Operations Manager

Do you want to make our city a better place and make a difference in animals lives? SRS seeks to immediately find a dedicated, experienced, and hands-on Animal Care & Operations Manager to oversee the daily operations of a rescue organization in the greater New Orleans area. The new rescue facility will feature approximately 40 kennels. This individual will be responsible for managing facility employees, ensuring exceptional standards of animal care, coordinating daily operations, and maintaining a safe, clean, organized, and efficient environment. The ideal candidate is a compassionate leader with strong organizational skills, experience in animal care, and the ability to manage multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced rescue environment. This is a hands-on leadership position requiring someone who is equally comfortable supervising employees, caring for dogs, solving operational problems, and working directly with rescue leadership.

Key Responsibilities

Facility Operations & Management

· Oversee all daily operations of the rescue facility.

· Ensure the facility remains clean, sanitary, safe, and properly maintained.

· Establish and enforce daily operating procedures, cleaning protocols, and safety standards.

· Monitor kennel capacity, housing assignments, and appropriate use of facility space.

· Manage facility supplies, food, cleaning products, equipment, and inventory.

· Identify maintenance concerns and coordinate necessary repairs.

· Maintain organized operational records and provide regular updates to the Executive Director.

· Respond to unexpected operational issues and emergencies.

Employee Supervision & Leadership

· Directly supervise facility employees and kennel care staff.

· Develop employee schedules and ensure adequate staffing coverage.

· Assign daily responsibilities and monitor completion of assigned duties.

· Train employees on animal handling, sanitation, safety procedures, and facility protocols.

· Monitor employee performance, attendance, and accountability.

· Address employee concerns and performance issues in coordination with the Executive Director.

· Promote a positive, respectful, professional, and team-oriented working environment.

· Assist with interviewing, onboarding, and evaluating employees.

Animal Care & Welfare

· Oversee the daily feeding, watering, cleaning, exercise, and enrichment of dogs housed at the facility.

· Monitor animal health, behavior, and overall well-being.

· Ensure medications and prescribed care instructions are administered accurately by authorized personnel.

· Identify signs of illness, injury, stress, or behavioral concerns and promptly communicate them to the appropriate rescue personnel.

· Coordinate veterinary appointments, medical needs, and transportation when necessary.

· Ensure appropriate isolation, disease prevention, sanitation, and animal handling protocols are followed.

· Maintain accurate records of animal care, medications, incidents, and daily observations.

· Promote humane, compassionate, and low-stress animal care practices.

Rescue Coordination & Communication

· Work closely with foster coordinators, volunteers, veterinary partners, and rescue leadership.

· Assist with coordinating dog intakes/arrivals, departures, and facility housing needs.

· Communicate regularly regarding dogs requiring additional medical attention, behavioral support, or foster placement.

· Help coordinate volunteer activities within the facility.

· Ensure visitors and volunteers follow established safety and operational procedures.

· Support adoption-related activities and other rescue initiatives as directed.

Administrative & Operational Oversight

· Monitor operational expenses and identify opportunities for cost efficiency.

· Maintain accurate inventory and supply purchasing records.

· Assist with development and implementation of facility policies and procedures.

· Document employee, animal, and facility incidents.

· Provide regular operational reports to the Executive Director.

· Recommend improvements to staffing, workflow, animal care, and facility operations.

Required Experience & Qualifications

· Minimum 2–3 years of professional experience in animal care, rescue operations, shelter management, veterinary services, boarding facilities, or a related environment.

· Minimum 1 year of supervisory or management experience, preferably involving direct employee oversight.

· Demonstrated experience handling dogs of varying sizes, breeds, temperaments, and behavioral needs.

· Knowledge of animal welfare standards, kennel sanitation, disease prevention, and safe animal handling.

· Strong leadership, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.

· Ability to manage employees, prioritize responsibilities, and make sound decisions in a fast-paced environment.

· Comfortable using computers, scheduling systems, and electronic recordkeeping software.

· Ability to work a flexible schedule, including occasional weekends, holidays, and emergencies.

· Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.

· Ability to pass a criminal background check.

Preferred Qualifications

· Previous management experience in an animal rescue or shelter environment.

· Experience overseeing multiple employees and coordinating staff schedules.

· Familiarity with shelter management software, including Shelterluv.

· Knowledge of canine behavior, enrichment, and stress reduction.

· Experience coordinating with veterinarians, foster networks, and volunteers.

· Familiarity with animal shelter operating procedures and emergency response protocols.

· Relevant animal care certifications or professional training.

· A college degree is not required. Relevant hands-on experience, proven leadership abilities, and sound judgment are highly valued.

Physical & Working Requirements

· Ability to safely handle dogs of varying sizes and temperaments.

· Ability to stand, walk, bend, and perform physical duties throughout the workday.

· Ability to lift and move supplies and equipment, with assistance when appropriate.

· Comfortable working in an environment with barking dogs, cleaning chemicals, animal waste, and occasionally stressful situations.

· Willingness to assist directly with kennel care, cleaning, feeding, and other operational needs when necessary.

About Our Client

A New Orleans-based nonprofit organization dedicated to rescuing abandoned, neglected, and unwanted dogs and giving them a second chance at life. Through our network of fosters, volunteers, and veterinary partners, we provide compassionate care while working to find every dog a loving, permanent home.

All resumes will receive IMMEDIATE and HIGHLY CONFIDENTIAL CONSIDERATION! Apply today!