Title: Animal Disaster & Response Coordinator

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Department: Animal Welfare & Response

Reports to: Animal Welfare & Response Manager

Purpose of Position

To advance the mission and programs of the Animal Rescue League of Iowa (ARL), The Animal Disaster & Response Coordinator is responsible for coordinating and executing disaster response efforts to safeguard animals during emergencies. This role involves planning, rescue operations, and collaboration with various stakeholders to ensure the safety and well-being of animals affected by disasters.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be constructed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Emergency Preparedness and Response:

• Create and update comprehensive disaster response plan specific to animal welfare and team safety.

• Collaborate with local agencies, emergency management teams, and animal welfare organizations

• Identify evacuation routes, temporary shelters, and resources for animal care during crises.

• Lead or participate in animal rescue missions during disasters (e.g., floods, wildfires, hurricanes).

• Coach staff and volunteers during disasters including managing temporary shelters if needed.

• Coordinate search and rescue efforts for stranded or injured animals.

• Ensure safe transport and relocation of animals to designated shelters.

  Animal Welfare and Care

• Assess the health and well-being of rescued and non-rescued animals.

• Provide immediate first aid as needed and coordinate veterinary care.

• Monitor stress levels and address behavioral issues.

• Distribute animal-related supplies to the community as needed and available.

  Collaboration and Communication

• Work closely with local, state, federal, or national authorities, fire departments, law enforcement and other agencies, including non-profits.

• Communicate effectively with the public, volunteers, and fellow responders.

• Provide updates on rescue operations and animal welfare status.

• Establish and maintain Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with other agencies.

  Resource Management:

• Maintain supplies and equipment related to disaster response.

• Mobilize volunteers and coordinate their roles during emergencies.

• Ensure proper utilization of available resources.

  Document and Reporting

• Keep detailed records of rescue operations, including the number of animals rescued, medical treatments, and outcomes.

• Submit timely reports to relevant agencies and organizations.

  Training Initiatives:

• Take charge of organizing and leading training sessions for diverse audiences, including animal welfare organizations, law enforcement, and the public, focusing on animal cruelty and neglect. Training may require teaching law enforcement on animal investigations to addressing local animal cruelty/neglect ordinances.

• Assist in developing tailored presentations and deliver them effectively through various mediums, ensuring audience engagement and knowledge dissemination.

• Adapt communication styles to suit the needs of different groups and effectively convey complex topics.

  Additional duties:

• Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of and adherence to ARL policies and procedures, contributing to the organization’s commitment to excellence and integrity. ‘

• Assist with animal welfare cases as needed.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

  Supervisory Duties:

• Volunteers

  Qualifications

  To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, adept at addressing diverse perspectives.

• Rapidly acquires comprehensive knowledge of animal services management, laws, safety, and financial practices.

• Demonstrated success in promoting partnerships for public education and safety.

• Diplomatic in addressing controversial perspectives and fostering a positive staff culture.

• Models’ courteous engagement while prioritizing animal welfare and public safety, with strong verbal and written communication skills and well-developed interpersonal abilities.

• Thrives in a culture of high-performance expectations, personal accountability, and integrity.

• Possession of a valid driver’s license, with eligibility for insurance coverage under the ARL’s policy.

  Education and/or Experience

• One year experience in disaster response, animal welfare, or emergency services.

• Knowledge of animal behavior, health and handling techniques.

• Complete ICS 100, 200, 700, and 800 within on year of employment.

  Physical Demands

  The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• May frequently stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, or crouch.

• Lift objects weighing up to 50 lbs.

• Must effectively handle customer service issues.

• Long periods of standing.

• Long periods of sitting.

• Work outdoors in high heat or cold environments occasionally.

  Environmental Adaptability

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and be flexible with work schedule to meet the demands of the organization and short deadlines.

• Occasionally exposed to unpleasant smells, animal/human waste, animal diseases possibly contagious, dust or airborne particles (i.e., pet dander), and loud noise levels in the work environment.

• Must not have pet allergies preventing work attendance.

• Must be capable of handling stressful situations and ever-changing daily workloads and demands.

• May be exposed to disinfectant solutions and smells due to cleaning, etc.

  May be exposed to diverse weather conditions, including exposure to high temperatures, cold climates, and other environmental variables during outdoor tasks.