OPEN UNTIL FILLED

Under general direction of the Director of Community Services, manages the administrative, financial, managerial and supervisory activities necessary to operate the Animal Shelter and Animal Services Division.
 
SUPERVISION EXERCISED
 
Exercises direct management and supervision of program supervisors, customer service personnel, and volunteer coordinators

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Supervises the operation of the Animal Shelter and works in harmony with the Shelter Veterinarian to ensure the humane administration of all animal care programs.
 
Administers the fiscal management program of the Animal Services Division including division budget development.
 
Oversees the hiring, supervision, training, evaluation and management of all subordinate personnel engaged in the activities of the Animal Services Division.
 
Responsible for development and oversight of all division programs.  Monitors all programs for effectiveness and recommends improvements.
 
Works in partnership with other City departments when animal services matters arise including Legal, Police, Code Enforcement, and Environmental Health. 
 
Establishes and maintains positive relationships with the general public, media, welfare agencies, donors, and volunteers.  Plans opportunities for community support through outreach events.
 
Develops long-range plans and strategies focused on improving services and outcomes in the Animal Services Division to achieve the City's stated goal of achieving a 90% live release rate for all companion animals by 2027.
 
Responds to community concerns regarding animal and agency issues.
 
Serves as staff liaison to the Animal Services Advisory Board.
 
OTHER JOB RELATED DUTIES
 
Perform other job related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

TYPICAL QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:
           
The philosophy of animal rights issues and animal healthcare in a community and shelter setting.
 
Working with and coordinating multiple tasks using staff and volunteer resources, with special emphasis on humane animal sheltering and handling.
 
Laws and ordinances governing animal protection and control.
 
Skill to:
           
Interact with the public in a tactful and diplomatic manner, communicate effectively with other individuals and be able to objectively evaluate problems and recommend appropriate actions.
 
Operate office equipment including computers and related software.
 
Use animal services management software. 
 
Ability to:
           
Direct and manage the activities of the animal service program.
 
Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, both internally and externally.
 
Follow and embrace the City of Abilene Core Values – Respect, Integrity, Service Above Self, and Excellence in All We Do.
 
Lead and manage a team in a manner that accomplishes the Division's mission and treats team members with dignity, courtesy, and respect.
 
Experience and Training Guidelines:
 
Any combination of equivalent experience and training to provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be qualifying.  Knowledge, skills, and abilities may be obtained through:
 
Experience:
           
Five (5) years of experience working in an animal shelter, animal rights or wildlife rehabilitation center or equivalent function including two (2) years of supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
 
Education/Training:
           
A Bachelor's degree or higher in Public Administration, Business, Animal Science, Non-Profit Management, Biology, or any other discipline that would enhance the position is preferred.
           
License or Certificate:
           
Society of Animal Welfare Administrators Certification is preferred.
 
A valid current Texas driver's license is required, the ability to obtain one within ten (10) days of employment, or a military waiver is required.
 
Special Requirements:
           
Essential duties require the following physical skills and work environment:
 
Work with and around animals, to include animal fur, dander, and waste.
 
Exposure to high stress.
 
Some holidays and weekend work may be required.
 
Exposure to high noise levels and zoonotic diseases when around animals.
 
Exposure to all weather conditions when working at outdoor events.
 
With or without accommodation, ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
 
Ability to sit, stand, walk, kneel, crouch, stoop, squat, and twist.