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 & Manager of Animal Care Services - 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: $90,000/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.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From $90,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- Employee discount
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Referral program
Veterinary Technician - Full-time
The Humane Society of the Black Hills is seeking a motivated, compassionate, and experienced candidate to welcome to our Medical Team!
Veterinary Technicians at the Humane Society of the Black Hills provide technical support to the HSBH medical team, local veterinarians, and other entities that provide animal care-related services. Qualifying candidates must be a Registered Veterinary Technician in South Dakota.
Essential Job Functions:
- Ability to perform basic shelter exams on incoming animals with empathy and compassion.
- Assist onsite Veterinarian(s) with all aspects of surgical procedures and treatment
- Have a general knowledge of, and participates in, all kennel and exam cleaning procedures to limit the transmission of diseases.
- Know the use of all equipment used in the shelter including safety equipment in order to keep the shelter clean, orderly, and limit disease transference.
- Use proper humane animal restraint techniques to maintain safety of animals and staff.
- Administer vaccinations and medications to reduce outbreak of illness and work with veterinarians to help reduce illnesses in the shelter.
- Work closely with both the Kennel Manager and the kennel staff in the placement of animals in the shelter to ensure proper safety and care for all.
- Bathing and minor grooming of animals
- Effectively manage the intake process of each animal, including vaccinating if appropriate for the species, in order to limit disease transmission in the shelter. Perform a cursory exam on each animal admitted identifying special needs or care.
- Maintain clinical records to include all vaccinations, medications, and/or special treatments, ensuring the Humane Society has proper record management.
- Take and use direction given regarding care/maintenance of animal’s well-being
- Administer medication to animals according to veterinary protocol and work with veterinarians on the proper dispensing and use of medicines
- Assist with and perform euthanasia for both Humane Society animals and public-owned pets.
- Assist with after-hours needs if circumstances arise to support staff members during shortage of teammates, emergencies, or other related needs.
- Perform other duties as assigned by management.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Ability to lift 50 lbs safely with reasonable accommodations.
- Ability to work with, learn about, and treat felines, canines, small mammals, birds, reptiles, and other species.
- Ability to safely use and utilize chemicals required for sanitation and disinfection.
- Proactive in problem-solving
- Present as a professional at all times and be a positive role model to peers.
- Establish excellent working relationships with all colleagues and volunteers and assist as-needed in developing their skills, abilities and understanding of HSBH policies.
- Good working knowledge of breed and species identification and sexing of animals
- Knowledge of shelter computer data entry software and ability to train staff members to keep consistent records throughout the shelter.
Education and Experience:
- Validation of being a Registered Veterinary Technician
- Passion for shelter medicine
- 2 years of experience as an RVT preferred, preferably within a high volume animal clinic
- Administrative experience an asset
- Knowledge of computer data entry is required
- Good people skills and the ability to communicate and work with the public and team members is necessary
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From $19.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
- Day shift
- Holidays as-needed
- Monday to Friday
- Weekends as-needed
License/Certification:
- Veterinary Technician Certification (Required)
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.
- Note: This job description is intended to provide a general overview of the position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties and responsibilities.
Medical Team Assistant - Full-time
The Humane Society of the Black Hills is looking for a motivated, compassionate candidate to welcome to our Medical Team!
Medical Team Assistants at the Humane Society of the Black Hills provide technical support to the HSBH Animal Care Services department, local veterinarians, and other entities that provide animal care-related services. A candidate with veterinary clinic experience is preferred.
General Summary
The Medical Team Assistant of the HSBH provides technical support to the HSBH medical team, veterinarian, and other entities that provide animal care related services.
Essential Job Functions:
- Ability to perform basic shelter exams on incoming animals with empathy and compassion.
- Have a general knowledge of all kennel cleaning procedures and daily clean and disinfect receiving and exam areas in order to limit the transmission of diseases.
- Know the use of all equipment used in the shelter including safety equipment in order to keep the shelter clean, orderly and limit disease transference.
- Use proper humane animal restraint techniques in order to maintain safety for animals and staff.
- Administer vaccinations and medications to reduce outbreaks of illness and work with shelter veterinarian to help reduce illnesses in the shelter.
- Work closely with both the Shelter Veterinarian, Medical Team Lead, and the kennel staff in placement of animals in the shelter to ensure proper safety and care for all.
- To help more animals be reunited with their owners, train staff and assist with micro-chipping.
- Good working knowledge of breed and species identification and sexing of animals to better represent the Humane Society animals and increase accuracy of record-keeping.
- Knowledge of shelter computer data entry software and ability to train staff members in order to keep consistent records throughout the shelter.
- Bathing and minor grooming of animals to help the animals be as comfortable as possible.
- Effectively manage the intake process of each animal including vaccinating if appropriate for the species in order to limit the disease and disease transmission in the shelter, perform a cursory exam on each animal admitted identifying special needs or care.
- Maintain clinical records to include all vaccinations, medications and or special treatments ensuring the Humane Society has proper record management.
- Ability to take and use direction given regarding care/maintenance of animal’s care and well-being
- Able to administer medication to animals according to veterinary protocol and work with shelter veterinarian on the proper dispensing and use of medicines making each animals’ stay as comfortable and safe as possible.
- Assist with euthanasia.
- Notify owners for reclaims when an animal is identified, or research is performed, and an owner is located ensuring such animals are reunited with owners expediently.
- Assist with after-hours needs if circumstances arise to support staff members during shortage of teammates, emergencies or other related needs.
- Perform other duties as assigned by management.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Courteous customer service to all clients.
- Able to lift 50 lbs safely with reasonable accommodations.
- Able to work with cats, dogs, small mammals, reptiles, and other species.
- Ability to work with various personalities and get along with other staff members at all times.
- Present as a professional at all times and be a positive role model to all staff members.
- Complete all assigned tasks in a timely manner
- Be considerate of volunteers and respectful of their compassion.
- Establish excellent working relationships with all colleagues and volunteers and assist as needed in developing their skills, abilities and understanding of HSBH policies.
- Able to safely use and utilize chemicals required for sanitation and disinfection.
- Be proactive in solving problems and support management decisions.
- Follow direction given by the Shelter Veterinarian and Medical Team Leader.
Education and Experience:
- Animal-related medical experience highly preferred. Knowledge of computer data entry is required.
- Knowledge of animal body language and health needs
- Exceptional people skills and the ability to communicate and work with the public is necessary.
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Life insurance
- On-the-job training
- Paid time off
- Referral program
- Vision insurance
Cat Kennel Attendant - Full-time
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 on a Wednesday-Sunday schedule! 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.
- Note: This job description is intended to provide a general overview of the position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties and responsibilities.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $15.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Life insurance
- On-the-job training
- Paid time off
- Referral program
- Vision insurance
Shift:
- 8 hour shift
Contact:
Text 415-851-3180 with code 942709, 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.