Animal Shelter Manager

Scope of Position :

The Animal Shelter Manager is a vital member of the HSJC team and is responsible for providing leadership and direction of animal care operations at the Humane Society of Jefferson County. The Shelter Manager oversees a team of Caregivers and works closely with our Veterinarian, Adoption Coordinators and Volunteer Coordinator while reporting to the Executive Director. In coordination with the Executive Director, they are responsible for the administration of Animal Care Staff and development and execution of policies and procedures which meet sheltering best practices. He/She will provide expertise and manage the overall shelter operations including the care and handling of animals as well as the documentation and record keeping for animal care. This is a full-time, salaried position with benefits. The Shelter Manager is expected to lead through example and maintain a commitment to the HSJC philosophies and polices in the performance of his/her duties.

Responsible To :

Executive Director

Responsibilities :

The Animal Shelter Manager responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Animals

• Maintains the safety, cleanliness, and enrichment of the animals and their environment.
• Manages intake procedures and administration of vaccinations and medications in a timely manner for all incoming animals.
• Maintains an approved standard of care and keeps accurate records regarding all animals and medical activity for animals, while communicating important changes with administrative staff.
• Oversees the safe handling of animals and their interactions with the public.
• Ensure accuracy and compliance with safety procedures for all aspects of the shelter, with special emphasis on animal handling, bite-risk animals, and cleaning chemicals.
• Ensures compliance with all State and Federal regulations regarding the care of animals and of scheduled medical supplies.
• Maintains Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all processes used by animal care staff. 

Medical

• Monitors, assesses, and maintains the behavior and health of animals in conjunction with the medical staff.
• Establishes and maintains an inventory of medical and shelter supplies and necessary processes and tools to meet supply needs.
• Schedules external veterinary appointments and coordinates transport and tracking for animals leaving and returning to the shelter.
• Ensure completion of the weekly surgery schedule including selection of animals and the coordination of care with veterinarians, staff, shelter partners and fosters
• Acquire and maintain certification in the performance of euthanasia and provides euthanasia services in collaboration with the veterinarian and other staff as appropriate, as well as, the training of support staff, inventory and order of drugs, and maintenance of applicable records and licenses.

Staff

• Manages all aspects of the day-to-day animal care operations including the scheduling, delegation, and direction of Animal Care staff in daily tasks.
• Ensures all staff members work collaboratively with each other to maintain proper shelter protocols and assist the Executive Director in promoting a positive and professional atmosphere.
• Works with the adoption coordinators to facilitate animal interaction and adoptions, manage the intake of transported animals, and communicate the status of animals as they move through the shelter.
• Participates in and conducts meetings with staff members to share ideas and suggestions designed to improve working conditions and animal care.
• Documents, maintains and communicates standard operating procedures (SOPs) to animal care staff.
• Manages shelter including the recruitment, training, hiring, and development of animal care staff, as well as performance evaluations and disciplinary actions.
• Collaborates with the Fundraising and Development Coordinator and Volunteer Coordinator on identifying shelter volunteer needs and the training and evaluation of volunteers.
• Works with the Maintenance Coordinator and Executive Director to identify and address any facility or grounds issues.

Programs

• Maintains strong working relationships with community law-enforcement agencies, municipalities, and other shelter partners.
• Stays current on trends in animal sheltering and works with the Executive Director to maintain, upgrade, and implement reviews and changes to shelter policies, procedures, systems or software.
• Responsible for any billing directly related to medical needs met for partnering shelter and/or public animals.

Qualifications :

The qualifications and skills listed below are the requirements for the Shelter Manager position:

• High School Diploma or GED required; Bachelor’s Degree preferred.
• 1-year supervisory experience required; 3 years preferred.
• Proficiency with shelter management computer software a plus.
• Minimum of 2 years animal sheltering experience and/or experience working in a veterinary setting or medical. and behavioral needs of companion animals is strongly preferred.
• Current Euthanasia Certification or willingness to obtain certification at the next available offered class.
• Possess a Valid Driver’s License, a clean driving record and the ability to drive a large cargo van.

Skills :

• Demonstrated supervisory knowledge, including motivational techniques, conflict resolution, and professional development/training methods.
• Compassion and empathy for animals and human clients.
• Skilled handling of all companion animals, including but not limited to dogs and cats.
• Demonstrates a high level of work standards and work ethics, treats people and animals with respect, keeps commitments, inspires the trust of others, works with integrity, and ethically upholds organizational mission and values.
• Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations, listens, and gets clarification, responds well to questions, and actively participates in meetings.
• Ability to work in an emotionally taxing field, a positive attitude and sense of humor are essential.
•  Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Multitasking and time-management skills, with the ability to priority tasks.
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule including some nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Proven customer service and conflict management skills.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision.

Skills (cont’d)

• Ability to maintain composure during fast-paced days and delegate available staff and resources to accomplish goals.
• Ability to reach, stand, sit, kneel, crouch, lift and carry animals, equipment, and supplies in excess of 50 pounds.

Work Environment / Physical Demands:

The shelter’s work environment characteristics and physical demands described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the responsibilities of their job.

• Safety procedures must be adhered to without exception:
• Exposure to dogs and cats of all sizes and varying degrees of behavior and/or medical conditions.
• There may be occasional wet floors, animal noises, and odors.
• Exposure to animal waste and common allergens.
• Most time will be spent indoors in a typical air-conditioned and heated environment; with occasional exposure to outdoor walking and/or enrichment exercises as considered appropriate for the respective animal.
• Able to reach, stand, sit, kneel, crouch, lift and carry animals, equipment, and supplies in excess of 50 pounds.

Other Duties:

Please note this job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Shelter management reserves the right to revise the job or to require that other or different tasks be performed when circumstances change (example: emergencies, changes to personnel, workload, or technological developments, etc.) .