JOB TITLE: Animal Care Manager JOB STATUS: Full Time; Exempt (Administrative)

REPORTS TO: Shelter Director (40 hours/week)

POSITION SUMMARY

The Animal Care Manager (ACM) is responsible for the overall management of HSCC’s animal population (cats, dogs and small animals such as rabbits, ferrets and rodents). The main purpose is to oversee humane daily care and ensure efficient movement through the shelter system from intake to adoption. The ACM, with support from the Shelter Director, is charged with big picture thinking and provides leadership, supervision and training to the animal care staff to ensure sheltering standards are current and animal welfare best practices are applied. The ACM works directly with members of the Operations Management Team to determine appropriate and responsible plans for animals within HSCC’s care. This position also manages animal transport.

ESSENTIAL ADMINISTRATIVE FUNCTIONS

• Manage the hiring, evaluation, and dismissal of animal care staff; address and resolve personnel disputes, requesting support from the Shelter Director as needed
• Manage and train animal care staff and volunteers, Foster Care Program Coordinator, under the guidance of the Shelter Director
• Assist in the development and implementation of operational and organizational policies
• Convene with members of the Operations Management Team to address daily, short term, and long term needs of the animals and the shelter
• Assist with development/management of annual budget in relation to animal care revenue and expenses
• Input accurate data into ShelterLuv (person and animal data, memos, find solutions to errors)
• Maintain inventory and place orders for shelter and animal supplies
• Manage shelter expenses relating to animal care, code accurately and submit for billing
• Other responsibilities as directed

ESSENTIAL OPERATIONAL FUNCTIONS

• Ensure proper animal care protocols are implemented and regularly updated, including animal diets, cleaning protocols, behavioral enrichment and training
• Maintain and monitor overall wellness of the animal population by regular observation and interaction, and through solicitation of feedback from staff and volunteers
• Under the direction of the Shelter Director, and in collaboration with the Medical Clinic Director, conduct daily rounds and discussion to create strategic plans for individual animal cases
• Ensure animals are moved through the shelter program promptly and efficiently, record-keeping is up-to-date and accurate, behavioral and/or medical concerns are addressed with the Operations Management Team, and a good quality of life is maintained for all animals on a consistent basis
• Manage kennel and cage space and ensure appropriate room is available/ready for incoming animals
• Assess adoption readiness; responsible for prep, file work, and necessary steps to make animals available in a timely manner
• Organize and oversee shelter transport program; develop and maintain partner relationships
• Work closely with the Foster Program Coordinator along with the Medical Clinic Director as needed to discuss animals who need foster.
• Coordinate the Good Neighbor and Spay the Mom programs
• Coordinate Animal Control and town surrender intake requests
• Assist Humane Investigator and local law enforcement on animal cruelty and neglect cases, as needed
• Provide animal care and behavior information and advice to members of the public, conduct dog introductions and behavior consults
• Assign daily cleaning responsibilities, tasks, and animal enrichment
• Open, close and secure the facility at end of shift, following security protocols
• Assist with medical check-in, restraint of animals, routine animal care and cleaning, as needed
• Assist with humane euthanasia, as needed
• Assist in the lobby, process intakes, as needed
• Other responsibilities as directed

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Advanced computer and phone literacy
• Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills with the ability to multi-task competing priorities
• Friendly, upbeat & outgoing personality with a commitment to superior animal care & customer service
• Ability to work well under pressure in emotionally charged situations and handle confrontation politely and professionally while working to find a solution
• Ability to positively interact with colleagues and community members from widely varied backgrounds with integrity and honesty while always maintaining confidentiality
• Compassion for animals and people, and commitment to the mission, values, and goals of HSCC
• Willingness and ability to do moderate to heavy physical labor in relation to cleaning our facility and handling animals; ability to bend, twist, and lift at least 50 lbs. repeatedly throughout the course of a day
• Must have a valid driver’s license and willing to transport animals, as needed
• Evening, weekend and holiday work required
• Willingness to: work as a team member, pitch in as needed & have fun

Required Experience:

• Seasoned supervisory and management experience with a demonstrated ability to direct, lead, problem solve and offer support
• 3 years hands-on animal sheltering experience
• Knowledge and experience in animal behavior, training, handling and husbandry in a shelter setting