JOB SUMMARY

The Walker County Animal Services Director must be highly motivated, have strong management experience, outstanding computer skills, proficient communication skills, interpersonal skills, multi-tasking, and be passionate about animals, with a strong decision-making capability. 

The Animal Services Director under the direction and leadership of the Chairman/CEO is responsible for the overall day-to-day operations of the Animal Shelter and Animal Control.  Direct supervision of the Animal Shelter Manager and Animal Control Manager.  Accountable for department budget, and compliance with HR Personnel Policies.  Compliance with all laws regulating animal humane treatment and welfare of animals in the department’s care.  

Animal welfare is our mission. Above all, we strive to improve the lives of companion animals by rehoming abused, abandoned, and neglected pets while fighting for their wellbeing through legislative effort, humane education, and assistance with affordable veterinary care. We are looking for a leader with strategic, creative, and financial acumen, as well as strong business intellect and a passion for making a positive difference in the lives of animals. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

  • Develops work schedules, assigns and reviews work, hires and trains new staff; provides assistance and direction as needed; evaluates staff performance, submits time and attendance information into New World Payroll System maintains personal and training files, etc.
  • Establishes educational programs regarding Walker County’s Animal Care Ordinances, humane treatment, and related animal welfare best practices, animal behavior problems, and animal adoptions.  Community engagement through public speaking to community groups and providing information and education to the public.  
  • Engagement with our local school systems to provide educational outreach training on animal care and welfare best practices to our school community. 
  • Ensure that adequate office systems, personnel, and operational resources are in place to facilitate the productive day-to-day administration of the organization. Provide direct guidance to the Managers who are responsible for supervising shelter and animal control teams. Verify compliance with all federal, state, and local regulatory requirements. 
  • Maintains and reviews daily activity sheets, productivity reports, drug usage logs, and euthanasia logs for appropriateness of action, and prepares reports concerning shelter activity; inspects shelter equipment and vehicles to ensure they are in safe and proper working condition.
  • Establishes and maintains an approved standard of care for animals in the county’s care.
  • Works collaboratively with all staff members to achieve the completion of daily work assignments, following proper protocols; has accountability for measurable results in these areas. 
  • Treats animals humanely, with compassion and concern both on and off the job and transmits these values to others.
  • Regularly conducts and participates in meetings with the staff to share ideas and suggestions designed to improve working conditions and the overall care of animals in the county’s care.
  • Works with the shelter team to implement standard protocol and procedures including but not limited to physical examinations, vaccinations, euthanasia and other procedures.
  • Supervises and performs euthanasia in accordance with shelter protocol and Georgia law; trains personnel in preparation for euthanasia certification achievement.
  • Ensures a high level of communication and supervision with and maintains discipline and prescribes work performance standards for all team members and volunteers.
  • Fosters a team environment by working effectively with all departments and members of the Walker County Government to accomplish department and organizational goals and objectives.
  • Maintains written equipment and daily operational supply inventory ensuring that necessary tools and resources are readily available to staff when needed.
  • Is responsible for monthly/annual animal statistics reports.
  • Promotes a positive business relationship with veterinarians outside the shelter.
  • Provides on-call support to respond to animal emergencies on an as-needed basis.
  • Coordinates with the Public Relations Director on all external communication, including but not limited to social media, website updates, adoption events, press releases, interviews, and video or TV requests. 
  • Works effectively and efficiently with the Animal Control Board and attends all “Doggie Court” sessions.
  • Other duties as assigned. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

  • Must be at least 18 years old
  • High School diploma or GED
  • Two years of college work preferred
  • Four years of experience in a veterinary office, kennel, shelter or similar environment
  • Four years of supervisory experience preferred
  • Experience in working with governmental agencies, community groups, volunteers and or animal welfare organizations

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

  • Operates a variety of equipment associated with animal control activities, which may include an animal control truck, animal restraint equipment, chemical immobilization equipment, animal traps, or other tools, a personal computer, general office equipment or other equipment as necessary to complete essential functions, to include the use of word processing, spreadsheet, database, or other system software.
  • Effectively communicate in the English language both in writing and orally. 
  • Accurately add, subtract, multiply, and divide.
  • Ability to organize tasks and daily assignments for coworkers efficiently.
  • Carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.  
  • Maintain confidence around pets. 
  • The accumulated knowledge of and compassion for domestic animals and wildlife.
  • Demonstrated capability to be a self-starter, facilitator, organizer and innovator.
  • Ability to plan and implement projects with little supervision and must be able to work independently.
  • Provide excellent customer service to citizens at all times and especially in stressful circumstances by providing friendly interaction with clients and animals and ensuring customer satisfaction.
  • LANGUAGE SKILLS: Must be able to communicate effectively (orally and written), possess excellent presentation skills, and ability to lead discussions and meetings. 
  • MATHEMATICAL SKILLS: Basic knowledge of math skills. Ability to formulate and evaluate financial proposals and analyze “deals” 
  • REASONING ABILITY: Must be able to analyze data, determine trends and apply the results. Ability to anticipate reactions from the public, elected officials, business community, and governmental agencies in order to manage various situations.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

  • Euthanasia Certification
  • A valid driver’s license, and a satisfactory Motor Vehicle Report (MVR) 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

These physical demands are representative of the physical requirements for an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the Animal Services Director job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable people with disabilities to perform the essential duties of this job.

While performing the responsibilities of the job, the employee is required to regularly stand for extended periods, frequently walk, stoop, kneel, or crouch, and lift or move up to 35 pounds frequently and 75 pounds occasionally.  Pulling, pushing, tugging, and towing when transporting animals by leash or in cages is also performed on a frequent basis. Some larger canine breeds may exceed 100 pounds. Larger animals should always be handled by two or more staff members.

Exposure to dangerous and fractious animals, animal bites, and scratches is frequent so the need for restraint of temperamental, aggressive, and sick animals will occur on a regular basis. The physical agility and mental acuity to handle these sudden and potentially dangerous situations is a must, especially when euthanasia is required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is usually exposed to a noise level that is moderate to loud/frequent. Use of and exposure to strong cleaning chemicals and disinfectants, other allergens, and zoonotic disease occurs daily. Works both inside and outside all year round in a variety of weather conditions. Part of the job requires working without the aid of air conditioning and heating for periods of time.

This position also required some work on weekends and holidays. 

STANDARDS FOR MEASURING PERFORMANCE

  • Successful development and implementation of objectives; continuous growth in service provided.
  • Ability to work alone or with a team.
  • Appropriate and positive interaction with staff, management, volunteers, community groups, professional associates and private citizens.
  • The accomplishment of job functions in an effective and timely manner. 
  • Proficiency in oral and written communication.
  • Effectiveness in establishing priorities, working on multiple assignments, and concurrent projects.
  • Exercise of sound judgment in the absence of specific guidelines.
  • Demonstrated ability to thoroughly analyze problems; to meet demanding and changing deadlines in spite of interruptions.
  • Adherence to established policies and procedures.

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