Animal Control Director

The St. Landry Parish Animal Control, located in Opelousas, Louisiana, is responsible for animal control and public safety in St. Landry Parish by providing shelter, comfort, and care for stray, abandoned, and surrendered pets. The mission of St. Landry Parish Animal Control is protect animals by providing shelter, encouraging pet adoptions, education, promoting responsible pet guardianship, and expanding the human-animal bond.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The St. Landry Parish Animal Control Director upholds the mission of the St. Landry Parish Animal Control, supports its goals, and works closely with the Parish Government Administration to provide informed decision mission.

The Director should be available to advise and consult with parish citizens on laws, ordinances, animal and disease control, and must maintain effective working relationships with the public and local officials as related to operations of the St. Landry Parish Animal Control.

The Director is responsible for the cost-effective, sanitary, and humane operations of the animal shelter; the health and welfare of animals in its care; the screening of potential adopters; the development of new programs; and the selection, training, supervision, and deployment of animal control, shelter staff, and shelter volunteers. The Director oversees the intake of animals, all aspects of animal care, ensuring that their welfare is the top priority.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

· Oversee all employees, investigative protocols, and volunteer protocols to ensure compliance with operational objectives.

· Responsible for planning, scheduling, training of animal control employees.

· In charge of supervising the work of employees engaged in a wide variety of animal control and care activities.

· Responsible for coordinating animal transports and the communication of shelter programs with other community organizations.

· Assist in developing an operation manual and employee/volunteer handbook to promote the health and safety of animals in the shelter. Assist with reviewing existing practices and procedures to ascertain methods of improving animal care, as well as investigation and enforcement methods.

· Supervise the daily activities of the Departments various functions, including shelter activities, customer service, and field operations to ensure compliance with operational objectives for quality and effectiveness.

· Assist investigators as needed by reviewing prepared cases for prosecution by the Parish and State Attorney’s offices.

· Monitoring of rabies surveillance activities within the Parish parameters.

· Responsible for extensive report writing and record keeping duties.

· Maintain statistical data to determine trends and projections concerning community needs relating to effective animal control and adoptions.

· Performs all duties of subordinate staff as necessary.

· Actively engages volunteers to support lifesaving and community programs.

· Any other duties assigned.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

· Provide exceptional customer service.

· Ability to maintain strong relationships with local veterinarians and community animal welfare groups.

· Considerable working knowledge of animal licensing, leash laws, anti-cruelty laws, enforcement and courtroom procedures.

· Knowledge of humane animal capture and handling techniques.

· Extensive knowledge of animal husbandry, including sanitation, care, feeding and disposal of animals.

· Knowledge of common animal diseases, zoonosis, injury recognition and treatment protocols.

· Knowledge of the operation of laboratory equipment, drugs and related supplies for an animal sheltering facility.

· Knowledge of species and breeds of animals, both domestic and wild.

· Ability to learn County geography, road networks and the operation of a two-way radio.

· Administrative experience preferred.

· Knowledge of business English, spelling, arithmetic and supervisory practices.

· Ability to understand and carry out complex oral and written instructions.

· Ability to write legibly and cognitively.

· Ability to communicate and enforce laws with firmness and impartiality and explain regulations to the public with tact and courtesy.

· Ability to project revenues and expenditures in conjunction with the implementation of an annual budget.

· Ability to present programs and recommendations clearly and concisely, both orally and in written form.

· Knowledge of supervisory techniques with the ability to evaluate, coordinate and organize work and schedules efficiently.

· Ability to utilize various computer programs and applications for recordkeeping and report writing responsibilities.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

PHYSICAL SKILLS: Must be able to control and physically handle highly active/aggressive animals, potentially weighing in excess of 80 pounds, using available equipment. Ability to bend, stretch, stoop, kneel, reach and climb frequently. Ability to communicate effectively using speaking, hearing and writing and vision skills.

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE: Graduation from an accredited college with a Bachelor's Degree in Public Health, Public Administration, Business Administration, or related field. A minimum of three years' experience in Animal Control, law enforcement, or military field, in either supervisory or progressively responsible positions.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS OR REGISTRATIONS: Must possess a valid driver's license

St. Landry Parish Government is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. Racial, ethnic, religious, and sexual minorities and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $50,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Holidays
• Monday to Friday
• On call
• Weekends as needed

Work Location: In person

Salary : $50,000