Animal Services Director

J  o  b    D  e  s  c  r  i  p  t  i  o  n

Job Information

Title:

Animal Services Director

Market Range:

MR22

Approved Date:

3/8/2024 2:10:52 PM

FLSA:

Exempt

EEO Code:

PROFESSIONALS

Career Level:

M4

Career Level Description:

Management Level 4

Job Code:

100036

Job Family:

Environmental Services

Sub Family:

Animal Services

Primary Purpose

Provides leadership, management, and a cohesive vision for the Animal Services Division with a focus on humane sheltering, animal welfare and community outreach. Works with regional partners, advocates and other stakeholders to increase live outcomes. This position serves as the primary representative of Animal Services working with County leadership to further the shared goals of the County and mission of the Animal Services Division.

•

Manages a progressive, responsible and humane county shelter for animals in our care and in the community. Leads community partnerships with various groups that promote responsible pet ownership, reduce pet overpopulation and advocate for animal welfare. Defines goals, communicates objectives and monitors performance of direct reports. Manages all hiring, onboarding activities, employee development, performance and timesheet approvals. Determines work schedules that optimize Animal Services. 

1

40%

•

Advances leadership initiatives and heads Countywide projects for Division, leading strategic planning efforts, ensuring the completion of the annual business and budget plans as well as routinely reviewing the organizational design to ensure the highest quality customer service and outreach is achieved. Functions as primary liaison for County departments regarding Division improvements and collaboration. Leads implementation of emergency management plans for animals within Wake County.

2

45%

•

Leads the administration of animal services, shelter medicine and progressive animal control through professional development, research and stakeholder relationships.

3

15%

Position(s) may perform other duties in addition to the above as assigned by management.

*IMPORTANT* In the event of an emergency, as determined by the County Manager or designee, participation in preparedness and response operations should be expected. Employee may be required to fill a temporary assignment in a role different from standard duties, work hours and/or work location in preparation for, during and after the emergency. Employee may also be required to participate in relevant exercises and regular preparedness training.

Career Level Dimensions

Career Level:

M4

Career Level Description:

Management Level 4

•

Directs a Division.

•

Creates the short-term strategy for the Division or Function and creates operational plans for Division that align with Department plan.  Actions have direct impact on results of the Department.

•

Responsible for Budget planning and justification.

•

Responsible for making significant improvements of processes, systems or standards to enhance performance of Division or multiple divisions.

•

Oversees employees who pioneer unique ideas or generate new, viable solutions to make improvements or respond to issues.

•

Communicates within and outside the Division(s).

•

Influences others regarding the area of responsibility’s practices and approaches.

•

Achieves goals through teams of managers.  May be responsible for creating workforce and staffing plans for job area to ensure availability of employees and resources.

•

Has hiring, firing, promotion and reward authority for direct reports.

•

Requires broad management and leadership knowledge to lead multiple Work Groups. Typically has master-level knowledge and skills within a specific technical or professional discipline with broad understanding of other areas within the job function.

Qualifications

•

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Animal Science or related field

•

Six years of experience in animal control, animal shelter operations or veterinary care including at least two years of supervisory experience

•

Valid Driver's License and "safe" driving record

•

Equivalent education and experience are accepted

•

Doctorate

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine

•

2 Years

Supervisory or Management Experience

•

NCVL - North Carolina Veterinary License

Upon Hire

•

Excellent communication skills needed to handle frequent citizen contact. Have the ability to exercise solid judgment, decision making around care, protection, finding quality homes, aid in reducing pet population and achieving live outcomes. Must accurately articulate procedures, processes, and regulations to employees and patrons. Ability to handle irate or distressed patrons in a calming manner.

•

Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

•

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

•

Excellent problem solving skills. Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

•

Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

•

Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

•

Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

•

Strong use of Microsoft Office, with emphasis on Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook. 

•

Excellent leadership skills. Motivating, developing and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when teaching new things.

•

Ability to present information in front of a variety of audiences, including public, County officials, the media and community stakeholders. 

An individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily to perform this job successfully. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Competencies

Adaptability & Flexibility

Changes behavioral style or method of approach when necessary to achieve a goal; adjusts style as appropriate to the needs of the situation. Responds to change with a positive attitude and a willingness to learn new ways to accomplish work activities and objectives.

