Pet Adoption Center Receptionist
Job Description
Class: Non-Exempt – 40 hours per week May 2025
Location: Merriam
Reports to: Senior Manager - Adoptions
Salary: $17-21 per hour
Great Plains SPCA located in Merriam, KS is the highest rated shelter in the Kansas City area; a platinum rated GuideStar charity that serves 6,800 animals annually. We are a results driven organization built on resiliency, compassion, inclusion, and accountability.
- Are you ready for a job that keeps you on your toes, both mentally and physically?
- Are you looking for a job where "predictable" is a dirty word?
- Are you as consistent as a cat's unwavering demand for treats at 3 a.m.?
- Want to make a daily difference for community pets?
Position Summary: At Great Plains SPCA, we’re dedicated to providing compassionate, high-quality care for pets—and the people who love them. We’re looking for a professional, motivated, and friendly Receptionist to be the welcoming face of our shelter. In this vital role, you’ll deliver exceptional customer service to visitors, volunteers, and staff, whether in person, by phone, or via email. Your ability to connect, communicate, and provide helpful information ensures a positive experience for everyone who interacts with our organization.
Key Responsibilities
- Deliver a warm, professional, and helpful experience to all visitors, volunteers, and staff
- Greet and assist members of the public promptly, directing them to the appropriate team member as needed
- Provide accurate information and guidance on Great Plains SPCA’s services, programs, and practices
- Schedule appointments, process emergencies, and respond to requests efficiently
- Manage foot traffic and queues for Meet & Greets and Adoptions
- Promptly and courteously respond to phone calls, emails, and walk-in inquiries
- Use PetPoint to access animal records, create kennel cards, signage, and update information
- Manage inventory of retail products, including ordering, labeling, stocking, and tracking supplies
- Assist customers with product inquiries and sales transactions to ensure excellent service
- Develop and implement retail promotions and merchandising displays to drive sales
- Monitor sales performance and costs to support profitability and operational goals
- Assist with various administrative and operational tasks assigned by Leadership
- Stay informed on shelter operations, animal inventory, and organizational policies related to medical care, behavior, and adoptions
- Keep the reception area clean, tidy, and organized
- Assist in the basic care and cleaning of any animals in the reception area
- Perform opening and closing duties as assigned
- Support other shelter activities as needed
Key Capabilities
- Competencies –Customer Focus, Drive for Results, Operational Excellence, Action Oriented
- Previous experience working in a fast-paced environment with front of house experience
- Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office programs
- Experience with shelter database software (such as PetPoint) preferred
- Ability to handle dogs and cats of all sizes, ages, temperaments and needs safely and appropriately
- Ability to assist with cleaning and care of animals as needed
- Possess knowledge of animal behavior and training
- Demonstrate initiative and problem-solving skills
- Work with staff and volunteers to provide animals and visitors with a safe, clean and pleasant experience
- Demonstrate strong organizational skills and follow through on job assignments
- Provide a compassionate and humane environment by demonstrating empathy and professionalism
- Strong interpersonal and verbal and written communication skills
- Excellent customer service and professionalism
- Compassion and empathy for animal and human clients
- Ability to work individually and on a team, multi-task and self-start
- Ability to remain calm and empathic in stressful situations
Additional Requirements
- Schedule – Saturday through Wednesday
Work Conditions
- Must be comfortable working with dogs, cats and other domestic pets of all ages and temperaments
- Strong interpersonal and verbal and written communication skills
- Displays maturity, good judgment, professionalism, and problem-solving skills
- Ability to remain calm and empathetic in stressful situations
- Compassion and empathy for animals and humans
- Frequent standing, walking, bending, lifting, stooping, carrying, and reaching
- Handle and restrain animals weighing up to 100 lbs.
- Lift 50 lbs. to waist height
At Will Employment
There is no minimum period of employment guaranteed or implied by acceptance of an employment offer. It is the policy of Great Plains SPCA that employment is at will, which means that the employment is for no specific term and that employment may be terminated by the employee or Great Plains SPCA at any time without cause.
Great Plains is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, disability, or for any basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We assure you that your opportunity for employment with Great Plains SPCA depends solely on your qualifications.
Note: This position description is not intended to be all-inclusive. You may be required to perform other related duties within your skill set as negotiated and/or directed to meet the ongoing needs of your department and the organization.
Great Plains SPCA proudly has a live release rate of 98% as a part of the no-kill shelter movement.
GPSPCA offers a competitive benefits package including health, dental and vision insurance, generous PTO, plus 9 paid Holidays, 100% employer covered mental health, disability benefits, life insurance, 403(b), discounts on veterinary care and retail store items, plus an engaging workplace where our team and animals are our top priority.
