ANIMAL CARE SERVICES MANAGER - City of Weslaco

Job Summary

Under limited supervision, this position provides leadership, overall administration and technical expertise for the Animal Shelter operations and services. This position reports to the City Manager.

Essential Job Functions

• Oversees and develops short and long-term strategic goals pertaining to the shelter's planning, development, design and operational processes.
• Develops and recommends policies and procedures; recommends internal branch organization; establishes and implements management systems to effectively meet operating goals and objectives.
• Coordinates strategic planning and cooperative agreements with other animal shelter and animal control agencies, community representatives and related regulatory organizations.
• Responsible for the effective supervision and administration of the Animal Shelter to include performance management, employee relations, reporting and record keeping, and prioritizing, scheduling, and assigning work and related activities.
• Evaluates the need to fill vacant positions and recommends changes to allocated positions and structure as needed, coordinates shelter volunteers.
• Prepares annual shelter operating budget, including program and project estimates.
• Monitors revenue and expenses in relation to annual budget and regularly reviews and modifies procedures to maintain efficient and effective services.
• Researches and pursues various non-budgeted funding opportunities, such as grants, partnerships, donations, and cooperative agreements to expand the effectiveness of adoptions, outreach, animal care, and similar programs.
• Ensures the safety, sanitation, and general maintenance of the facility. Regularly inspects shelter property for needed repairs and coordinates work as necessary to maintain buildings and grounds.
• Oversees animal admissions, custodial and remedial care, adoptions, and euthanasia in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
• Maintains a variety of files, records and statistics related to animal population, adoption, vaccinations, spaying and neutering, euthanasia, and incident reports.
• Coordinates with veterinarians regarding specific animal health issues. Ensures shelter operates under a humane philosophy and that the public receives accurate information.
• Coordinates various public relations programs and activities through local media outlets and community events to promote responsible pet ownership and animal adoptions.
• Maintain regular and prompt attendance, physically present to work.
• Performs other similar or related duties as assigned.
• Employee may be required to work beyond normal business hours at night and/or on weekends during natural disasters.

Minimum Qualifications & Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in a related field preferred and 5 years of experience in animal shelter operations and management or a related field.
• Three (3) years supervisory and administrative experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Must have a current valid Class "C: Driver License and be insurable.
• Must have Basic Animal Control Officer License and Euthanasia Technician License.
• Must pass pre-employment criminal background check and drug screen at City's expense.
• Must successfully complete Emergency Management and Incident Command Training within first three months of hire.
• Bilingual English/Spanish, preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, codes, ordinances, policies, and procedures relevant to animal shelters to include custodial and remedial care, adoptions, euthanasia, animal behavior and basic care.
• Knowledge of the proper use, secure storage and disposal of lethal chemicals, syringes, and related equipment.
• Knowledge of occupational hazards, safety precautions, and safety regulations related to effective animal care, maintaining sanitary conditions and overall health of shelter animals, and other work-related precautions.
• Knowledge of leadership techniques, principles, and procedures to assign work, schedule, supervise, train, and evaluate the work of assigned staff.
• Anticipates, identifies, and evaluates potentially dangerous, unusual or deviating situations. Considers the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
• Develops and maintains cooperative and professional relationships with employees, managers, and representatives from other departments and organizations.
• Excellent ability to communicate complex ideas and proposals effectively so others will understand to include preparation of reports, agendas, and policies.
• Excellent ability to listen and understand information and ideas presented verbally and in writing.
• Ability to handle a variety of issues with tact and diplomacy and in a confidential manner.
• Ability to establish and implement effective administrative programs and procedures.
• Ability to perform arithmetic, algebraic, and statistical applications to perform purchasing and financial transactions. Ability to employ economic and accounting principles and practices in the analysis and reporting of budgeting data.

Working Conditions/Physical Demands

• Tasks require the regular and, at times, sustained performance of moderately physically demanding work.
• Some combination of climbing and balancing to include climbing ladders, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and crawling.
• May involve the lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling of moderately heavy objects and materials (20 - 50 pounds).
• Some tasks require the ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Performance of essential functions may require exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such as dirt, dust, pollen, odors, wetness, humidity, weather, temperature and noise extremes, hazardous materials, traffic hazards, bright/dim lights, toxic agents, animal/wildlife attacks, animal/human bites, explosives, disease, pathogenic substances, or rude/irate customers.

Disclaimer

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel assigned to this position. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change as the needs and requirements of the job change.

Any applicant selected for employment with the City of Weslaco must receive satisfactory results from pre-employment drug testing, references, background checks, and credential verification.