Employment
Working at the Humane Society of the Black Hills is an opportunity to be involved in the care of thousands of animals each year and help us meet our mission to Serve Animals, Serve Community. Employees at the Humane Society of the Black Hills share a common passion for caring for animals in need.

Employment
Working at the Humane Society of the Black Hills is an opportunity to be involved in the care of thousands of animals each year and help us meet our mission to Serve Animals, Serve Community. Employees at the Humane Society of the Black Hills share a common passion for caring for animals in need.
If you love animals and want to make a difference in their lives, apply to join the team at the Humane Society of the Black Hills! We continue to grow our kind, compassionate group for the betterment of animals who need us – we would love for you to join us.
You must be 16 years of age or older to apply, although certain jobs and duties are restricted for employees under the age of 18. You must be 21 or older to be considered for any Animal Services & Enforcement Officer position (when applicable).
Current Employment Opportunities:
Shelter Veterinarian - Full-time
About Us: Located in the beautiful Black Hills and just one-hour from Badlands National Park, The Humane Society of the Black Hills (HSBH) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that has worked with the community to provide shelter and care for lost and abused animals for more than 50 years. The HSBH currently operates the only open-admission animal shelter west of the Missouri River in South Dakota, helping 4,000 animals annually, and isdedicated to its mission: Serving Animals, Serving Community.
Job Summary: The Humane Society of the Black Hills is adding an in-house Veterinarian to provide high-quality medical care to animals within the shelter, services including, but not limited to: wellness exams, vaccinations, diagnostics, surgeries, euthanasia, and treatment of various medical conditions. The ideal candidate is a self-starter and will have a strong commitment to animal welfare, working collaboratively with our shelter staff, and community, to ensure the health and well-being of all animals in our care.
Key Responsibilities:
- Conduct comprehensive physical examinations of shelter animals, including intake assessments and wellness checks.
- Diagnose and treat medical conditions, perform surgeries (including spay/neuter procedures), and manage post-operative care.
- Develop and implement treatment plans for a variety of medical conditions, including infectious diseases, injuries, and chronic health issues.
- Administer vaccinations, perform diagnostic tests, and interpret laboratory results.
- Provide guidance and training to shelter staff on best practices for animal health and care.
- Work closely with the shelter management to develop and implement health protocols, disease prevention strategies, and SOPs.
- Maintain accurate and detailed medical records for all animals.
- Participate in community outreach and education programs (Ex: microchip clinics) to promote animal health and welfare.
- Collaborate with external veterinary specialists and laboratories when necessary.
- Provide emergency medical care to shelter pets as-needed.
- Actively research and implement best-practice in animal-shelter medicine. Ensure teams are following updated protocol when relative to animal health
- Provide education to staff and volunteers as-needed. Assist HR Manager in creating annual trainings for staff.
- Provide reports/updates from department during weekly All-Manager Meeting
Supervisory Duties:
- Medical Team Lead
- Veterinary Technician
- Medical Team Assistants
Skills:
- Experience conducting various types of surgeries, vaccinations, and health checks on animals
- Knowledge of medical equipment (e.g. ultrasound) and anesthesia procedures
- Problem-solving skills
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to explain medical terms and conditions using simple language
- Patience and a love for animals, clients, and team members
- Mission to record and present factual data on all animals and procedures at all times
Qualifications:
- Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from an accredited veterinary school.
- Licensed to practice veterinary medicine in the state of South Dakota.
- Ability to obtain a DEA License
- Valid Driver License
- Minimum of 2 years of clinical practice, preferably in a shelter or high-volume spay/neuter environment.
- Proficiency in performing a variety of surgical procedures, including spay/neuter surgeries.
- Strong diagnostic and problem-solving skills; ability to effectively navigate yourself and others through high-stress situations
- Knowledge of, or willingness to learn, Fear Free handling (https://fearfreepets.com/). Potential for future Fear Free Pets certification.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Compassionate and dedicated to animal welfare.
- Ability to work collaboratively with a diverse team of staff and volunteers.
- Flexibility to work occasional weekends, holidays, and evenings as needed
Essential Functions and Responsibilities:
Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs, straight pulling, pulling hand over hand, simple grasping, dual simultaneous grasping, repeated bending, sitting, standing, pushing, crouching, crawling, twisting, kneeling, stooping, climbing stairs, walking, and reaching above shoulders. Ability to see, write, read, count identify shade of colors, perceive depth, and hearing is needed to perform the essential functions of this job.
Benefits:
- Life, dental, and vision insurance
- Paid time off, birthday PTO, and holiday pay
- Employee referral program
- Employee discount
- And more!
