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:

Transporter - Part-time

Job Summary The Transporter is responsible for the safe, humane, and timely transportation of animals for the Humane Society of the Black Hills. This role supports shelter operations by transporting animals to and from veterinary clinics, rescue partners, foster homes, adoption events, and other approved locations while ensuring animal welfare, safety, and proper documentation at all times. The Transporter is also involved in local supply pick-ups and other vital errands essential to daily function.

Schedule (M-F):

  • 6:45AM to 8:00AM – Load and transport animals to veterinarian for various surgery/checkups
  • Midday – Petstore drop offs, shopping errand, donation pickups, etc (times and daily needs vary)
  • 1:00PM to 2:30PM – Pick up animals from veterinarian, transport back to shelter, and set up animals upon return from surgery. Prepare vehicle for the next day’s transporting adventure.

The above duties and times are the minimum expected within this role, but additional hours may be required between these hours for petstore transporting, supply runs, etc.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • Safely transport animals to veterinary appointments, partner shelters, foster homes, adoption events, and other destinations as assigned
  • Ensure animals are handled humanely and secured properly during transport
  • Load and unload animals of various sizes, temperaments, and medical conditions
  • Clean, disinfect, and maintain transport vehicles, crates, and equipment
  • Monitor animals during transport for signs of stress, illness, or injury and report concerns promptly
  • Maintain accurate transport logs, medical paperwork, and chain-of-custody documentation
  • Communicate professionally with staff, volunteers, veterinarians, and partner organizations
  • Follow all shelter policies, safety protocols, and biosecurity procedures
  • Assist with other shelter duties as needed, which may include basic animal care support or picking up supply donations and returning them to the shelter.

Qualifications

  • Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record
  • Ability to safely operate shelter vehicles, including vans
  • Experience handling animals (dogs, cats, and other small animals) preferred
  • Compassion for animals and commitment to humane care
  • Ability to remain calm and professional in stressful situations
  • Strong communication and organizational skills
  • Ability to work independently and follow detailed instructions

Physical Requirements

  • Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds with or without assistance
  • Ability to bend, kneel, stand, and walk for extended periods
  • Ability to work in varying weather conditions and environments

Schedule

  • Flexible schedule required
  • May include early mornings, evenings, weekends, and occasional holidays depending on transport needs

Work Environment

  • Combination of driving, shelter, veterinary, and outdoor environments
  • Exposure to animals with unknown health and behavioral histories

The Humane Society of the Black Hills is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming workplace for all employees and volunteers.

Benefits:

  • Employee discount
  • Paid time off
  • Referral program

Adoption Advisor - Full-time

We believe animals deserve safe, loving homes, and every adopter deserves guidance in finding the right companion. As an Adoption Advisor, you will play a vital role in creating positive adoption experiences by connecting people with pets, educating the community about responsible pet ownership, and helping animals transition into their forever homes! We are seeking compassionate, customer-focused individuals who are passionate about animal welfare, thrive in a team environment, and are committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of pets and people every day.

Essential Duties and Functions:

People Care

  • Provide quality customer service to clients, volunteers, and staff while actively promoting the Society’s mission, services, programs, and events.
  • Assist clients with animal adoption and visitation.
  • Interpret evaluation/assessments of dogs and cats to facilitate the best match of client and animal. Enter behavior evaluation results into shelter software using clear, honest communication.
  • Facilitate client/animal interactions to insure a safe and pleasant experience.
  • Complete adoption agreements, microchip registration forms, and insurance registration, provide and discuss medical history, provide the list of participating veterinarians for surgeries when necessary.
  • Provide adoption follow-up through phone and email contact.
  • Answer telephone calls promptly and courteously, providing accurate information.
  • Model and encourage the humane treatment of animals.
  • Promote donation and giving opportunities as appropriate; accept and acknowledge monetary and in-kind donations.
  • Represent the Humane Society in a positive manner by professional personal appearance.

Record Keeping

  • Complete all necessary forms and data entry to process adoptions.
  • Complete timely and accurate computer data entry; ensure data integrity using both paper and computer based filing systems.
  • Maintain materials related to adoptions, education and programs.

Facility Care

  • Assist Kennel Teams in cleaning duties when available/needed, following established disease control protocols to clean, disinfect, and maintain shelter and general areas.
  • Ensure work stations are kept clean, orderly and maintained daily.

Animal Care

  • Report health abnormalities to medical personnel.
  • Report behavior abnormalities to a supervisor.
  • Assist with evaluation and treatment processes.
  • Assist Kennel Teams with feeding, when available/needed.

Volunteers

  • Work cooperatively with all volunteers and recognize the talent and commitment they bring to the Society.

Safety

  • Ensure a safe work environment, following all safety guidelines, including PPE, and modeling safe work practice.
  • Take immediate action to address any safety concerns that could put a staff member, volunteer, client, animal, or the organization at risk.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment:

  • Work is performed in a kennel/shelter setting.
  • Frequent bending, reaching, kneeling, and sitting at a computer workstation 4-8 hours per day.
  • Exposure to disinfectant solutions when in the kennel area.
  • Subject to animal bites and scratches while handling animals.
  • Occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds with reasonable accommodations.
  • Consistently exposed to animals and animal allergens under conditions with limited alternatives available.

