Animal Care Supervisor

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES

The Animal Care Supervisor is responsible for carrying out and supervising the processing of all incoming animals to shelter, the cleaning of animal shelter kennel areas, and the customer service provided by animal care staff.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

An employee in this class manages the daily intake of animals as well as the cleaning of animal shelter facilities. This employee supervises the Animal Intake/Care and Animal Cleaning Technicians at the shelter; ensures compliance with County, State and Federal laws, regulations and procedures; supervises several daily operations of the shelter, its staff and its volunteers; shares responsibility for managing animal flow and evaluating and selecting animals for placement with other shelter management staff; assists with the hiring, training and evaluation of staff; helps evaluate operations and community needs and recommends changes in policies and procedures; may represent the animal shelter program in meetings with County officials or community agencies. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Animal Services Director.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential Duties and Tasks Manages the daily intake of animals as well as the cleaning of animal shelter kennel areas. Maintains a clean and sanitary animal shelter clinic at all times. Ensures animals are cared for in accordance with generally accepted sheltering guidelines and standards. Supervises Animal Intake/Care and Cleaning Technicians by assigning and reviewing work, maintaining standards, acting on employee problems, selecting new employees, appraising employee performance and recommending promotions/raises, recommending promotions, disciplining, and terminating. Works directly with the Medical Director, Veterinary Health Care Supervisor, the Animal Control Manager, and the Animal Operations Manager to complete day-to-day shelter services and operations. Ensures animal care staff are providing quality customer service to the general public and other customers. Supervises the evaluation of each animal at the time they are received. Assists with re-evaluation of each animal daily for signs of sickness or disease. Manages animal placement/flow, behavior evaluation program, and overall animal care. Monitors facility conditions and supplies; may assist in the requesting of repairs or ordering of supplies. Supports the department by filling in for absent supervisors, developing new standard operating guidelines, and assisting with planning departmental budget. Ensures animal intake/care and cleaning services are provided in alignment with the department's overall mission to develop, implement, and meet short and long term goals. Works with advisory boards and external stakeholders, as needed.

RECRUITMENT STANDARDS

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Thorough knowledge of methods of caring for animals and of humane methods of disposing of them. Knowledge of disease management, recognition, control, and prevention as it relates to general animal care. Knowledge of basic cleaning and disinfectant procedures. Knowledge and ability to perform general diagnostic testing to assist with determining health of animal. Knowledge of animal shelter policies and procedures. Knowledge of and ability to assist in performing physical exams and identifying and addressing medical problems/diseases. Knowledge of and ability to handle animals of varied species, size, and temperament in a humane manner. Knowledge of federal and state laws governing the control and welfare of animals, the sheltering of animals, and animal euthanasia methods. Knowledge of laboratory practices and physician protocols dealing with rabies. Knowledge of laws, rules and regulations applicable to operating an animal shelter and managing personnel. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the general public and other employees. Ability to make sound decisions and problem solve in a fast-paced environment Ability to assign, direct, supervise and evaluate activities of a subordinate. Ability to deal tactfully, courteously, and firmly with the public. Ability to work afternoons and weekends. Ability to keep accurate and detailed records. Ability to perform math. Minimum Qualifications High school diploma or equivalent and four years of experience in an Animal Shelter, Veterinary Clinic, or related field; OR graduation from an AVMA accredited program of Veterinary Medical Technology and two years of experience in an Animal Shelter, Veterinary Clinic, or related field. Possession of valid driver's license. Previous experience managing the animal intake/care and cleaning functions for a shelter or clinic is preferred. Working Conditions and Physical Demands of Work The following physical activities described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions and expectations. While performing the functions of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear; frequently required to stand, walk, sit, and use hands to finger, handle, or feel, and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds; frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds; frequently push and/or pull up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision. Working conditions are in a kennel environment with frequent exposure to laboratory conditions including hazardous materials, unfavorable fumes and odors, and working with animal body fluids and infectious diseases, and loud noises. May Require Driving This position may require driving for this position whether driving a County owned or personal vehicle to conduct county business such as but not limited to attending conferences, meetings, or any other county related functions. Motor Vehicle Reports may be verified for valid driver's license and that the driving record is compatible with the county's driving criteria. If a personal vehicle is operated for county business proper insurance is maintained as per Guilford County's vehicle use policy.

Special Note :

This generic class description gives an overview of the job class, its essential job functions, and recommended job requirements. However, for each individual position assigned to this class, there is available a completed job questionnaire with a physical abilities checklist, which can give further details about that one specific position. Those documents should be reviewed before initiating a selection process. They can provide additional detailed information on which to base various personnel actions and can assist management in making legal and defensible personnel decisions.