Position: Adoption Specialist Part-Time

Annenberg PetSpace, located in Playa Vista, is a unique community space featuring pet adoptions, a humane education program, and a leadership institute for animal science and welfare advancement. Annenberg PetSpace focuses on the mutually beneficial and dynamic bond between people and their pets, as well as the origins and community impact of that relationship.

Position summary 

The Adoption Specialist plays a key role in helping animals find loving homes by guiding adopters through the adoption processes and providing excellent customer service. This position ensures that every visitor feels welcomed, informed, and supported while promoting responsible pet ownership and the mission of Annenberg PetSpace. 

The ideal candidate is proactive, positive, and adaptable—a true team player who’s ready to roll up their sleeves, pivot as needed and support the animal care team during slower periods. Success in this role also requires comfort in a fast-paced environment, strong time management skills, and the ability to take ownership of day-to-day responsibilities while working within established protocols. The right candidate will know when to move forward independently and when to seek guidance. This is a deeply rewarding position where your contributions help change the lives of people and animals every day.

Essential Job Functions 

In coordination with the Adoptions Coordinator and the Adoptions Lead, the Adoptions Specialist will be responsible for the following: 

• Greet and assist guest in a friendly, compassionate, and professional manner.
• Assist in the PetSpace adoption process from start to finish; initial communication with guests, animal meet & greets, adoption processing.
• Act in accordance with an open adoptions philosophy to provide a judgment-free and barrier-free adoption experience.
• Support and assist potential adopters in selecting appropriate animals.
• Assist Adoptions Lead with daily adoption floor oversight during open hours. 
• Help maintain adoption areas; stock and keep inventory for adoption kit items, prepare adoption signage, etc. 
• Collaborate with the Adoptions Coordinator and PetSpace Marketing team regarding ideas for marketing long-term pets.
• Participate in public education programming and off-site adoption events. 
• Provide support to the Animal Care and Foster department, as needed, performing tasks such as dog and cat suite cleaning, cat socialization, dog walking, laundry, dishes, foster pickup and drop offs, etc. 
• Communicate in an effective and professional manner with public, Annenberg PetSpace staff members, and volunteers
• Always represent Annenberg PetSpace in a professional and courteous manner.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience 

• Associate degree or equivalent education, training, and experience 
• 2 years customer service experience in a fast-paced setting 
• Must be 18 years or older 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Weekend availability required
• Excellent customer service, communication, and public speaking skills
• Basic computer literacy
• Willingness to learn and follow detailed instructions
• Team-oriented mindset with a willingness to support multiple departments
• Comfort working around dogs, cats, and small animals
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and remain calm under pressure
• Possess poise, professionalism, diplomacy, teamwork, and the ability to interact with people from all walks of life

Physical Demands

Must be able to stand, walk, sit, talk, and hear, stoop, bend, squat, kneel, grasp grip, put fingers together firmly and reach above and below shoulder level and lift, push or pull 80 pounds for situations of restraining or moving animals and lifting food and animal care supplies, repetitively use hands to operate computers; flex the neck upward and downward; twist the neck and the waist. May be required to clean and care for animals. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work Conditions

Standard office environment with exposure to environmental conditions that include working near and caring for animals.

Benefits and Perks:

• Sick days
• Company paid holidays
• Gym membership
• We also offer a 403(b) retirement plan with 10% company contribution after 1 year of employment. 
• Free Pet adoption. 
• Generous retail store discounts.
• Opportunity for an annual performance bonus (discretionary and not guaranteed).
• The organization invests in employee well-being through wellness initiatives and meaningful celebrations.

Wallis Annenberg Legacy Foundation, PetSpace, is a company that respects the uniqueness of each employee and offers everyone the means to find their place and thrive. We promote initiatives aimed at supporting professional equality for everyone. We strive to go above and beyond purely symbolic measures by building a culture focused on meaningful strategies aimed at creating an inclusive workforce.

If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, please contact us at Recruiting@walf.org.