Animal Shelter Director

Position Summary Under general administrative direction, the Animal Shelter Director manages, plans, organizes, and directs the operations of the City's animal shelter and related animal services functions. The Animal Shelter Director oversees shelter operations, personnel, animal care standards, regulatory compliance, recordkeeping, public service, budgeting, community partnerships, and operational planning to support humane, lawful, safe, and effective service delivery Essential Functions Plans, organizes, directs and evaluates daily shelter operations, including intake, housing, sanitation, feeding, enrichment, medical coordination, reunification, adoption, transfer, redemption, quarantine, and disposition activities. Develops, implements, updates, and enforces shelter procedures, protocols, safety practices, sanitation standards, and service expectations. Supervises assigned employees and program participants. Assigns work, develops schedules, provides training, evaluates performance, addresses misconduct and performance deficiencies, and participates in hiring, disciplines, and other personnel actions in coordination with Human Resources and City policy. Ensures proper care, handling, control, identification, and documentation of animals received, housed, transferred, redeemed, adopted, fostered, quarantined, or otherwise processed through the shelter. Maintains shelter records, reports, databases, and documentation necessary for operational management, legal compliance, and public accountability. Monitors compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, ordinances, and City policies relevant to shelter operations, animal welfare, records retention, workplace safety, and public service. Prepares budget recommendations, monitors approved expenditures, and manages purchasing, supplies, inventory, contracts, and other resources. Coordinates with law enforcement, code enforcement, emergency management, public health, veterinarians, rescue organizations, foster providers, volunteers, and other partners regarding shelter operations and animal welfare issues. May appear in court as required for animal-related court cases. Responds to escalated customer concerns, complaints, inquiries, and sensitive situations involving citizens, staff, animals, and partner agencies. Assists with emergency preparedness, disease prevention and response, disaster operations, and continuity planning affecting shelter functions. Prepares written correspondence, reports, recommendations, and other materials for supervisors, City leadership, boards, or external agencies as required. Represents the City and shelter operations in meetings, training activities, public education efforts, and community engagement opportunities as assigned. Performs other duties within the scope of the classification as assigned. Minimum Qualifications Associate's degree in animal science, public administration, business administration, veterinary technology, or a closely related field. Bachelor's degree preferred. Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in animal shelter, animal control, animal welfare operations, or a related field. Two (2) years of supervisory or lead responsibility. Licenses and Certifications Valid Driver's License. Obtain and maintain certification for euthanasia of animals. Any additional certifications that may be required by Kansas law or City assignment. Physical Demands and Work Environment The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this position. Work is performed in both office and non-office settings, including animal shelter, kennel, storage, vehicle, and outdoor environments. Duties regularly require verbal communication using the English language, reading and reviewing records, operating standard office and shelter-related equipment, standing, walking, bending, stooping, kneeling, reaching, climbing short ladders or stairs, grasping, lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling. The position may involve exposure to animal dander, odors, waste, disinfectants, cleaning chemicals, noise, inclement weather, slippery surfaces, bites, scratches, animal-related injuries, zoonotic disease risk, and other environmental conditions commonly associated with animal shelter operations. Equal Employment Opportunity and Reasonable Accommodation The City is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. The City is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and reasonable accommodation to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities. Reasonable accommodation may be available in the application process, during employment for performing the essential functions of the position, unless doing so would impose an undue hardship on City operations. Requests for accommodation should be directed to Human Resources at hr@junctioncity-ks.gov. Disclaimer This position description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by an employee assigned to this classification. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. The City reserves the right to revise this position description at any time to meet operational needs.