Entry Level Shelter Manager Jobs
New grad shelter manager jobs welcome recent graduates and entry level candidates with zero to two years of experience, where hands-on volunteer work or internship hours at a shelter can matter more than a long resume. Most openings are on-site roles across Education, Agriculture & Farming, and Government & Public Sector, with employers like Virginia Tech, Michigan Humane, and Catholic Charities hiring at this level now.
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See related jobsLocation: Westland
Hours: Full-Time, Weekend Availability
Who We Are:
Michigan Humane is a non-profit animal welfare organization dedicated to improving and saving lives through compassionate care, community engagement, and advocacy for animals. For over 140 years, Michigan Humane has been providing compassionate care and advocacy for animals in need, including rescue, rehabilitation, and adoption services. With a team of dedicated professionals and volunteers, Michigan Humane works tirelessly to protect and advocate for the animals and families within our communities.
Why Work with Us:
We’re a mission-based organization, with a commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of animals and families within our communities. If this sounds like something you want to be a part of, we’d love to talk to you. In addition to being a part of an organization that truly makes a difference, there are plenty of additional reasons to consider joining us, including:
- Competitive salary and benefits
- Medical, Vision, and Dental Insurance
- 403(b) Retirement Savings Account
- Opportunities for professional development, growth, and continuing education
- A positive and collaborative work environment
- Work-life balance and flexible working hours (compressed work schedule option!)
- Paid Time Off & Holidays
- Human & Pet Bereavement
- Clinic discounts to up to 75% off services for your own pet(s)
- Relaxed dress code
- Wellness program with professional counseling services available to employees
- Animal food discount
- Free or discounted adoption fees to adopt a new friend
- Sabbatical Policy
- Uniform Allowance
- Paid Parental Leave
- Yearly performance reviews & employee engagement surveys
- Student Loan Relief Eligibility through Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program
The Shelter Medicine Licensed Veterinary Technician is responsible for, as part of the Shelter Medicine team, the diagnosis and care of the animals at Michigan Humane using various technical and nursing skills
- Humanely treat and care for all animals entrusted to Michigan Humane.
- Evaluate animals medically and behaviorally; assess overall condition; clip nails and wings, screen for parasites, clean ears; arrange for sterilization when appropriate.
- Place intravenous catheters, administer and monitor fluid administration, and phlebotomy.
- Place microchips, administer vaccines and select controlled substances while under veterinary supervision.
- Assist veterinarian during surgery; prepare patient; calculate and administer anesthesia; monitor patient vitals before, during, and after surgery; log controlled substances; clean afterwards (instruments, room and prep area); complete surgical paperwork.
- Oversee recovery of patient and maintenance of surgery equipment, supplies, packs, etc.
- Handle and position animals for radiological examination, making proper selection of X-ray technique. Develop and properly identify the radiograph.
- Collect, prepare and perform various lab tests on feces, urine, blood, skin care, and body fluids; possess full knowledge of all lab maintenance and procedures.
- Perform routine procedures such as nail trims, ear cleaning, bathing and maintaining a clean work environment.
- Assist medical staff with Humane euthanasia procedures.
- Administer anesthesia to dental patients; perform full-mouth X-rays and exams teeth for disease; clean teeth; assist veterinarian with tooth extractions; monitor patient’s vitals before, during and after the dental procedure(s).
- Perform specialized procedures such as ultrasounds and EKGs.
Qualifications:
- A minimum of 1-3 years of relevant experience
- Must be licensed by the State of Michigan
- Good decision-making skills and attention to detail with the ability to follow directions
- Demonstrated animal handling skills. Able to run basic medical tests, perform basis lab work and administer vaccines, as directed
- Ability to handle stress and remain calm in emergency situations
- Must be flexible and able to handle changes in a fast-paced work environment
- Must possess and exhibit compassion toward animals and their owners and members of the community
- Ability to consistently adhere to prescribed protocols
- Must be able to lift 50 lbs and perform an active role (cleaning, kneeling, lifting, etc)
- Will be required to walk, stand, or work in a bent position for extended periods of time
- Ability to work in an animal care environment (animal odors/noises/feces, possible exposure to fractious animals)
Join our team at Michigan Humane and make a positive impact, grow your skills and career, and be part of a compassionate and dedicated organization. Apply today!
Location: Westland
Hours: Full-Time, Weekend Availability
Who We Are:
Michigan Humane is a non-profit animal welfare organization dedicated to improving and saving lives through compassionate care, community engagement, and advocacy for animals. For over 140 years, Michigan Humane has been providing compassionate care and advocacy for animals in need, including rescue, rehabilitation, and adoption services. With a team of dedicated professionals and volunteers, Michigan Humane works tirelessly to protect and advocate for the animals and families within our communities.
