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  • Full Time
  • St. Louis County
  • Applications have closed
  • Salary: n/a
  • Organization Type: Environment/Park/Animals

Animal Protective Association of Missouri (APA)

Reports To: Humane Education Manager

About the APA:

The Animal Protective Association of Missouri is a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing people and pets together, advancing humane education and creating programs beneficial to the human/animal bond.

Originally formed in 1922 to help prevent cruelty to animals, the focus of the organization has shifted over the years to emphasize education, wellness and adoption. Throughout this time, however, we have remained leaders in the humane treatment of animals in the St. Louis area. Our organizational accomplishments include:

  • Forming the first area therapeutic animal visitation program, PetReach, in 1983. For more than 30 years, PetReach volunteers have taken their companion animals into hospitals, nursing homes and even prisons to bring pet companionship to those who live without them.
  • Acting as the founding site for the Missouri Alliance for Animal Legislation in 1992. This group works on a statewide level to advocate for the humane treatment of all animals.
  • Performing pediatric spay/neuter surgeries several years before any other humane organization in our area. This bold step undoubtedly curbed tens of thousands of unwanted litters.
  • Developing the first and only Domestic Violence Pet Assistance program in the St. Louis area. Since 1998, this program has assisted women leaving abusive homes by fostering their pets while they regain their independence.
  • Creating the APA Pet Transfer Program. This program brings animals from overcrowded shelters in our area to our Adoption Center, where we have a larger pool of adopters and the resources to assist. In 2014, the APA transferred in 414 animals; today the APA transfers in more than 2,000 animals annually. To date, the program has a 98% success rate.

Job Summary:

Under the supervision of the Humane Education Manager, the Humane Educator will implement humane education programs for children, youth and adults in order to strengthen the human-animal bond, promote responsible pet ownership, and encourage positive behaviors towards animals while simultaneously positioning the APA as leaders in animal welfare.

Responsibilities:

  • Implement humane education programs designed to strengthen the human-animal bond, promote responsible pet ownership, encourage positive behaviors towards animals, and increase awareness of APA services and general animal welfare issues
  • Organize and conduct classroom presentations
  • Organize, plan and implement in-shelter education programs (e.g., Tuesday Tails, Scout programs and birthday parties)
  • Organize and conduct shelter tours for outside groups/individuals
  • Participate in community education events to promote the APA, adoption, wellness or responsible pet ownership
  • Coordinate Pet Reach programming, including evaluation of pets, training of volunteers and communication with partner facilities
  • Act as a resource to volunteers for all Humane Education programs
  • Work with Humane Education Manager to assess needs, design, and improve programs to meet those needs as appropriate
  • Ensure accurate and complete collection of data, as requested, to provide impact measurement of programming
  • Work within the humane education budget
  • Assist with the development of educational curriculum and materials
  • Provide assistance to community groups, schools, educators and others seeking information on animal-related issues
  • Assist with other duties as assigned

Qualifications/Skills/Knowledge:

  • Commitment to excellence and a passion for the APA’s mission and work
  • Bachelor’s degree required; classroom teaching experience preferred
  • Engaging, positive and caring approach to educating individuals and groups of all ages
  • Demonstrated ability to build relationships with schools and community organizations
  • Excellent time management, multi-tasking and organizational skills
  • Ability to inspire, train, and motivate volunteers
  • Confident when speaking in front of groups of all ages with a strong ability to communicate ideas verbally and in writing
  • Good interpersonal skills required for working with a variety of individuals and groups
  • Ability to respond to difficult questions and situations in a professional manner
  • Ability to work individually as well as part of a team
  • Proficient in use of MS Office applications (Word, PowerPoint, Excel), desktop publishing and database software

Application Information:

Full-time position requiring some evening and weekend hours with competitive salary and benefits. Qualified candidates may submit cover letter, resume and salary requirements via email to education@apamo.org or by mail to APA Adoption Center, 1705 S. Hanley Road, St. Louis, MO 63144.