Animal Services Manager

Responsible for managing the development and daily operations of a multifaceted Animal Services operation including a portfolio of community-facing programs to include field services, owner retention/surrender prevention, self-supported rehoming, and case management focused on obtaining the best outcomes for people and pets.ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS 
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
 
DUTIES

• Oversee management and administrative control of assigned animal services functions including programs  focused on community pet retention, increasing the community's capacity to humanely care for pets, and decreasing shelter length-of-stay.
• Cultivate community partnerships to support programming portfolio. 
• Assist with developing department-wide goals, objectives, policies, and procedures; ensure staff understand and follow policies and procedures and work aligns with department-identified outcomes.  
• Assist with evaluating services, policies, procedures, and programs; provide recommendations and implement changes, as appropriate.
• Establish team performance measures, priorities, and work sequences.
• Lead cross-functional teams under high stress and emotional conditions.
• Prepare criminal complaints for ordinance violations; prepare cases for prosecution and testify in court, as necessary.
• Interpret and ensure compliance with all City policies and procedures, standards of quality and safety, and all applicable Federal, State, and Local laws, rules, regulations, laws, and policies including all shelter records and files.
• Conduct routine audits to ensure proper safety protocols, disease management, proper sanitation, and animal care are in compliance with Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures, and all applicable Federal, State, and Local laws, and regulations.
• Ensure security of controlled substances and audit count routinely; notify leadership immediately if count inconsistencies are found.
• Coordinate department activities and services with internal and external stakeholders, as appropriate.
• Present and make recommendations to the Denton Animal Shelter Advisory Board, City Management, City Council, City Boards and Commissions, and various agencies and groups as required; represent the City of Denton at civic/community meetings, as directed.
• Assist with project management and allocation of CMP and CIP budgets, as needed.
• Review current trends in animal welfare for programs, including but not limited to, facilities and best practices; recommend adoption and implementation, as appropriate.
• Maintain, track, and prepare periodic and special reports for animal services activities, programs, and initiatives.
• Oversee special projects, as needed. 

SUPERVISORY/BUDGET RESPONSIBILITIES

• Select, train, supervise, and evaluate staff; recommend assignment/assignment change, retention, discipline, and dismissal.
• Develop, manage, and monitor budget; maintain accurate budget reporting; ensure that operations are cost-effective, and funds are managed wisely.

OTHER DUTIES
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Business Administration, Public Administration, Biology, Animal Behavior, Veterinary Science, Wildlife, or related field; and, 
• Five (5) years of experience in business administration, Animal Behavior, Veterinary Science, Wildlife, or related field; and, 
• Three (3) years of management or supervisory experience,

• Any combination of related education, experience, certifications, and licenses that will result in a candidate successfully performing the essential functions of the job.

REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required: 

• Knowledge of Federal, State, and Local Government laws, ordinances and regulations animal management and public safety.
• Knowledge of best practices and proven strategies in lifesaving-focused animal sheltering and/or community engagement-based field services and how to apply them in community context.
• Knowledge in understanding the political relationships within the organization and anticipating the implications and consequences of an action or decision.
• Skill in analyzing and researching, to interpret and understand policies, laws, and regulations, and to provide workable recommendations and solutions to problems that maintain compliance.
• Skill in establishing performance metrics and evaluating efficacy of programs to ensure department is consistently getting the best outcomes for people and pets.
• Skill in judgment and creativity in decision-making; considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions and select the most appropriate one. 
• Skill in complex problem solving; identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions. 
• Skill at the intermediate level, working with Microsoft Office 365, and other software systems to complete work. 
• Skill in providing exceptional service to internal and external customers.
• Skill in interpersonal relationships, and in managing complex stakeholder relationships to include internal stakeholders, customers, partner groups, and advocates including using tact, patience, and courtesy. 
• Skill in active listening; giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points communicated, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times. 
• Ability to understand animal services as a system which requires the alignment of processes, policies, programs, and resources with goals.
• Ability to work independently to manage multiple work tasks while balancing competing priorities with attention to detail and in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective interpersonal relationships.
• Ability to handle difficult and stressful situations with professional composure and confidentiality. 
• Ability to communicate effectively, both in oral and written forms, for the needs of the audience.
• Ability to support controversial positions, negotiation of sensitive issues and/or presentations with internal and external stakeholders. 
• Ability to motivate, mentor and train through direct and indirect influence.
• Ability to develop, understand, interpret, and apply rules, policies, and procedures operations. 
• Ability to handle records and complex situations of a confidential nature.
• Ability to perform all job duties in a manner that is consistent with the City of Denton’s core values.
• Ability to simultaneously handle multiple tasks and changing priorities in an efficient and effective manner.
• Ability to maneuver comfortably through complex policy, process, and people-related organizational dynamics.
• Ability to manage and adapt to changing priorities.
• Ability to stay up to date in animal services trends and best practices.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Must have and maintain a valid Class “C” Driver’s License and valid state required minimum automobile liability insurance prior to employment (must obtain Texas Class “C” driver’s license and state required minimum automobile liability insurance within 90 days of hire per state law)
• Must pass a drug test, driver’s license check, criminal history background check and social security number verification.
• Must pass physical examination.
• Must attend and successfully complete the City’s Defensive Driving Course (DDC) as soon as possible after employment (if required to drive City vehicle or personal vehicle for City business).

SAFETY 

• Perform preventive maintenance on tools and equipment; ensure equipment is in safe operating condition.
• Follow established safety procedures and techniques to perform job duties, including lifting and climbing; operate tools and equipment according to established safety procedures.
• Promptly report unsafe conditions in the work area and/or any conditions that are not immediately correctable to the supervisor.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS 

• Safety Sensitive (Subject to random drug testing): Yes.
• Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment, including computer and peripherals along with use of catchpoles, snake tongs, crematorium, hypodermic needles, and motor vehicles; wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Posture: Prolonged sitting and standing; occasional stooping, squatting, kneeling, bending, pushing/pulling, and twisting.
• Motion: Frequent repetitive hand motions, including keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching.
• Lifting: Occasional very heavy lifting no more than 100 pounds and carrying more than 50 pounds.
• Environment: Works in an office setting office, and with and around animals (including diseased, injured and/or potentially aggressive animals); exposure to inclement weather, loud noises, odors, chlorine, or other chemicals; occasionally requires irregular and/or prolonged hours.
• Travel: Travels to City of Denton buildings and professional meetings as required.
• Attendance: Regular and punctual attendance at the worksite is required for this position. Must be able to work after normal business hours and weekends, as needed. Must attend regularly scheduled and special meetings.
• Mental Demands: Maintains emotional control under stress; works with frequent interruptions.

CORE VALUES

• Inclusive
• Collaborative
• Service-Oriented
• Strategically Focused
• Fiscally Responsible

TOP TIER BENEFITS

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage in addition to life and disability insurance plans
• Employee Health Clinic 
• Paid Vacation Days and Paid Holidays
• Retirement Plan 

EEO STATEMENT 
The City of Denton is an equal opportunity employer. It is the City of Denton’s policy to prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type and to afford equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to any protected class, status, characteristic, or activity. All employment decisions, including decisions regarding recruitment, selection, hiring, compensation, benefits, training, advancement, discipline, discharge, and other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment are made without regard to any lawfully protected class, status, characteristic, or activity. 
  
This job description is not an employment agreement, contract agreement, or contract.  Management has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice.

Salary : $85,592 - $111,280