Qualifications:

  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Customer service experience.
  • Available to work weekends and overtime as needed.
  • Excellent typing and written communication skills a must.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  • Commitment to the mission, values, goals, and success of the Humane Society of the Black Hills.
  • Highly motivated, out-going, polite, and professional manner.
  • Team player, able to work in a fast-pace environment and multi-tasker
  • Compassion for animals, comfortable working in the shelter environment.
  • Knowledge of animal breeds and behavior helpful.
  • Computer skills
Medical Team Assistant - Full-time

Job Summary
We are seeking a dedicated and energetic Medical Team Assistant to join our animal care team! The Medical Team Assistant provides technical support to the Humane Society’s medical team, veterinarians, and other entities that provide animal care related services. Assistants must possess good critical thinking and problem-solving skills. They must be compassionate, have a positive attitude, and have a team-focused mindset. Excellent communication skills and commitment to outstanding service are essential.

Full-time Benefits:

  • Dental, Vision, and Life insurance paid for by the Humane Society.
  • Employee discount on all things retail, adoption, microchipping, and more!
  • Paid on-the-job training
  • Paid time off (earn 3 hours every payday)
  • Referral program
  • Attendance bonuses
  • A rewarding, meaningful work environment where you know you change lives.

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 Veterinarians, Manager of Shelter Operations, and our Kennel Teams 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.
  • 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, fosters, etc.
  • Able to lift 50 lbs safely with reasonable accommodations.
  • Able to work with cats, dogs, small mammals, reptiles, and other species.
  • 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 Manager of Shelter Operations and participating veterinarian(s).

Education and Experience:

– Medical experience preferred but is not required. Knowledge of computer data entry is required
– Knowledge of animal body language and health needs are a plus
– Good people skills and the ability to communicate and work with the public, and peers, is necessary.

Benefits:

  • Dental insurance
  • Employee discount
  • Life insurance
  • On-the-job training
  • Paid time off
  • Paid training
  • Referral program
  • Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Dog Team Member - Full Time

Join our Dog Team, where your passion for animals and dedication to exceptional pet care can shine! In this energetic role, team members are responsible for providing top-quality care and handling for our canine residents, ensuring their safety, comfort, and happiness. This position offers a rewarding opportunity to work closely with dogs of all breeds and temperaments, contributing to their well-being while supporting our other care teams. If you thrive in a lively environment and love making a difference in animals’ lives, apply with us today!

Full-time Benefits:

  • Dental, Vision, and Life insurance paid for by the Humane Society.
  • Employee discount on all things retail, adoption, microchipping, and more!
  • Paid on-the-job training
  • Paid time off (earn 3 hours every payday)
  • Referral program
  • Attendance bonuses
  • A rewarding, meaningful work environment where you know you change lives.

Your Responsibilities:

  • Maintain cleanliness of kennels, treatment areas, and equipment to ensure a hygienic environment for animals by following thorough cleaning procedures
  • Safely handle and restrain dogs during examinations, grooming, feeding, and training activities using proper animal handling techniques
  • Occasionally provide bathing and brushing to keep dogs clean and comfortable
  • Support daily duties by feeding, walking, and engaging dogs in stimulating activities to promote mental and physical health
  • Observe animal behavior closely to identify signs of stress or illness and report findings promptly to medical staff
  • Heavy lifting of animals or supplies may be required; ensure proper safety protocols are followed at all times

Facility Care

  • Follow established disease control protocols to daily clean, disinfect, and maintain shelter kennels, cages, and general areas both inside and outside.
  • Wash and disinfect all dishes.
  • Restock cleaning areas with supplies and equipment.
  • Maintain equipment in working condition, report equipment or supply needs to team leader or Manager of Shelter Operations.
  • Maintain work and general areas in an organized manner.

People Care

  • Cultivate positive client, volunteer and coworker relations through professional, courteous, and educational interactions.
  • Practice and encourage the humane treatment of animals.
  • Provide quality customer service to clients, volunteers, and staff while actively promoting our mission, services, programs, and events.
  • Work cooperatively with volunteers, recognizing the talent and commitment they bring to the Humane Society.

Safety

  • Ensure a safe and healthy work environment for people and animals alike, following all safety guidelines, including PPE, and modeling safe work practice.
  • Take immediate action to address any safety concerns that could put a staff member, volunteer, client, animal, or the organization at risk.

