Humane Education Assistant

**About Us**:
Since 1936, the Humane Society of Oakville, Milton & Halton (HSOMH) has been a safe haven for animals in need and a trusted resource for the people who care about them. We’re more than a shelter. We’re a community hub where compassion, education, and action come together to strengthen the human-animal bond.

People often walk through our doors expecting to adopt a pet, drop off a donation, or volunteer for a few hours. What they leave with is so much more: new connections, unexpected joy, and a lasting place in a community that cares deeply for pets and people alike.

**What You'd Be Doing**:
The Humane Education Assistant plays a vital role in supporting initiatives including humane education and community engagement. Collaborating closely with the Humane Education Coordinator, the Humane Education Assistant provides administrative and customer service support, plans and implements events and activities, and leads educational programs including Kindness Club, Camps, School Presentations, and more, both in and out of house. The Humane Education Assistant also plays a key role in supporting community engagement events by attending events in-person or coordinating volunteer teams. This role offers a unique blend of administrative tasks, program coordination, and collaborative teamwork, providing an enriching experience.

**REPORTS TO**: Director of Community Engagement & Communications

**WORKS CLOSELY WITH**: Humane Education Coordinator

**SALARY**: $20.40/hr

**SCHEDULE**: 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday, evenings and weekends required as necessary for program needs. Typically, 2-3 evenings per week to facilitate programming and community group visits. March break, July and August are a Mon-Fri daytime schedule to facilitate camp.

**Education**
- Assist with the registration, planning and administrative tasks for each program, including Kindness Club, camps, tours, school visits, and other new or existing programming launched
- Collaborate with the Humane Education Coordinator to create new programming
- Prepare and teach age-appropriate activities, games and crafts within programming
- Learn and understand prepared lessons and materials
- Lead program sessions during both daytime and/or evenings
- Communicate effectively and regularly with individuals both inside and outside the organization
- Support the Humane Education Coordinator with the cleaning of education animals
- Attend school or community educational visits and conduct onsite group tours
- Handle administrative tasks related to programs, including attendance tracking, reports or statistics, updates, document management etc.

**Volunteers**
- Support the volunteer program with administrative tasks such as (but not exclusive to) filing, answering inquiries, helping with tours etc.
- Assist with the oversight of Humane Education Volunteers
- Play a role in volunteer engagement activities

**Community Events**
- Prepare for and attend various events in the community
- Collaborate with the volunteer program to organize volunteer teams to attend events in the community

**Department Activities**
- Assist with preparation of promotional materials
- Other administrative and supportive tasks as required

**POSITION REQUIREMENTS**:
The following are general descriptions of some of the requirements necessary to carry out the duties and responsibilities of this position:

- Post-secondary education is required
- Prior experience in a shelter for a minimum of 1 year is preferred
- Knowledge and practical experience in animal health and welfare, ensuring the well-being of sheltered animals used for educational purposes
- Comfort in handling various animal species, including reptiles, and varying temperaments is required
- Basic understanding of child development principles and age-appropriate activities to support the engagement of program participants
- Possess strong organizational skills and attention to detail
- Demonstrate a professional level of verbal, written and listening skills
- Ability to address issues promptly in conjunction with the Director of Community Engagement & Communications
- Ability to function effectively in a fast-paced work environment
- Strong sense of teamwork and collaboration
- Demonstrate ability to think creatively and independently, with a strong ability to problem solve
- Demonstrated ability to work autonomously when necessary, taking initiative and making informed decisions to ensure efficient workflow
- Ability to adapt to changing circumstances and remain flexible in approaches to problem-solving and workflow management
- Demonstrated empathy and compassion towards both animals and people, fostering an environment of care and understanding
- Ability to effectively collaborate and communicate with diverse groups of individuals, embracing inclusivity and respecting differences
- Commitment to attending all scheduled events, and actively participating
- Conducting oneself responsibly and professionally,