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $100,000 to $120,000 annually
To Apply:
Please submit your resume, cover letter, and three or more references or letters of recommendation here or to our Human Resources department at hr@hsbh.org.
The Humane Society of the Black Hills is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
Dog Team Kennel Attendant - Full-time
Do you have a passion for making a difference for local shelter dogs as they await adoption? Be part of our growing, hard-working team to provide canines in-need with clean housing, fresh supplies, food and water, and a ton of love.
We are hiring for an energetic full-time Dog Kennel Attendant! Our organization is looking for a new team member who is responsible and reliable, ready for dedicated, rewarding work, and most importantly, loves dogs.
As a kennel attendant, you will:
- Provide adequate food and water to dogs within the shelter daily
- Participate in important stress and disease-reduction efforts through the shelter’s enrichment program, compassionate handling, and placement of animals in the shelter environment
- Follow vital disease control protocols to daily deep-clean, disinfect, and maintain shelter kennels and general areas, both inside and outdoors in all elements.
- Be a strong member of the Feeding Team, ensuring nutrition for each canine meets their needs and is distributed correctly each and every day. Candidates must be familiar with the United States customary units (USCS)
- Cultivate positive client, volunteer, and coworker relations through professional, courteous, and educational interactions
- Make an outstanding, positive impact on shelter animals and more each day
- And more!
Qualifications, Requirements, and More:
- High school diploma or GED preferred
- Experience with dogs of various sizes, breeds, and behavior highly preferred
- Ability to learn quickly from hands-on training
- Ability to bend frequently, be on feet and move about for many hours per day, and lift up to 50lbs with adequate accommodation
- Ability to work well both with a small team and independently
- Must be detail-oriented, organized, self-motivated, and have a passion for cleanliness
Those selected for an initial interview will be contacted by our Human Resources department!
Must be at least 16 years of age to apply. This job description reflects the general details of the specific job and is not necessarily a complete listing of all the work assignments that may be required.
We continue to grow our kind, compassionate group for the betterment of animals who need us – we would love for you to join us!
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Referral program
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Cat Team Kennel Attendant - Full-time & Part-time Available!
Do you love cats and small animals? Do you have a passion for making a difference for local pets as they await adoption? Be part of our growing team to provide fresh water and food, supplies, companionship, and medical attention to felines, small mammals, occasional reptiles, and more waiting for their forever homes.
We are hiring for a full-time Cat Kennel Attendant! Our organization is looking for a team member who is responsible and reliable, ready for dedicated, rewarding work, and most importantly, loves cats and other small animals.
As a kennel attendant, you will:
- Provide adequate food and water to cats and small and exotic animals within the shelter
- Participate in important stress and disease reduction efforts through compassionate handling, thorough cleaning routine, and placement of animals in the shelter environment
- Follow established disease control protocols and utilize excellent time management to clean, disinfect, and maintain shelter kennels and general areas, both inside and outdoors daily.
- Cultivate positive client, volunteer, and coworker relations through professional, courteous, and educational interactions
- Make an outstanding, positive impact on shelter animals and more each day
Work is performed inside and/or outside a building. Work is done in a variety of environmental conditions, such as: unknown and dangerous conditions, unusual environment stress, contagious infectious disease, irritating chemicals, life-threatening situations, solvents, dirt, dust, constant noise, and slippery/uneven walking surfaces. Must be capable of working closely with others or alone. Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs, repeated bending, standing, pushing, crouching, twisting, kneeling, stooping, climbing stairs, walking, and reaching above shoulders.
To Apply:
- Please submit your resume and two or more references or letters of recommendation here or via email to Human Resources at HR@hsbh.org.
- Those selected for an initial interview will be contacted by our Human Resources team!
HSBH is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. We encourage all qualified candidates to apply, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Life insurance
- On-the-job training
- Paid time off
- Referral program
- Vision insurance
Contact:
Email hr@hsbh.org or call (605) 394-4170 for general employment questions!
Already applied with us and curious about next steps? Those selected for an interview will be contacted by our team!
Employment Application:

Humane Society of the Black Hills
1820 East St. Patrick Street,
Rapid City, SD 57703
Call: (605) 394-4170
Fax: (605) 355-3430
Shelter Operating Hours:
- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Wednesdays: CLOSED (No Intake or Reclaim)
- Saturday – Sunday: 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Lost and Found Receiving Hours
- Monday – Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Saturday – Sunday: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
HSBH is closed on the following holidays:
- New Years’ Day
- Memorial Day
- Fourth of July
- Labor Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
- Easter Day
Copyright © 2020 Humane Society of the Black Hills | All Rights Reserved.