An employee in this class provides plans, directs the operations and overall direction of the Animal Services Department. Employee directs the development and implementation of animal shelter and animal services policies, procedures and protocols, including those related to disease management, euthanasia and sanitation. Develops short and long range plans and goals for the Department; determines project priorities as directed by county management. Work is performed under the general supervision of the County Manager or his/her designee, and is evaluated through conferences, reports, and effectiveness of animal service operations.
- Provide managerial leadership and overall direction of the Department.
- Directs the development and implementation of animal shelter and animal service policies, procedures and protocols, including those related to disease management, euthanasia and sanitation.
- Develops a short and long range plans and goals for the Department; determines project priorities as directed by county management.
- Develops disaster management plans to provide for animal welfare in the event of natural or other disaster, including coordination with involved community groups and volunteers and public information.
- Develops and recommends needed updates or amendments to Animal Services ordinances and assures these are coordinated with relevant State Laws.
- Oversees the business operation of the animal services department including facility management, budget, personnel, and purchasing. Manages the fee development recommendation process, including appropriate cost analysis.
- Recruits and coordinates with approved rescue groups to facilitate the transfer and adoption of shelter animals.
- Promotes, recruits, and coordinates with foster families and individuals assisting with the temporary care of shelter animals.
- Oversees the collection and reporting of data used in animal intake, and shelter management to assure the accuracy of data.
- Responsible for maintaining current certifications and licensing such as: Animal Shelter License under the NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, NC Controlled Substance Certification under the Department of Health and Human Services, Controlled Substance Certification under the US Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Administration as applicable.
- Assures the animal shelter is in compliance with NC Animal Welfare act; inspected by NC Department of Agriculture.
- Assure record keeping and the handling of controlled substances is in compliance with the Drug Enforcement Administration regulations.
- Responsible for investigating potentially dangerous dog issues, deeming dogs dangerous and routine visits to check compliance of dangerous dog’s accommodations.
- Responsible for the investigations of animal cruelty, abuse and neglect cases; including carrying out necessary charges and appearing in court.
- Oversees the development and distribution of public education information and promotional activities for the community on animal issues.
- Oversees lifesaving and volunteer programs within the department.
- Works to ensure necessary communication and coordination with the Health Department in the fulfillment of statutory responsibilities that pertain to rabies control and zoonotic disease transmission within the County.
- Assures provision of processes for citizens to provide feedback and raise complaints as appropriate and that these are addressed effectively and in a timely way.
- Oversees intake, daily operations, medical care and dispositions for those animals housed at the shelter.
- Oversees the hiring, training and evaluation of staff.
- Maintains a stock of necessary supplies for the department.
- Knowledge of federal, state and local laws and ordinances relating to the control and welfare of animals.
- Knowledge of the principles and practices of animal care and animal health.
- Knowledge of state and county requirements and guidelines governing animal shelters.
- Knowledge of practices and protocols for dealing with rabies.
- Knowledge of federal and state laws regarding animal euthanasia methods.
- Knowledge of county ordinances, including personnel and budgeting procedures.
- Knowledge of department policies and procedures.
- Knowledge of the county’s financial system and policies.
- Knowledge of the county’s Personnel Policies.
- Ability to work cooperatively with others and to supervise and coordinate the work of staff and volunteers effectively.
- Ability to establish and maintain productive relationships with rescue partners, foster caregivers, and the public.
- Ability to develop and maintain a budget for the department.
- Ability to gather and analyze complex data.
- Ability to develop short and long range plans for the department.
- Ability to provide supervision to department staff and volunteers.
- Skill in public and interpersonal relations.
- Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written formats.
High school diploma with extensive experience in caring for animals; Experience sufficient to thoroughly understand the diverse objectives and functions of the department in order to direct and coordinate work within the department, usually interpreted to require three to five years of supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Special Requirements- Possession of a valid driver’s license.
- Possession, or ability to possess a Euthanasia Certification within six months of hire.
- Possession, or ability to possess a Certification to vaccinate for rabies within six months of hire.
- Ability to obtain North Carolina Euthanasia Certification (C.E.T) within six months of hire.
- Ability to obtain Certified Rabies Vaccinator (C.R.V) certification within six months of hire.
- Must be able to attend state and national trainings held out of town where short time away from home may be necessary.
- Must be able to receive a series of rabies prophylactic vaccines within three months of hire.
- In county residency preferred.