Qualifications

  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Available to work weekends, holiday shifts, and overtime as needed.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

  • Commitment to the mission, values, goals, and success of the Humane Society of the Black Hills.
  • Highly motivated, outgoing, and professional.
  • Team player, able to work in a fast-pace environment and multi –task.
  • Compassion for animals, comfortable working in the shelter environment and willing to accommodate animals in the work place.
  • Prior experience in dog training, pet grooming, or animal handling is highly desirable
  • Veterinary technician or veterinary assistant experience is a strong plus
  • Knowledge of animal restraint techniques and kennel experience is preferred
  • Excellent customer service skills to communicate effectively with pet owners and team members
  • Ability to perform heavy lifting safely when handling large dogs or equipment
  • Passion for animal welfare with a positive attitude and energetic approach to daily tasks

Requirements

  • Previous experience in pet care, veterinary assisting, kennel work, or animal handling is highly preferred
  • Knowledge of pet training, veterinary procedures, or pet grooming is a plus, but not required
  • Strong understanding of animal restraint techniques and safety protocols for handling dogs and the occasional small livestock
  • Excellent customer service skills with the ability to communicate clearly and professionally with clients and team members
  • Ability to perform physical tasks including heavy lifting, standing, walking, and bending for extended periods
  • Compassionate attitude towards animals with a genuine desire to improve their quality of life

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.

Those selected for an initial interview will be contacted by our Human Resources department!

Cat Team Member - Full Time

Join our Cat Team, where your passion for feline care and animal handling will make a meaningful difference in the lives of cats in need! In this energetic role, you will provide compassionate pet care, assist with animal enrichment, and support all staff to ensure every cat and small animal receives the highest quality attention. Your enthusiasm and dedication will help create a safe, clean, and engaging environment for our furry friends while delivering exceptional customer service to pet owners and visitors alike. And coming this fall: Kitty City! When you join our Cat Team now, you’ll get to enjoy a brand new building alongside our cats and small animals by September 2026.

Full-time Benefits:

  • Dental, Vision, and Life insurance paid for by the Humane Society.
  • Employee discount on all things retail, adoption, microchipping, and more!
  • Paid on-the-job training
  • Paid time off (earn 3 hours every payday)
  • Referral program
  • Attendance bonuses
  • A rewarding, meaningful work environment where you know you change lives.

Your Responsibilities

  • Assist with feeding, cleaning, and maintaining hygienic living spaces for shelter cats and small animals (may include rabbits, rodents, reptiles, arachnids, and all else cute and small!)
  • Handle cats safely using proper animal restraint techniques to ensure their comfort and safety. Participate in crucial stress and disease reduction efforts though compassionate handling and placement of animals in the shelter environment
  • Support medical staff with basic animal handling and care tasks during medical procedures or check-ups. Be the eyes and ears for our shelter’s felines and report any medical concerns you observe
  • Engage in enrichment activities such as playtime or socialization to promote feline well-being
  • Perform heavy lifting when necessary to move supplies, equipment, or animals safely within the facility
  • Provide adequate food and water to the shelter cats/kittens and small animals daily

Facility Care

  • Follow established disease control protocols to daily clean, disinfect, and maintain shelter kennels, cages, and general areas both inside and outside.
  • Wash and disinfect all dishes.
  • Restock cleaning areas with supplies and equipment.
  • Maintain equipment in working condition, report equipment or supply needs to team leader or Manager of Shelter Operations.
  • Maintain work and general areas in an organized manner.

People Care

  • Cultivate positive client, volunteer and coworker relations through professional, courteous, and educational interactions.
  • Practice and encourage the humane treatment of animals.
  • Provide quality customer service to clients, volunteers, and staff while actively promoting our mission, services, programs, and events.
  • Work cooperatively with volunteers, recognizing the talent and commitment they bring to the Humane Society.

Safety

  • Ensure a safe and healthy work environment for people and animals alike, following all safety guidelines, including PPE, and modeling safe work practice.
  • Take immediate action to address any safety concerns that could put a staff member, volunteer, client, animal, or the organization at risk.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment:

  • Work is performed in a kennel/shelter setting and outdoors.
  • Frequent bending, reaching, kneeling, climbing stairs, walking and standing on feet while performing job functions.
  • Exposure to disinfectant solutions when cleaning (PPE provided).
  • Exposure to various weather conditions when working outdoors.
  • Occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds with reasonable accommodations.
  • Consistently exposed to animals, animal allergens, loud noises, and odors under conditions with limited alterations available.

Qualifications:

  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Available to work weekends, holiday shifts, and overtime as needed.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

  • Commitment to the mission, values, goals, and success of the Humane Society of the Black Hills.
  • Highly motivated, outgoing, and professional.
  • Team player, able to work in a fast-pace environment and multi –task.
  • Compassion for animals, comfortable working in the shelter environment and willing to accommodate animals in the work place.

Requirements

  • Previous experience in pet care, veterinary assisting, kennel work, or animal handling is highly preferred
  • Knowledge of pet training, veterinary procedures, or pet grooming is a plus, but not required
  • Strong understanding of animal restraint techniques and safety protocols for handling cats and other small animals
  • Excellent customer service skills with the ability to communicate clearly and professionally with clients and team members
  • Ability to perform physical tasks including heavy lifting, standing, walking, and bending for extended periods
  • Compassionate attitude towards animals with a genuine desire to improve their quality of life

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

Those selected for an initial interview will be contacted by our Human Resources department!

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:

Application (pdf)

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.