Pet Memorial Services Coordinator at Wayside Waifs in Kansas City, MO

Description

SALARY: $19.50+ Depending on Experience. Spanish-speaking differential: Additional $1.00 per hour for employees who demonstrate and maintain Spanish language proficiency and are willing to use this skill for Wayside Waifs' business purposes. 

SCHEDULE: Non-exempt, Full Time Monday – Friday, 8:30 am–5:30 pm (The schedule may change to accommodate weekend demands)

POSITION SUMMARY

The Pet Memorial Services Coordinator provides compassionate, professional support to clients during the loss of a pet by assisting with burial preparations, funeral services, cremation services, and cemetery operations. This role delivers exceptional customer service while coordinating logistics, maintaining records, and supporting daily departmental operations in collaboration with the Pet Memorial Services Manager.

PRIMARY ACCOUNTABILITIES 

• Deliver respectful, compassionate, and high-quality care to all clients and their pets.
• Assist with burial preparations, funeral services, cremations, and cemetery operations.
• Schedule and coordinate the pickup of deceased animals.
• Assist with euthanasia and cremation services.
• Place grave markers and headstones accurately and respectfully.
• Ensure compliance with all safety, regulatory, and operational standards related to euthanasia, cremation, and burial.
• Maintain accurate records and databases related to services, headstone orders, and donations.
• Follow all Wayside Waifs policies, procedures, and attendance expectations.

PRIMARY TASKS & DUTIES

• Respond to inquiries from current, past, and prospective clients.
• Counsel and guide the public on available pet memorial services.
• Schedule euthanasia services and provide support for pre- and post-euthanasia.
• Perform burial preparation, including cleaning and preparing remains.
• Operate and maintain the crematory, including loading, unloading, and cleaning.
• Process cremains and prepare memorial keepsakes (e.g., paw prints).
• Process customer transactions for services and products.
• Plot, mark, and locate grave sites for clients.
• Assist with cemetery maintenance in coordination with the Facilities Team.
• Prepare graves and install headstones.
• Transport deceased pets using the Organization’s vehicle from various locations to Wayside Waifs.
• Perform clerical duties including data entry, filing, phone coverage, and record maintenance.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/ KEY COMPETENCIES

• Demonstrate exceptional customer service and animal-handling skills.
• Exhibit empathy, patience, and professionalism in emotionally sensitive situations.
• Effectively counsel and console individuals experiencing pet loss.
• Communicate clearly and professionally with clients, coworkers, and management.
• Manage time efficiently, prioritize tasks, and multitask as needed.
• Maintain a positive, team-oriented attitude.

Requirements

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Experience:  

• General computer and office experience required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including creating and maintaining spreadsheets.
• Experience working with individuals in high-stress or emotionally sensitive situations preferred.
• Valid driver’s license with satisfactory driving record; ability to safely operate a Wayside-owned vehicle.

Education:   

• High School diploma or GED equivalent. 

Environment:  

• Ability to lift 75 pounds to waist height.
• Ability to physically restrain animals weighing up to 100 pounds.
• Frequent bending, kneeling, stooping, standing, and lifting.
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Regular exposure to live and deceased animals, pet waste, odors, fumes, and airborne particles.
• Work environment includes office settings, outdoor cemetery areas, and transportation duties.
• Noise levels range from moderate to high depending on the work area.

This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the Pet Memorial Associate’s position and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Management may assign additional duties as needed.