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:

Manager of Community Relations & Outreach - Full-time

The Humane Society of the Black Hills is excited to welcome a Manager of Community Relations and Outreach!

Job Summary: The Humane Society of the Black Hills (HSBH) seeks a dynamic and passionate individual to serve as our Manager of Community Relations and Outreach Department. This key position is responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive strategies to build strong relationships with the community and donors, promote HSBH’s mission and services, and increase public awareness of animal welfare issues. With the Executive Director, the Manager will serve as a liaison between HSBH and the public, cultivating partnerships with local organizations, businesses, schools, and media outlets. This role requires excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills, as well as a deep commitment to animal welfare.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Community Engagement:

Develop and execute a comprehensive community engagement plan to increase awareness of HSBH’s programs, services, and needs.
Identify and cultivate relationships with HSBH’s members, other key community stakeholders, including businesses, civic organizations, schools, and government agencies.

Outreach Programs:

Oversee the design, implementation, and evaluation of outreach programs and events that educate the public about responsible pet ownership, animal welfare issues, and the importance of adoption.
Oversee the development and execution of various outreach activities, including presentations, workshops, adoption events, and participation in community festivals and events.

Public Relations and Media Management:

Serve with the ED as a primary point of contact for media inquiries.
Develop and distribute press releases, media kits, brochures, and other promotional materials.
Cultivate relationships with local media outlets to secure positive media coverage for HSBH.
Manage HSBH’s online presence, including website updates and social media engagement (Instagram and Facebook at minimum), ensuring consistent branding and messaging.

Partnership and Membership Development:

Act as the primary interface between the Society and its members.
Identify and cultivate strategic partnerships with local businesses, organizations, and schools to expand HSBH’s reach and impact.
Negotiate and manage partnership agreements and membership programs, ensuring mutually beneficial outcomes.
Chair Member Engagement Committee.
Manage membership contact list, benefits program, and newsletter.
Organize annual membership meeting and any other membership events.

Fundraising Support:

Serve on the Fundraising Committee and support fundraising efforts by co-organizing fundraisers with relevant staff, promoting giving opportunities and engaging potential donors.

Data Collection

Track and analyze data related to community outreach activities to measure effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.
Maintain accurate list of memberships, and monitor newsletter and social media engagement results.

Budget Management and Reporting:

Develop and manage the budget for community relations and outreach staff and activities, ensuring responsible allocation of resources.
Develop quarterly report covering departmental events and statistics (such as number of new members and associate members; events held and scheduled; workshops conducted and scheduled; fundraising achievements and opportunities; etc.)

Collaboration:

Hire and oversee Department staff, staff training, and evaluation.
Work closely with other HSBH departments and staff, including Animal Care, Adoption, and Veterinary Services, and with Board committees, to ensure cohesive messaging and program delivery.

Other Duties:

Perform other duties as assigned by the Executive Director.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, public relations, nonprofit management, or equivalent experience is preferred.
Proven experience in community relations, marketing, public relations, or event planning, ideally in a nonprofit or animal welfare organization.
Strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to oversee multiple initiatives simultaneously.
Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills to engage diverse audiences.
Familiarity with animal welfare issues and humane society operations preferred.
Proficiency in social media, public relations strategies, and community engagement tools.
Passion for animal welfare and a commitment to the Society’s Mission.

To Apply
Please submit your resume and cover letter to Human Resources at HR@hsbh.org

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: $18 – $26 per hour

Benefits:

Dental insurance
Employee discount
Life insurance
Paid time off
Referral program
Vision insurance

Schedule:

8 hour shift
Day shift
Monday to Friday
Weekends as needed

Work Location: In person

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

To Apply
Please submit your resume and cover letter to Human Resources at HR@hsbh.org

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $19.00 per hour

Expected hours: 32 – 40 per week

Benefits:

Dental insurance
Employee discount
Life insurance
Paid time off
Vision insurance

Schedule:

Day shift
Holidays
Monday to Friday
Weekends as needed

Work Location: In person

Animal Services & Enforcement Officer - Full-time

Start a new career in 2025 working with animals in our community!

Rapid City is growing, and so are we. The Humane Society of the Black Hills (HSBH) has an immediate opening for an Animal Services and Enforcement (ASE) officer.

The HSBH is an open-admission shelter located in Rapid City, South Dakota. The HSBH Animal Services and Enforcement (ASE) officers are instrumental in managing community animal-related issues with professionalism and compassion, education over authority. ASE officers are sworn in to uphold animal-related ordinances and statutes. Law enforcement experience is a plus, but not necessary. The ideal candidate for this position shall have a strong work ethic, the maturity to calmly handle various situations, be detailed-oriented, and have a passion for animal welfare and community outreach.

General Summary:

Animal Services and Enforcement officers enforce local and regional laws concerning the care and treatment of animals. They respond to calls regarding distressed animals and work directly with citizens concerning animal control issues. Animal Control officers work to maintain public health standards by making communities safe for both people and animals. Officers respond to calls from citizens about stray animals, suspected animal cruelty or deceased animals. Officers may have to capture or rescue animals, but other times they administer warnings or citations to citizens suspected of animal cruelty and mistreatment. Animal Control officers enforce ordinances, strictly follow policy and procedures, maintain accurate records, and work toward building and maintaining a positive relationship between the Humane Society of the Black Hills with other enforcement agencies and the public.

Minimum Qualifications:

High School Diploma or GED. Associates degree or higher preferred.
Experience working with animals in a professional setting and/or law enforcement experience required
Complete online National Animal Care and Control Association (NACA) classes (ACO Basic Certification Training) and certify in Animal Control with the Association, learning proper law enforcement techniques and actions, within one year of employment with HSBH.
Valid driver’s license.
Background check required.
Minimum age to apply: 21 years old

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of the laws and ordinances pertaining to animal control and humane treatment of animals.
Ability to use animal control equipment and protective devices.
Ability to enforce local, state, and federal laws governing animal control and zoonosis.
Ability to maintain good planning and organizational skills.
Ability to take and follow directions from supervisor.
Ability to perform strenuous and routine work.
Ability to maintain a valid South Dakota driver license and a good driving record.
Ability to maintain harmonious and effective working relationships with other employees and respond to general public complaints.
Ability to project a positive and professional image of the Humane Society of the Black Hills.
Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing.
Ability to comply with all Humane Society policies and procedures.
Ability to maintain good health and physical condition sufficient to permit the full performance of the duties of this position.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

Work is performed inside and/or outside a building. Work is done in a variety of weather conditions and outdoor elements, such as: excessive heat, humidity, intermittent noise, and inclement cold weather. 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, working irregular hours, weekends, working with protective devices, and traveling by car 75% of the time. 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.

To Apply
Please submit your resume and cover letter to Human Resources at HR@hsbh.org

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.

Schedule:

4-Day workweek!
On-call only during working days/evenings

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $19.00 per hour

Benefits:

Dental insurance
Employee discount
Life insurance
Paid time off
Referral program
Vision insurance

Schedule:

10 hour shift
Day shift
On call
Weekends as needed

Work Location: In person

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! 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.

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.

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

Work Days:

Weekends as needed

Work Location: In person

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:

Application (pdf)

Donate!

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