Salary : $53,726.40 - $67,163.20 Annually

Location : Laredo, TX

Job Type: Full-time

Job Number: A247610-3

Department: Animal Care Services

Division: Animal Care & Facility

Opening Date: 12/04/2023

Closing Date: Continuous

Job Description

Manages animal shelter operations and ensures staff follows Local, State, and Federal guidelines in a professional and humane manner. Oversees Animal Control dispatch center and shelter clinic to assure Chapter 169 compliance and controlled substances safety and administration; provides shelter safety and sanitation, and assists with field operations when necessary by assigning staff for duty. Manages rabies control activities, provides oversight of cruelty and neglect cases, coordinates educational rabies prevention services and guides animal control staff for permitting and surveillance to reduce illegal pet vending and inappropriate pet care.

Essential Functions/ Job Competencies/ Physical Requirements

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

Manages Shelter Operations staff and is responsible for program services in rabies control, zoonosis management and prevention, pet care, and pet safety.
Establishes goals and assesses performance of the shelter facility and administrative staff.
Plans, assigns, and supervises the work of assigned personnel and provides advice and counsel to subordinates regarding ordinances, policies, and regulations.
Oversees the training of new personnel in humane animal handling and care.
Participates in the development of policies and procedures; monitors work activities to ensure compliance with established policies and procedures and makes recommendations for changes and improvements to training, existing standards, and procedures.
Assists in the planning and implementation of new or revised animal ordinances, procedures, and policies.
Supervises the operation of a safe and humane animal euthanasia program and remains abreast of modern euthanasia methods.
Enforces state and municipal laws, ordinances, and regulations pertaining to animal care.
Investigates and responds to special requests and inquiries from the public.
Assists in the preparation of the annual budget by providing reports and recommendations that reflect actual expenditures made by the Shelter Operations Divisions (i.e. chemicals, equipment maintenance, labor cost, etc.) along with projected cost increases; recommends modifications to processes that will result in lower cost of service.
Assists in the preparation of the Capital Improvement Program by providing reports and recommendations that reflect the future needs of the animal shelter operations.
Assists in maintaining good communication between staff, visitors, and other business contacts.
Assist with the direct supervision of Shelter Supervisor, Veterinarian Technician Supervisor, Animal Control Supervisor, and Administrative Assistant.
Assist with the shelter's volunteer program coordination.
Assist with the Department's website management.
Assist with permit management.
Assist with personnel matters.
Assist with the supervision of the Trap Neuter Return /Shelter Neuter Return.
Assist with the supervision of the Spay and Neuter Program.
Assist with the privately owned tramp program.
Assist with open records request.
Must follow all rules of telephone courtesy in all telephone communications.
Will be required to drive a City vehicle for City business use.
Performs other duties as assigned.

COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE OF JOB DUTIES
Knowledge of

Knowledge of animal care procedures, practices, and techniques.
Knowledge of Federal, State, and Local laws and ordinances dealing with animal care activities.
Knowledge of applicable laws and ordinances concerning the investigation, care, restraint, and disposal of animals.
Knowledge of principles and practices of supervision, training, and personnel management.
Knowledge of customer service, public speaking, and public relations methods, practices, and procedures.
Knowledge of budget preparation and administration.

Skills and Abilities

Skilled in the use of a personal computer and the software used to produce documents.
Skilled in the operation of an animal shelter facility.
Skilled in analysis techniques of performance standards.
Ability to administer projects from the planning up to completion stages.
Ability to communicate technical information to subordinates and lay personnel.
Ability to train and improve the qualifications and skills of subordinate personnel.
Ability to develop animal care policies and procedures.
Ability to respond rapidly and effectively in an emergency.
Ability to direct activities to a large number of employees.
Ability to work shift work and overtime when necessary.
Ability to work independently and effectively with other managers and staff in order to accomplish daily tasks as well as strategic plans and contribute effectively as part of a team.
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively.
Must have effective written and verbal communication skills.
Must have computer proficiency with Microsoft Suite; ability to learn new programs as required and is Internet savvy.
Ability to supervise, train, and evaluate assigned staff members.
Ability to exercise initiative, judgment, and diplomacy in all animal care related matters, including facility operations.
Ability to formulate new techniques and strategies for more efficient operation or the shelter facility.
Ability to plan and supervise the work of designated subordinates engaged in the Animal Care Services Department.
Ability to communicate with the public, volunteers and co-workers in a pleasant, courteous and tactful manner at all times.
Affection for animals, concern for their welfare and a willingness to accommodate animals in the work place.
Ability to always promote a humane and caring attitude toward all animals.
Ability to analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions, and implement recommendations in support of goals.
Ability to maintain a valid Texas Driver License and a good driving record.
Ability to project a positive and professional image of the City of Laredo.
Ability to comply with all City of Laredo's policies and procedures.
Ability to maintain good health and physical condition sufficient to permit the full performance of the duties of the position.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Physical Effort Requirements Position will have the following exposures

Office or similar indoor environment, relatively free from unpleasant environmental conditions or hazards.
Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, a negligible amount of force frequently, and/or constantly having to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.

