Description
General Purpose:
Under administrative direction, manage and promote animal care and welfare services; plan, organize, and manage administrative budget, accounting, information systems, and daily operations of the Animal Services Department.
Typical Duties:
Manage and coordinate the operations and administrative functions of Animal Services. Involves: Develop and manage the annual department budget. Review, approve, and implement departmental policies and operating procedures to accomplish program objectives. Ensure kennel and facilities comply with TDSHS animal shelter requirements. Handle the more difficult and complex issues encountered in the field and at the animal shelter. Coordinate with veterinarians and oversee zoonotic disease surveillance, surveys, inspections, and investigations. Provide guidance in responding to the most complex regulatory issues while protecting the public health and welfare. Ensure coordination with the veterinarians and take appropriate actions to comply with animal quarantine management and rabies control requirements. Respond to public inquiries. Instruct and guide staff in legal and court proceedings, prepare court orders, and testify in court as an expert on animal control. Oversee and review operational procedures to improve the efficiency of services provided. Ensure activities and policies comply with regulatory requirements and safety standards.
Manage and administer department planning and development. Involves: Developing short and long-range strategic plans. Enhance and further develop "best practices" in the delivery of animal care and welfare services, ensuring that process evaluation and process improvement are integral to the management practices at the shelter and in animal care services. Plan, develop, and implement new programs and modify existing programs to optimize operational efficiency. Prepare a variety of reports regarding department activities, accomplishments, and goals. Implement and enforce department policies and procedures. Establish and maintain an organizational structure to effectively accomplish the organization's goals and objectives.
Supervise assigned staff. Involves: Schedule, assign, instruct, guide, and check work. Appraise employee performance. Provide for training and development, enforce personnel rules and regulations, and work behavior standards firmly and impartially. Counsel, motivate, and maintain harmony. As the appointing authority, interview applicants and hire, terminate, transfer, discipline, and assign or make other employee status changes.
Represent the department in a professional manner. Involves: Meet with community, regional, national, and international organizations, citizen groups, news media, City Manager, Deputy City Manager, and other officials to inform about changes and enhancements and to seek support for the organization's initiatives, projects, and programs. Regularly meet with the City’s Animal Services Advisory Committee. Interact with a variety of governmental agencies and others to provide and gather accurate information for animal services development. Work with other City departments to provide assistance or gather information. Foster relationships with partner organizations to assist in achieving the strategic goals. Prepare correspondence regarding department operations, policies, and procedures. Coordinate responses to public-initiated requests and City Council service requests.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Application of comprehensive knowledge of state, county, and city laws, ordinances, and regulations concerning animal welfare and disease control.
Application of considerable knowledge of applicable laws and ordinances concerning the investigation, care, restraint, and disposal of animals.
Application of considerable knowledge of customer service, public speaking, and public relations methods, practices, and procedures to effectively communicate a passion for animal care and animal welfare services.
Application of considerable knowledge of management and supervisory principles and techniques.
Application of good knowledge of computer hardware, software, and peripherals.
Application of good knowledge of technical writing.
Application of some knowledge of animal behavior, anatomy, hygiene, nutrition, and first aid for animals.
Application of some knowledge of zoonotic disease control and disease surveillance, prevention, and control.
Ability to interpret federal and state laws, county and City rules, regulations, and ordinances.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with partner organizations, city officials, coworkers, subordinates, the public, and other government agencies.
Ability to plan, supervise, and execute a comprehensive animal welfare services program for a large municipality.
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in written communications, to develop and present comprehensive reports to City management, City Council, and various boards and committees.
Other Job Characteristics:
Frequent exposure to animal bites, scratches, and infectious or zoonotic diseases, which are threatening to health and life.
Work with and around animals (including diseased, injured, and/or potentially aggressive animals), loud noises, chlorine or other chemicals, inclement weather, and possibly in the evenings, or on weekends and holidays.
Frequent driving through city traffic.
Frequent interaction with customers and the public during stressful mental and physical situations.
Immunizations and PPD (TB) skin test are required as a condition of employment unless waived for religious or medical reasons.
Requirements
Education and Experience: Bachelor's Degree in Management, Business or Public Administration, Environmental or Public Health, Zoology, or related field, and eight (8) years of professional administrative experience or animal control experience, including four (4) years of management or supervisory experience.
Licenses and Certificates: Valid Texas Class "C" Driver's License or equivalent from another state by time of application. Position may require Certified Animal Welfare Administrator (CAWA) certification or equivalent within one year of appointment.
