Schedule:
One 2 hour shift (6-8 Monday – Friday , 2-4 Saturday and/or Sunday)
Position:
Dog Bather
Requirements:
Knowledge of dogs;
Work with limited supervision and follow directions;
Attendance at DAWS Orientation session;
Attendance at Basic Dog Handling course provided by DAWS trainers;
Compliance to organization guidelines and procedures as noted in DAWS Volunteer Handbook.
Training:
Training will be provided by Shelter Manager.
Location:
Bethel shelter
Schedule:
Flexible hours (day and evening)
Position:
Transporter
Description:
Transport dogs from other locations (some are local and others require several hours);
Complete necessary paperwork related to the transport (Vehicle Usage Agreement and Usage Log, etc).
Requirements:
Physically able to handle all sizes and weights of dogs (crate to crate and walking);
Valid Driver’s License and clean driving record;
Compliance with DAWS Vehicle Usage Policy (DAWS does have a rescue vehicle);
Compliance to organization guidelines and procedures as noted in DAWS Volunteer Handbook.
Training:
Attend DAWS Volunteer Orientation Attend DAWS Basic Dog Handling Class.
Location:
Various
Public Relations
Position:
Meet and Greets (Off-site) Dogs and Cats
Description:
Transport animal to and from the event;
Help showcase the animal at the event;
Assist the public by answering questions about DAWS or the specific animal.
Requirements:
Knowledge of the adoption process Socializer for at least 3 months with a consistent volunteer experience;
Proper crating or restraint system in vehicle.
Training:
Attend a DAWS Ambassador training session or meet with the Community Outreach Coordinator
Location:
Various
Position:
Writer / Facilitator- Public Service Announcements & Press Releases
Description:
Ability to communicate with multiple volunteers in order to compile PSA's and PR's;
Write and distribute PSA's & PR's in a timely fashion to local media outlets.
Requirements:
Knowledge of how to write PSA' & PR's.
Training:
Volunteer Orientation Attendance is recommended.
Location:
At your home
Schedule:
Flexible, but within event schedule
Various
Position:
Volunteer Foster Parent
Description:
Love, Feed, socialize, groom, introduce basic training, and care for the animals as if they were your own;
Bring foster animal(s) to scheduled veterinarian appointments and adoption open houses;
Observe and report any problems with the animal to the Foster Care Coordinator;
Return the animal to the Shelter upon request or according to any special arrangements made by the Foster Coordinator or DAWS Staff;
Comply with Danbury Animal Welfare’s policies and foster volunteers should consider themselves ambassadors of the Foster Care Program.
Requirements:
Attend a Foster Program Orientation;
Home visit by a DAWS Foster program representative;
Understand the requirements of being a DAWS Foster as outlined in the; Foster Manual which will be provided at the Orientation Meeting.
Training:
Training will be customized based on the animal to be fostered
Location:
At your home
Schedule:
Depends on your needs and needs of animals
Position:
Videographer/Photographer
Description:
Take video or photos at DAWS related events such as the Walk for Animals and the DAWS Making a Difference Ball;
Currently looking for a photographer to take pictures for Holiday Card fundraising event;
Take video of our adoptable animals to place on YouTube and our DAWS.org website.
Requirements:
Knowledgeable about photography, and /or video production;
Working knowledge of social media outlets a plus.
Training:
Not Required, but Volunteer Orientation is recommended
Location:
At your home
Schedule:
Depends on your needs and needs of animals
Position:
Grant Writer
Description:
Assess needs for funding by discussing with program chairs and Board members;
Research grant funding opportunities;
Apply for grants including compiling required data;
Complete follow up requirements for grants received;
Plan grant budget to be included in DAWS budget each year;
Create spreadsheet/plan for annual schedule of grant opportunities;
Recruit additional volunteers to assist in the writing of grants with you as the manager;
Provide monthly updates for Board reports.
Requirements:
Research, writing and organization and communications skills are necessary;
Detail oriented;
Self starter with little supervision;
Understand mission of DAWS, programs, and services offered and ability to compile statistical information;
Compliance to organization guidelines and procedures as noted in DAWS Volunteer Handbook.
Training:
Attend DAWS Volunteer Orientation Session;
Additional training as warranted by position.
Location:
Work is largely done from home
Schedule:
Flexible – Grant writing varies by application, length, and requirements (pictures, statistics, etc) Individual application grant writing can take from 5-20 hours. Grant planning, follow-up and organization can take a couple of hours each month.
Position:
Graphic Designer
Description:
DAWS needs a graphic designer to create DAWS branded flyers, brochures and other materials.
Requirements:
Professional experience required, this is not for beginners
Must have own computer
Understanding of DAWS logo & color palatte
Will take direction from Marketing & Development, Dog & Cat Program, and Community Outreach Coorinator
Training:
Must attend volunteer orientation
Review current/past flyers, brochures, etc.
Location:
Bethel Shelter
Schedule:
As needed, work is done at home
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