Why Work with Us:
We’re a mission-based organization, with a commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of animals and families within our communities. If this sounds like something you want to be a part of, we’d love to talk to you. In addition to being a part of an organization that truly makes a difference, there are plenty of additional reasons to consider joining us, including:
- Competitive salary and benefits
- Medical, Vision, and Dental Insurance
- 403(b) Retirement Savings Account
- Opportunities for professional development, growth, and continuing education
- A positive and collaborative work environment
- Work-life balance and flexible working hours (compressed work schedule option!)
- Paid Time Off & Holidays
- Human & Pet Bereavement
- Clinic discounts to up to 75% off services for your own pet(s)
- Relaxed dress code
- Wellness program with professional counseling services available to employees
- Animal food discount
- Free or discounted adoption fees to adopt a new friend
- Sabbatical Policy
- Uniform Allowance
- Paid Parental Leave
- Yearly performance reviews & employee engagement surveys
- Student Loan Relief Eligibility through Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program
The Shelter Medicine Licensed Veterinary Technician is responsible for, as part of the Shelter Medicine team, the diagnosis and care of the animals at Michigan Humane using various technical and nursing skills
- Humanely treat and care for all animals entrusted to Michigan Humane.
- Evaluate animals medically and behaviorally; assess overall condition; clip nails and wings, screen for parasites, clean ears; arrange for sterilization when appropriate.
- Place intravenous catheters, administer and monitor fluid administration, and phlebotomy.
- Place microchips, administer vaccines and select controlled substances while under veterinary supervision.
- Assist veterinarian during surgery; prepare patient; calculate and administer anesthesia; monitor patient vitals before, during, and after surgery; log controlled substances; clean afterwards (instruments, room and prep area); complete surgical paperwork.
- Oversee recovery of patient and maintenance of surgery equipment, supplies, packs, etc.
- Handle and position animals for radiological examination, making proper selection of X-ray technique. Develop and properly identify the radiograph.
- Collect, prepare and perform various lab tests on feces, urine, blood, skin care, and body fluids; possess full knowledge of all lab maintenance and procedures.
- Perform routine procedures such as nail trims, ear cleaning, bathing and maintaining a clean work environment.
- Assist medical staff with Humane euthanasia procedures.
- Administer anesthesia to dental patients; perform full-mouth X-rays and exams teeth for disease; clean teeth; assist veterinarian with tooth extractions; monitor patient’s vitals before, during and after the dental procedure(s).
- Perform specialized procedures such as ultrasounds and EKGs.
Qualifications:
- A minimum of 1-3 years of relevant experience
- Must be licensed by the State of Michigan
- Good decision-making skills and attention to detail with the ability to follow directions
- Demonstrated animal handling skills. Able to run basic medical tests, perform basis lab work and administer vaccines, as directed
- Ability to handle stress and remain calm in emergency situations
- Must be flexible and able to handle changes in a fast-paced work environment
- Must possess and exhibit compassion toward animals and their owners and members of the community
- Ability to consistently adhere to prescribed protocols
- Must be able to lift 50 lbs and perform an active role (cleaning, kneeling, lifting, etc)
- Will be required to walk, stand, or work in a bent position for extended periods of time
- Ability to work in an animal care environment (animal odors/noises/feces, possible exposure to fractious animals)
Join our team at Michigan Humane and make a positive impact, grow your skills and career, and be part of a compassionate and dedicated organization. Apply today!
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Find JobsEntry Level Shelter Manager Job Market
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Education
- Agriculture & Farming
- Government & Public Sector
- Non-Profit & Social Services
Entry Level Shelter Manager Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get an entry level shelter manager job?
Start by gaining hands-on experience through volunteer shifts, internships, or part-time work at an animal shelter, homeless shelter, or similar facility. Employers at this level look for candidates who can demonstrate animal handling skills or case management exposure, a compassionate and organized approach to daily operations, and any coursework in social work, animal science, nonprofit management, or a related field. A strong reference from a supervisor or volunteer coordinator carries real weight.
Which companies hire entry level shelter managers?
Companies hiring entry level shelter managers right now include Virginia Tech, Michigan Humane, and Catholic Charities, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. At this level, hiring is concentrated among municipal animal services agencies, nonprofit human services organizations, and regional humane societies that regularly onboard junior staff to build their teams.
Are these new grad shelter manager jobs?
Yes, many of the openings here are new grad and junior roles that explicitly welcome recent graduates and candidates with little or no professional experience. A new grad-friendly posting typically lists zero to two years of experience as sufficient, counts internships or volunteer hours toward that threshold, and may accept a portfolio of relevant coursework or community work in place of a full employment history.
Which industries hire the most entry level shelter managers?
Entry Level shelter manager roles concentrate in Education, Agriculture & Farming, and Government & Public Sector, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. These sectors drive junior hiring because they operate high-turnover facilities that depend on a steady pipeline of motivated early-career professionals to fill frontline and supervisory-track positions.