Our employment specialists recently caught up with Elicia Pace, Business Manager at the Humane Society of Northwestern Pennsylvania. Below she speaks about working with our grads as well as gives some advice for those seeking employment with the Humane Society.
It\’s always a pleasure to work with Great Lakes Veterinary Assistant students, and we hope that we are able to provide many of them with rewarding opportunities now and in the future!
My best advice to someone looking to work at the Humane Society of NWPA would be to realize that it involves more than just loving and working with animals. You have to have the mind of an animal behaviorist. Shared knowledge and experiences with co-workers is a must, cooperation with management is necessary, as is a belief in and protection of the mission and values of the HSNWPA.
Good communication skills with members of the public is vital as well. You not only will be \”selling\” a pet\’s personality and needs, but also will have to be confident and knowledgeable enough to tell certain people that certain pets may not be right for their lifestyle.
My involvement with GLIT students has been limited up to this point, but will grow as my position changes. The students have been very respectful of the employees, the facilities and the animals at the shelter. Only time will tell as to what the new developments will be at the HSNWPA, but we can say we are in the planning stages of establishing low-cost spay/neuter and vaccine clinic option for pets owned by the general public, rather than just service to current shelter residents.
If you\’re looking for a career at the Humane Society, we expect our employees to be honest, schedule-oriented team players and have the initiative to move beyond the general requirements and expectations of the job. Showing up on time for work is necessary, especially in a smaller work environment as everyone\’s job affects the other employees at the shelter in the same way as it does the animals. Patience and understanding are virtues in this type of environment as well. There\’s more to this job than just a shared love of animals!
