JOB SUMMARY
The Animal Shelter Director assumes responsibility for organizing and prioritizing department workload for the Walker County Animal Shelter staff and ensures the safe and humane treatment of all shelter animals while upholding the highest standard of care.
The Animal Shelter Director, under the direction and leadership of the Chairman/CEO, is responsible for the overall day-to-day operations of the Animal Shelter. The director supervises the Animal Shelter staff. The director is accountable for the department budget and compliance with HR Personnel Policies. The director must also comply with all laws regulating animal humane treatment and welfare of animals in the department’s care.
Animal welfare is our mission. Above all, we strive to improve the lives of companion animals by rehoming abused, abandoned and neglected pets while fighting for their well-being through legislative efforts, humane education, and assistance with affordable veterinary care. We are looking for a leader with strategic, creative, and financial acumen, as well as strong business intellect and a passion for making a positive difference in the lives of animals.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
- Manages all aspects of the day-to-day animal care operations. Ensures that work is done in a timely fashion and in accordance with established procedures and state laws.
- Maintains a standard of care for animals in the shelter.
- Participates as a supportive member of the management team to identify health and safety concerns, temperament issues, safe and humane handling, and adoptability of shelter animals.
- Works collaboratively with all staff members to complete daily work assignments, following proper shelter protocols; is accountable for measurable results in these areas.
- Treats animals humanely, with compassion and concern both on and off the job, and transmits these values to others.
- Conducts and participates regularly in meetings with the staff to share ideas and suggestions designed to improve working conditions and the overall care of shelter animals.
- Supervises and performs euthanasia in accordance with shelter protocol and Georgia law; trains personnel in preparation for euthanasia certification.
- Ensures a high level of communication and supervision, maintains discipline, and prescribes work performance standards for all of the shelter team and volunteers.
- Fosters a team environment by working effectively with all departments and members of the Walker County Government to accomplish department and organizational goals and objectives.
- Assures the maintenance and use of the shelter's operational software, maintains animal records as required, and reviews the works of others on a regular basis to ensure that accurate and timely information is available and current.
- Promotes a positive business relationship with veterinarians outside the shelter.
- Provides on-call support to respond to shelter emergencies on an as-needed basis.
- Works effectively and efficiently with the Animal Control Officers and the Animal Control Board in response to emergency calls.
- Other duties as assigned. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- Must be at least 18 years old
- High School diploma or GED
- Two years of college work preferred
- Four years experience in a veterinary office, kennel, shelter, or similar environment
- Two years of supervisory experience preferred
- Experience in working with governmental agencies, community groups, volunteers, and animal welfare organizations
SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- Operates a variety of equipment associated with animal control activities, which may include an animal control truck, animal restraint equipment, chemical immobilization equipment, animal traps or other tools, a personal computer, general office equipment, or other equipment as necessary to complete essential functions, to include the use of word processing, spreadsheet, database, or other system software
- Effectively communicate in the English language both in writing and orally.
- Accurately add, subtract, multiply, and divide.
- Ability to organize tasks and daily assignments for co-workers efficiently.
- Carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.
- Ability to maintain confidence around animals
- Strong working knowledge of county codes and ordinances
- The accumulated knowledge of and compassion for domestic animals and wildlife.
- Demonstrated capability to be a self-starter, facilitator, organizer, and innovator.
- Ability to plan and implement projects with little supervision and must be able to work independently.
- Provide excellent customer service to citizens at all times, especially in stressful circumstances, by interacting friendly with clients and animals and ensuring customer satisfaction.
- LANGUAGE SKILLS: Must be able to communicate effectively (orally and written), possess excellent presentation skills, and ability to lead discussions and meetings.
- MATHEMATICAL SKILLS: Basic knowledge of math skills. Ability to formulate and evaluate financial proposals and analyze “deals.”
- REASONING ABILITY: The candidate must be able to analyze data, determine trends, and apply the results. The candidate must also be able to anticipate reactions from the public, elected officials, the business community, and governmental agencies in order to manage various situations.
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS
- Euthanasia certification
- A valid driver’s license and a satisfactory Motor Vehicle Report (MVR)
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
These physical demands are representative of the physical requirements for an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the Animal Shelter Manager’s job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable people with disabilities to perform the essential duties of this job.
While performing the job's responsibilities, the employee is required to stand regularly for extended periods, walk, stoop, kneel, or crouch frequently, and lift or move up to 35 pounds frequently and 75 pounds occasionally. Pulling, pushing, tugging, and towing when transporting animals by leash or in cages is also performed frequently. Some larger canine breeds may exceed 100 pounds. Two or more staff members should always handle larger animals.
Exposure to dangerous and fractious animals, animal bites, and scratches is frequent, so the need for restraint of temperamental, aggressive, and sick animals will occur on a regular basis. The physical agility and mental acuity to handle these sudden and potentially dangerous situations is a must, especially when euthanasia is required.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is usually exposed to a noise level that is moderate to loud/frequent. Use of and exposure to strong cleaning chemicals and disinfectants, other allergens, and zoonotic disease occurs daily.Works both inside and outside all year round in various weather conditions. Part of the job requires working without the aid of air conditioning and heating for periods of time.
This position is also required to work on weekends and holidays.
STANDARDS FOR MEASURING PERFORMANCE
- Successful development and implementation of objectives; continuous growth in service provided.
- Ability to work alone or with a team.
- Interaction appropriate and positive with staff, management, volunteers, community groups, professional associates, and private citizens.
- The accomplishment of job functions in an effective and timely manner.
- Proficiency in oral and written communication.
- Effectiveness in establishing priorities, working on multiple assignments, and concurrent projects.
- Exercise of sound judgment in the absence of specific guidelines.
- Demonstrated ability to thoroughly analyze problems to meet demanding and changing deadlines despite interruptions.
- Adherence to established policies and procedures.