ANIMAL SERVICES DIRECTOR-FIRST REVIEWS OF APPLICATIONS ON 01/31/2025

This position performs complex professional work directing and supervising with responsibility for all Animal Shelter Programs. This position is responsible for assuring that the Cleveland County Animal Control Program/Animal Shelter is compliant with State and local laws pertaining to animal welfare and rabies prevention set forth by the Animal Welfare Act, the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and the Cleveland County Animal Control Ordinance and related work as apparent or assigned. Work is performed and supervised under County Manager. The normal work schedule includes 8:00 - 5:00 Monday - Friday. Additional hours are required as needed and include evening meetings on a routine basis. Weekends and Holidays required routinely for special events and care for the animals.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Responsible for establishing overall goals for the Animal Shelter, Animal Control Officers and associated programs, including adoptions, rescues, spay/neuter, volunteer programs, etc.

Plans work operations and determines changes in procedural standards or guidelines.

Identifies necessary resources for meeting program goals.

Directs program supervisors and other staff to implement goals.

Assures compliance with all Federal, State and local laws (ordinances), rules, regulations and standards.

Consults with program supervisors to review any potential problems or concerns.

Makes necessary changes in the structure of programs to meet current needs. Makes long range plans and reviews activities problems and functions of programs with program supervisors.

Routinely evaluates the operational effectiveness of programs and implements changes as needed.

Directly responsible for problem/complaint resolution involving the public and assuring the appropriate action is taken and documentation is accurate and complete.

Completes a wide variety of administrative reports and/or documents used in recording departmental activities. This includes monthly reports to document Animal Services data related to Animal Shelter activities including all available data. Assess the overall needs of programs including personnel, training needs, capital needs, equipment and supply needs.

Participates in the preparation of the annual budget for the Animal Services Program, reviews budget expenditures to assure proper utilization of funds and is responsible for managing operational budgets for these programs, including the purchase of supplies and equipment.

Effectively manage Rescue Group relationships.

Continually develop and oversee Foster Care and Volunteer Programs. Prepare new creative ways to interact with the public and market the programs in both of these areas.

Directly responsible for the Adoption Program. With assistance from all staff, schedule, develop and market Adoption Events.

Responsible for overseeing the Spay/Neuter Program and general animal health.

Responsible for developing and maintaining all social media and advertising for the Animal Services and related programs.

Consults with outside professionals as necessary.

Ensures ongoing professional development of staff and that shelter operations and standard operating procedures align with industry best practices.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Advanced knowledge of policies and procedures. Thorough knowledge of laws and statues relating to administering an Animal Control Program. Ability to interpret and apply laws and policies to specific problems relating to an Animal Control Program. Ability to initiate and install administrative programs and procedures and to evaluate their effectiveness. Ability to exercise judgement and discretion in establishing, applying, and interpreting policies and procedures. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with agency personnel, vendors, other county personnel and the public. General knowledge of budget development and maintenance. General knowledge of animal health. Ability to plan, coordinate and direct the work of a diverse staff. Ability to research, compile and present data. Skills in implementing and initiating projects and programs. Ability to meet deadlines and work within time constraints.

EXPERIENCE & EDUCATION:
Associates/Technical degree in business administration, public administration, animal science or related field and 3-5 years' experience in an administrative or supervisory role or equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience working with animal service welfare administration and intake management preferred but not required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
This work requires the occasional exertion of up to 25 pounds of force; work occasionally requires standing, walking, sitting, speaking or hearing, using hands to finger, handle or feel, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling, reaching with hands and arms, pushing or pulling and lifting; work has standard vision requirements; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels; work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data and observing general surroundings and activities; work has no exposure to environmental conditions; work is generally in a loud noise location (e.g. grounds maintenance, heavy traffic).

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
Certified Euthanasia Technician (obtain within 1 yr.)
Certified Rabies Vaccinator (obtain within 1 yr.)
Valid driver's license

APPLICATION PROCESS:
All applicants must submit a completed County Application by the closing date to www.clevelandcounty.com.

SELECTION PROCESS:
Selection will be by structured interview. Applications will be reviewed to select the most qualified applicants for admission to the interview.

Cleveland County is an Equal Opportunity Employer

$75,557-$116,092 **Compensation will be based on experience**

Salary Range