Animal Behavior Manager (Kennel Supervisor)

The City of Norfolk's Department of General Services is seeking a Kennel Supervisor who oversees the day-to-day activities of the animal care center with an emphasis on functions related to the behavioral health of pets in custody. This includes provision of daily enrichment, evaluation, modification, and management of problematic or unsafe behaviors, and defensive, humane handling of difficult or dangerous animals. Supervises animal shelter operations and in the absence of the Animal Management Supervisor acts as overall manager of Norfolk Animal Care Center. Oversees the day to day activities of the Norfolk Animal Care Center, processing of incoming animals including assessment with regard to adoption and euthanasia, application of appropriate medical attention and maintenance of adequate kennel supplies and equipment. Responsible for the proper care of animals during holding periods and the maintenance of sanitary conditions in the kennel areas. Responsible for building maintenance, equipment and supplies. Manages all animal caretakers, ensuring that animal care is delivered promptly, thoroughly, and humanely Assigns daily duties to animal caretakers Provides feedback to caretakers including administering progressive disciplinary action when necessary and conducting performance evaluations Ensures daily provision of enrichment to all shelter animals Creates enrichment schedules for all species and for individual animals who require supplemental behavioral interventions Tracks behavior monitoring of all animals in care and creates adjustments to individual animal pathways accordingly Oversees all incoming animals and ensures accurate processing and assessment of each animal with regard to shelter placement, temperament, health status, and shelter care plan Administers vaccines and medications as directed by the Shelter Veterinarian Performs euthanasia as necessary Assists customers and addresses concerns, especially those regarding pets with atypical or challenging behaviors both in shelter and in foster care • Provides the highest quality animal care through feeding, watering, socializing, and offering various forms of enrichment Observes animals for signs of illness, monitors sick or injured animals and assists with vet-prescribed treatment Assists the public with selecting a companion for adoption or reuniting lost pets Requires the ability to read and understand standard operating procedures This is an essential position; the incumbent will be required to report to work during inclement weather when the City is closed. Work requires knowledge of a specific vocational, administrative, or technical nature which may be obtained with six months/one year of advanced study or training past the high school equivalency. Junior college, vocational, business, technical or correspondence schools are likely sources. Appropriate certification may be awarded upon satisfactory completion of advanced study or training.

Required:

2 years in a kennel environment or an animal care field as a supervisor.

Preferred:

An Associate's degree in veterinary technology, veterinary science, animal care or a closely related field. Valid Driver's License required. State of Virginia Euthanasia Competency Certification within one year of employment.

Work Schedule:

Hours are scheduled Sunday through Saturday, 40 hours per week. Hours may require additional flexibility, nights, holidays and weekends.