Change Management

Initiates and/or manages the change process and energizes it on an ongoing basis, taking steps to remove barriers or accelerate its pace.

Cooperative Leadership

Promotes and generates cooperation among one's peers in leadership to achieve a collective outcome; fosters the development of a common vision and fully participates in creating a unified leadership team that gets results.

Influence

Asserts own ideas and persuades others, gaining support and commitment from others; mobilizes people to take action, using creative approaches to motivate others to meet organizational goals.

Relationship Building

Builds constructive working relationships characterized by a high level of acceptance, cooperation, and mutual respect.

Strategic Vision

Sees the big, long-range picture and leads others accordingly.

Integrity

Act with honesty, transparency and respect in our interactions with co-workers and those we serve. Adhere, without exception, to laws, policies, procedures and professional standards.

Accountability

Establish high-quality standards for work. Add value. Measure results and hold self and others accountable for making progress toward desired outcomes. Take a logical and data-driven approach to decision-making.

Diversity

Believe that different backgrounds and experiences strengthen the organization and produce better results. Value inclusion across race, gender, age, religion, identity and experience, and strive to reflect in our workforce the diversity of our community.

Collaboration

Foster a work culture in which different ideas and opinions are encouraged and expected. Listen carefully and speak thoughtfully. Work together toward shared goals with mutual respect and cooperation.

Continuous Improvement

Continuously improve work processes and products. Provide a safe environment to be innovative and creative and try new things. When things don't go as planned, use it as an opportunity to learn, regroup and begin again. Provide time and resources for individuals to grow and develop both personally and professionally.

Wellness

Take proactive steps to be physically fit and healthy, emotionally strong, financially secure and socially fulfilled, while inspiring and empowering others to do the same.

Service Orientation

Commit to making a difference within the community. Actively engage in and enjoy our work. Deliver services that exceed expectations, with courtesy, politeness and sensitivity to the experiences, concerns and feelings of all co-workers and customers.

ADA Checklist

The physical demands 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

Standard ADA Selection:

All Others

Standing

X

Walking

X

Sitting

X

Lifting/Carrying 0-10 pounds

X

Lifting/Carrying 10-20 pounds

X

Lifting/Carrying 20-50 pounds

X

Lifting/Carrying 50-100 pounds

X

Pushing

X

Pulling

X

Climbing

X

Balancing

X

Stooping

X

Kneeling

X

Crouching

X

Crawling

X

Reaching

X

Handling

X

Grasping

X

Fingering

X

Feeling

X

Talking

X

Hearing

X

Visual Perception

X

Repetitive Motions

X

Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination

X

Memorization/Concentration

X

Learning/Knowledge Retention

X

Preparing/Analyzing Numerical Figures

X

Use of Interfaced Commmunication Devices (Phone, Computer, Radio etc.)

X

Analyzing/Examining/Testing Data

X

Emotional/Behavioral Self-Regulation

X

Interacting with Others

X

High Stress Situations

X

Dangerous Situations

X

Emergency Situations

X

Incarcerated Individuals

X

Combative Individuals

X

Animals

X

Comprehension

X

Organization

X

Decision Making

X

Comprehension

Understand complex problems and collaborate to explore alternative solutions

Organization

Organize and prioritize the work schedules of others to manage multiple tasks and/or projects

Decision Making

Make decisions that have significant impact on a department's credibility, operations and/or services

Communication

Communicate in-depth information for the purpose of interpreting and/or negotiating

Extreme cold

X

Extreme heat

X

Humid

X

Wet

X

Noise

X

Hazards

X

Temperature Change

X

Atmospheric Conditions

X

Vibration

X

Computers/Monitors

X

Extreme Darkness

X

Extreme Brightness

X

Radiation

X

Chemicals/Hazardous Waste

X

Gases/Gas Leaks

X

Electrical Hazards

X

Acidid or Harsh Substances

X

Infectious Bacteria/Viruses

X

Infectious Diseases

X

Blood-Borne Pathogens

X

Fumes/Airborne Particles

X

Allergens (variety)

X

Confined Spaces

X

High or Precarious Places

X

Ladders/Step Stools

X

Moving Mechanical Parts

X

Operating Vehicle

X

Operating Light Equipment

X

Operating Heavy Equipment

X