Work Environment Locations
Position will require the employee to work in the following types of work environments

Never

Construction site

Seldom

Confined space
Warehouse environment

Sometimes

Outdoor environment
Street environment (near moving traffic)

Frequently

Vehicles

Often

Office or similar indoor environment

Exposures
Position will require the employee to be exposed to the following environmental elements

Never

Individuals with known violent backgrounds
Communicable diseases
Moving mechanical parts
Fumes or airborne particles
Toxic or caustic chemicals or substances

Seldom

Extreme cold (below 32 degrees)
Extreme heat (above 100 degrees)

Sometimes

Individuals who are hostile or irate

Travel
Position will require the employee to travel

Never

International travel

Seldom

National travel

Sometimes

Regional travel

Often

Local travel

Minimum Qualifications

Required Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree from an accredited* college or university in Business Administration, Public Administration, Public Policy, Social Science, or related field. Master's degree in any of these fields is preferred.
At least three (3) years progressively responsible experience in animal care/control, shelter operations, or program/service delivery in a public setting, with at least two (2) years in a supervisory capacity overseeing personnel.

*Council of Higher Education (C.H.E.A.)

Valid Licenses and Certifications

Required Licenses and Certifications

None

The following Licenses and Certifications that must be obtained after employment . Continued employment is contingent on successfully obtaining required certification(s) and/or license(s) within the specified period of time indicated above from time of hire.

Basic Animal Control Certification must be obtained within 6 months of employment
Animal Shelter Management Certification must be obtained within 6 months of employment
Euthanasia Certification must be obtained must be obtained within 6 months of employment

Valid Texas Driver License. If applicant holds an out-of-state license, a State of Texas Driver License must be obtained within 6 months of employment.

As part of the minimum requirements for all positions with the City of Laredo, a thorough background check and certified school transcripts will be required from all applicants who are offered employment.

Effective February 24, 1997, all selected applicants are required to undergo a drug and alcohol test prior to employment.

Effective January 7, 2008, all persons in safety-sensitive functions/positions, as per City of Laredo Drug and Alcohol Policy definition, shall be subject to random drug and alcohol testing.

A person with a disability who needs a reasonable accommodation related to a selection process is requested to contact the Human Resources Department at (956) 791-7480 two days prior to the scheduled interview and/or test if applicable

City of Laredo is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Pro Disabled and Veteran Employer. We welcome differences in the form of gender, race, ethnicity, disability, geography, socioeconomic status, age, politics, religion, philosophy, sexual orientation, or gender identity. All applicants who share this goal are encouraged to apply. Must be able to function in a principle-based organization that has a culture built on character and core values.

The City of Laredo provides a benefit compensation package that includes the following for all Full-time regular employees:

10 days of paid vacation per year
6 1/2 days sick leave per year
Pension plan
16 paid Holidays
Paid health *
Dental plan *
Life insurance *

*30 day waiting period

For a full description of our benefits, please visit our website at: under Employee Benefits

01

Are you a current regular full-time or part-time City of Laredo employee?

I am a full-time City of Laredo employee
I am a part-time City of Laredo
I am not a full-time or part-time City of Laredo employee

02

What is your highest level of education?

Some High School
High School Diploma or G.E.D.
30 completed college hours from an accredited college or university
60 completed college hours from an accredited college or university
Associate's Degree from an accredited college or university
Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university
Master's Degree from an accredited college or university
PhD from an accredited college or university
Juris Doctor from an accredited college or university
Other Post Graduate Degree from an accredited college or university
None of the above

03

Please provide your major/minor below:

04

How many years of of experience do you have in animal care/control, shelter operations, business operations, or program/service delivery in a public setting?

3-5 Years
5 years or more
I do not have any related experience.

05

Do you have at least two (2) years in a supervisory capacity overseeing personnel?

Yes
No

06

I understand that failure to complete ALL sections of my application, including the "Driver License", "Education", "Work Experience", "Certifications and Licenses" (if applicable), "Agency-Wide Questions", and "Job Specific Supplemental Questions" will result in my application not being processed.

I have read and understood the above information.
I have read and do not understand the above information. I will contact the Human Resources Department for further explanation.

Required Question