Director of Animal Control

Description

The Director of Animal Control is a highly responsible position for the Kitsap Humane Society. The Director of Animal Control (DAC) will oversee the administrative work, planning, implementing, operating, and general functions to fulfill our contractual obligations to the County and Cities we service. 

This position requires strong leadership skills and commitment, and the DAC must act as a team builder for the department and the organization (KHS), both internally and externally. The leader in this role will seek out new and innovative approaches to animal welfare issues throughout the county and cities serviced by Animal Control. The ideal candidate for this position must have a working knowledge of the industry and demonstrate best practices as it relates to humane care and treatment of animals. In addition, public safety, and health for both people and pets are the top priorities for the Animal Control Division of KHS. Additionally excellent interpersonal skills, teambuilding skills and valuing the organization’s commitment is essential to the daily operation and oversight. The DAC must create and expand partnerships in the community and build relationships with key community leaders, serving as the face and liaison of KHS and Animal Control. 

The DAC will be assigned to oversee the sole function of Animal Control while maintaining services to municipal contracts. The DAC will supervise a team of Animal Control officers fulfilling a 24/7 function to our entire community and the DAC must be available at any given time for ACO’s to inquire if they need assistance, if they might have questions outside of normal business hours that are urgent or while on days off urgent questions need to be responded to. The DAC may respond after hours to assist officers needing additional support in the field and or to address a crisis involving officers outside of normal business hours.  

Responsibilities:

• Implements and maintains Animal Control services in accordance with the adopted regulations and contract agreements.
• Coordinates with internal and external stakeholders for Animal Control services.
• Collaborates with various departments within KHS as needed to support the Animal Control department and other departments within the organization.
• Supervises and directs the Animal Control departments activities and staff.
• Represents the County, City Jurisdictions, partnering agencies and community; speaks to groups; drafts materials and literature regarding pet ownership to establish and promote educational approaches.
• Serves as a liaison to external agencies.
• Manages the animal-related activities of 24hr emergency support function.
• Development and oversight of departmental budgets.
• Assists Executive Director(s) with creation, modification, and execution of animal contracts. 
• Prepares and executes monthly/annual reporting for local jurisdictions, community impact reports and board reports.
• Handles administrative tasks including scheduling, overtime observation, approving vacation requests/requests for leave.
• Conducts payroll for department and assigned staff.
• Monitors case load and prioritization across the department and delegates work as needed.
• Ensures that any complaints against officers and or case disposition inquiries are responded to and resolved as appropriate and in a timely manner.
• Performs case review with officers for high profile cases.
• Helps prepare legal documents used in Animal Control.
• Serves as the point of contact for the courts, prosecutors’ offices and other legal affiliates representing Animal Control.
• Conducts inspections for commercial facilities and other special licenses/permits.
• Is the point of contact for any animal control related press questions and/or interviews, in partnership with the Director of Communications.
• Responds to general inquires and questions from the public. 
• Reviews applicants and conducts interviews/hiring. 
• Maintains high standards of excellence across the department for work performed. 
• Assists animal control officers on call, as needed.
• Must adhere to Federal, State, County, City and Local ordinances.
• Responds to emergency situations where official representation is needed outside of regular animal control officer’s duties.
• Maintains public records for the Animal Control Department and serves as records keeper for animal control related work.
• Maintains the fleet of Animal Control vehicles with the County repair shop (regular maintenance, repairs), as well as all equipment needed to perform ACO duties.
• Makes and assigns monthly schedules for officer’s daily schedule and 24hr emergency schedule. 
• Aids officers on high priority cases to ensure accuracy and alignment with law/regulations.
• Reviews cases on a regular basis for accuracy and timeliness in response/resolution.
• Admit stray animal(s) to the shelter as needed. 
• As needed capture and restrain fractious animals. 
• Vaccinate animals as needed or requested
• Fulfill the role as the Cencom911 Coordinator.
• Willingness to become euthanasia certified.
• Frequently reads and reviews animal control RCW laws and jurisdictional codes. 
• Makes requests for code amendments as needed.
• Speaks in city hearings, councils, and meetings as needed. 
• Update animal control documents and materials as needed. 
• Ability to use Word and Outlook and other tools for efficiency in work productivity.
• Maintain a Washington State Animal Control Officer Certification process. 
• Attend Animal Control related trainings as needed.
• Ongoing performance management, training, support of direct reports.
• Functions as part of KHS’ senior leadership team.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of animal and their relation to humans.
• Knowledge of humane handling techniques for domestic and livestock species.
• Knowledge of high quality/high volume spay/neuter operations.
• Knowledge of human-animal support services. 
• Able to supervise others effectively.
• Able to understand the procedures for the custodial care of animals.
• Able to perform research and analysis.
• Able to understand the road network of the county/cities.
• Able to deal tactfully with diverse individuals in enforcing local ordinances and state statutes with firmness and while being impartiality to all circumstances.
• Able to read, interpret and explain codes, ordinances, policies, procedures, rules, and regulations to the public with tact and courtesy.
• Able to plan for the care and needs of animals and their owners before and during a disaster.
• Able to plan, assign and review work of employees.
• Able to present programs and recommendations clearly and concisely, both orally and in written form.
• Able to demonstrate compassion for animals.
• Able to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Able to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Able to manage multiple priorities.
• Able to work under stressful conditions.

ADA REQUIREMENTS:

Physical Demands: Ability to lift, carry, push, pull 50 pounds or 25 to 60 pounds frequently. Ability to see, hear, talk, climb, bend, reach, grasp, crouch, walk, run, hold, and stand for long period of time. Ability to traverse uneven, wooded, wet terrain or loose terrain frequently. Exposure to dangerous animals. Visual acuity (depth perception, peripheral vision) necessary to operate a motorized vehicle.
 

Environmental Demands: Inside and outside work. Ability to tolerate inclement weather including rain, heat, humidity, cold, snow, ice. Exposure to odors, noise, chemicals, and animal waste/humane solid waste. Exposure to deceased humans and or animals.
 

Mental Demands: Ability to read and comprehend state and local ordinances, statutes, code; technical manuals; safety rules, procedures, instructions, memos, letters. Ability to perform basic math. Ability to speak clearly; publicly; conversant in the theories, policies, procedures of discipline.