ANIMAL SERVICES OPERATIONS MANAGER (#AD9 )

$45.66-$61.19 hourly / $7,914.00-$10,606.00 monthly / $94,972.80-$127,275.20 yearly

Under direction of the Animal Services Authority General Manager, this position is responsible for managing the field and shelters operations, support staff, and managers of both the Santa Cruz and Watsonville locations. Additional areas of responsibility include budget, goal development, and drafting of departmental policy.

·  Develop and direct the implementation of goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and work standards for all phases of the program and shelter facilities;

· Assist in directing, planning, and evaluating of the overall animal care and control services;
· Assist in the development of departmental policy and procedures;
· Assist in the analysis of new legislation and regulations affecting the care, health, and treatment of shelter animals, and additional related areas of animal control and services;
· Investigate and resolve complaints/issues regarding animal control, shelter facilities, staff performance, and overall operations;
· Ensure safe workplace practices, by maintaining up to date knowledge of OSHA and CAL-OSHA requirements and implementing necessary changes;
· Direct, oversee, and plan field operations and dispatch services;
· Participate in budget development, and contract negotiations for services to be provided;
· Manage and participate in a wide variety of management level activities. These include:

o Budget Management and related operations

o Personnel Management

§  Interview and recommend applicants for job openings in assigned positions.

§  Direct, perform, and provide appropriate training of animal services staff.

§  Assign work and provide evaluations of shelter staff.

§  Perform functional supervision of animal care workers, animal health technicians, animal services assistants, animal services coordinators, trustees, community service workers, and volunteers assigned to shelter duties. 

o Facility Management

· Assign daily activities directly or via subordinate supervisor. These may include:

o Investigation of complaint and biting animals.

o Patrol enforcement of state and local laws regarding animal control.

o Quarantine.

o Euthanasia and disposal of animals held at the shelters.

o Enforcement of state and local laws for adoption, care, collection of fees, feeding, placement, and shelter maintenance and operations.

· Prepare statistical reports and correspondences;
· Coordinate, direct, and plan the operation of the county animal services shelter adoption and redemption programs;
· Direct and supervise the keeping of records, accounts, monies, and reports related to animal care activities;
· Acts as liaison to establish and maintain cooperative relationships with federal, state and local agencies, and private groups concerned with the care and well-being of animals, improved adoption programs, and responsible pet ownership by providing information on departmental activities;
· Supervise the care of animals brought to the animal shelter;
· Supervise all operations involved in the processing of incoming animals including assessment of behavioral and physical conditions to determine adoptability;
· Supervise the application of appropriate and prompt medical care, or humane euthanasia of animals brought to or impounded at the shelter;
· Order and maintain adequate medical and kennel supplies within budget allocations;
· Oversee the provision of proper vaccinations and microchipping to animals prior to adoption and to impounded animals to prevent the spread of disease;
· Oversee the ordering, storage, and use of controlled substances used in the humane euthanasia or treatment of animals;
· Provide and enforce industry guidelines to maintain sanitary conditions in the kennel areas;
· Arrange for spay/neuter surgical procedures when adequate facilities and skilled staff are provided, and it is appropriate;
· Assist in overseeing routine maintenance of shelter facilities such as cleaning, changing air filters, and other minor maintenance and repairs;
· Supervise the administration and personally administers humane euthanasia according to established procedures, as may be required and in accordance with federal and state laws;
· Assist in handing telephone inquiries and complaints;

Thorough knowledge of:

· Animal Shelter Software, (Preferably Chameleon Software).
· Public spay neuter procedures.
· Industry best practices including current and proposed state and local animal laws.
· Principles of humane animal shelter management; organization, operation and procedures of related government and law enforcement agencies.
· State and local laws and ordinances relating to animal care and control.

Working knowledge of:

· Principles and practices of animal control, animal law enforcement, and animal placement.
· Equipment, tools, materials, and methods used in animal control and care.
· Prosecution of animal cruelty and establishing protocols.
· Principles and practices of budget administration and development, fee structuring, contract management, and development of additional revenue sourcing.
· Principles and practices of personnel and fiscal administration.
· Principles of safe workplace practices, policies, and procedures. (OSHA and CAL-OSHA requirements).
· The proper care and handling of various breeds of animals.

Ability to:

· Assign, coordinate, direct, and plan the field, shelter, and office aspects of animal services.
· Direct and manage procedures and programs, for the animal services department, and public education.
· Effectively represent the animal services department to media outlets and the public.
· Interpret, analyze, and implement current and new relevant legislation and regulations.
· Handle sensitive inquiries, complaints, and contacts with public officials.
· Create successful public and private partnerships.
· Supervise, evaluate, motivate, and select subordinate employees.
· Effectively communicates with and oversee volunteers.
· Identify immediate and long-term staffing needs and propose solutions.
· Interview and make staff position recommendations.
· Plan and oversee staff development and training.
· Administer, prepare, manage, and monitor both the program and shelter budgets.
· Analyze operational and administrative issues, evaluate alternatives, and implement effective resolutions.
· Develop, and implement goals, objectives, management controls, policies, procedures and work standards.
· Work collaboratively with various community groups.
· Prepare clear and concise records, reports, correspondence and other verbal/written materials.
· Manage fiscal responsibilities, planning, and record keeping.
· Exercise sound independent judgement with general policy guidelines.
· Establish and maintain effective working relations with fellow employees, law enforcement agencies, private groups and the public.
· Facilitate and manage purchase orders.        
· Manage appropriate and adequate care of animals, and the use of controlled substances.
· Complete educational programs covering legal aspects of animal control.
· Operate computer, facsimile, and copier equipment.
· Follow oral and written directions.
· Lift 50 lbs. unassisted.

Education and Experience: Any combination of education and work experience which would provide an opportunity to acquire the knowledge and abilities listed is qualifying, unless otherwise specified. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Equivalent to a four year (Bachelor’s Degree) in Animal Science, Business, Public Administration, Management, or related field.

AND

Four years of progressively responsible management experience in the care and handling of domestic animals for a municipal animal control program, which included overseeing subordinate staff.

Special Requirements, Conditions:

Training: Incumbent must attend and pass the euthanasia certification course as provided for by State law and completion of POST course work and certification in the use of firearms and exercising the powers of arrest required by Penal Code 832 and search and seizure required by Penal Code 830.9 prior to the completion of a probationary period for this class.

License: Incumbent must possess and maintain a valid California Class C driver license. Possession of a Registered Veterinary Technician Certificate is highly desirable.

Background Investigation: Departmental background investigation and fingerprints are required. Employment in this class requires successful completion of a criminal background investigation, and post-offer medical evaluation.

Hours: Availability to work a flexible schedule including nights, weekends and/or holidays.

Special Working Conditions: Must be willing to travel to various locations within and outside of the county as needed. Exposure to animals who may be hostile or dangerous.

Bargaining Unit: 11          
Workers Comp Code: 1073
EEOC Code: 08
Occ Unit Group: 91