Job Description
Are you an administrative professional with a passion for pets and the community?
Does working in a community-centric, no-kill animal welfare environment, where your professional skills make a meaningful impact, spark excitement in you? If you're seeking a part-time role in a technology-forward, all-digital office, we invite you to join Burlington Animal Services (BAS) as our Animal Services Business Assistant. This role supports experienced high-level leaders in delivering impactful programs that enhance the well-being and quality of life of pets and people in our community.
What you will do
In this role, you will provide a high degree of administrative and executive-level support to the Director of Animal Services. You’ll manage sensitive and confidential information, share knowledge of the overall function of the department, and also provide administrative support to the Assistant Director and Business & Development Manager as needed. You will be responsible for administrative tasks that support business operations and programs in various functional areas of the department, including but not limited to the $20FIX program, budget, purchasing, personnel, contracts, etc.
About Us
Animal Services, a department of the City of Burlington, NC, serves Alamance County with a commitment to pet lifesaving, community engagement, and proactive initiatives. Guided by a no-kill philosophy, we envision a future where pets and families thrive together. In 2024, our Burlington Pet Adoption and Resource Center cared for over 7,000 pets with a 92% pet lifesaving rate. BAS operates with transparency, collaboration, and commitment to high-quality public service, ensuring positive outcomes for every pet that can be saved.
Learn more about our mission and impact at burlingtonnc.gov/pets.
Examples of Duties
- Provide executive-level administrative support to the Director, as well as additional support to the Assistant Director and Business & Development Manager as needed.
- Provide administrative support for departmental operations related to budgets, purchasing, personnel, contracts, and key programs like the $20FIX initiative.
- Collect, compile, and analyze data for special reports, presentations, and correspondence.
- Organize and coordinate meetings, travel, training, and department events.
- Prepare various professional and analytical reports, correspondence, and memos.
- Foster collaboration by liaising with other city departments, community partners, and stakeholders.
- Maintain positive, professional relationships while managing sensitive or authoritative information.
- Ensure compliance with regulatory policies and support operational excellence.
- Use Fear-Free© handling techniques when interacting with pets and follow all safety protocols.
- Perform other administrative duties as assigned to support departmental goals.
Qualifications
Technical Skills:
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, and Teams).
- Experience working with office technology and systems, including databases, multi-line phone systems, and online collaboration tools.
- Strong analytical skills for data collection, analysis, and reporting.
- Skilled in preparing professional reports, correspondence, and presentations.
Administrative and Organizational Skills:
- Exceptional organizational and time-management skills to handle multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
- Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage administrative tasks related to budgeting, purchasing, personnel, and contracts.
- Proven ability to handle sensitive and authoritative information with confidentiality and discretion.
- Skilled in coordinating and organizing meetings, travel, training, and events.
Communication and Interpersonal Skills:
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills for preparing reports and liaising with diverse stakeholders.
- Ability to maintain positive, collaborative relationships with internal and external contacts, including city departments and community partners.
- Skilled in providing responsive and adaptable support in a fast-paced environment.
Knowledge and Values:
- A clear understanding of and commitment to Burlington Animal Services’ mission, vision, values, and goals.
- Awareness of modern, community-centered animal services practices and public service principles.
- Familiarity with BAS’s key programs and initiatives, such as the Community Pet Help Support program, sterilization and wellness services, triaged pet admissions, and community engagement efforts.
- An understanding of the importance of professional development, ethical behavior, and maintaining high standards in animal services operations.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in communications, business, or a related subject and one year of directly related work experience. An equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience that includes an associate's degree and at least three years of relevant work experience will be considered if there are not enough applicants who meet the minimum qualifications.
- Valid Driver’s License.
Special Requirements:
- Fear Free © Certification (or obtained within the first six months of employment).
Preferred Qualifications:
- Oral and written fluency in both English and Spanish languages.
Supplemental Information
Physical Requirements And Working Conditions
- Work typically involves periods of sitting, walking, standing, and repetitive motion involving frequent typing at a computer.
- Must be able to lift at least 25 pounds and handle animals as needed.
- Work may involve occasional exposure to potentially hazardous conditions such as aggressive animals, zoonotic diseases, and distressed customers.
- Work in this position is primarily performed indoors.
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Inclement Weather Classification: Non-Essential
The City of Burlington does not offer benefits to part-time positions which require less than 1000 work hours per calendar year.
01
This position requires the ability to work up to an average of 20 hours per week, typically between 8:00 am to 6:00 pm Monday through Friday, and may include occasional work on weekends during special events. If selected for this position, would you be able to accommodate this work schedule?
- Yes
- No
- Maybe, but I do have other regular schedule commitments I will need to accommodate.
02
Do you have a valid NC drivers license?
03
Are there any types of common domestic animals or wild animals typically found in NC that you are unable or unwilling to be around?
04
Burlington Animal Services is dedicated to enhancing the well-being of pets and people through lifesaving initiatives, community collaboration, and innovative programs. As the Animal Services Business Assistant, your work will directly support these goals by providing high-level administrative support and managing sensitive information. What motivates you to apply for this position, and how does this role align with your personal and professional values? Based on your understanding of Burlington Animal Services’ mission and vision, describe how you would prioritize and approach your responsibilities to ensure meaningful contributions to the team’s success. In your response, please provide at least two paragraphs, and be sure to address each question.
