Animal Shelter Coordinator

Essential functions:

• Identifies animals for possible euthanasia and reports those findings to the Chief Animal Control Officer
• Performs or assists in euthanasia
• Ensure that files, records and statistics are properly maintained including: animal intake, disposition, adoption, euthanasia, medical care and procedures of shelter animals and controlled substances
• Maintain a working relationship with established rescue groups to effectively utilize space and systematically respond to seasonal influxes of animals.
• Maintain the AC Departments “No Kill” Philosophy, by maintaining a live release rate of 90% or more. Manage the pet spay/neuter and adoption program to ensure interested and acceptable individuals are quickly united with adoptable pets.
• Perform daily inspection of shelter facilities to monitor the general health of shelter animals and insure proper medical care is rendered in a timely, humane, safe and efficient manner.
• Recognize sickness and disease (including infectious disease) in shelter animals, take steps to reduce continued exposure to other shelter animals and to humans entering and working in the shelter
• Implement Shelter Best Management Practices, – including health, behavior and general care for Shelter animals individually and collectively.
• Administers vaccines, medications and preventative care to Shelter animals
• Perform in-house testing and medical treatments
• Regularly inspect shelter property for needed repairs and maintenance and report findings to Chief Animal Control officer if repairs are needed to maintain buildings and grounds.
• Prepare reports on the operational statistics and shelter activities.
• Respond to and resolve sensitive inquiries and complaints from other animal care providers and the general public.
• Interpret and convey ordinances, state statutes, regulations and County policies to the general public.
• Help ensure that appropriate fees are collected from pet owners.
• Monitor shelter supplies.
• Maintain a comprehensive public relations program to ensure all web and printed information reflects a consistent message.
• Implement training modules for the volunteers to increase their knowledge of the shelter.
• Identify clear work functions and daily assignments for volunteers and inmates that increase accountability and ensure a high level of professional customer service to the community.
• Meet and greet the public and answer questions regarding animal shelter operations and policies.
• Assist ACOs in the field as needed.
• Assist in the training of additional Shelter staff paid or volunteer.

Knowledge of:

• All computer applications and hardware related to performance of the essential function of the job.
• Record keeping, report preparation, filing methods and records management techniques.
• Knowledge of state and local laws, regulations, codes and ordinances relating to proper treatment of sheltering animals.
• Principals and techniques for properly handling and caring for injured animals.
• Principals and techniques for properly handling fractious animals.
• The hazards and safety precautions involved in operating an animal shelter.
• Customer service skills and techniques.
• Principals and techniques for properly handling/caring for infectious animals

Desired skills:

• Work in an environment which contains fumes, disinfectants or airborne particles.
• Handle animals which are sick, injured, frightened, dangerous or vicious animals which may display unpredictable behavior.
• Manage the mental and emotional stress that may accompany the injured and/or euthanasia of animals.
• Work in all types of weather conditions.
• Work in a noisy environment.
• Stand for long periods of time.
• Climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch and crawl to inspect shelter enclosures.
• Handle needles and give injections, treat gruesome injuries, clean up vomit and diarrhea

Additional skills:

• Interpret, explain, and ensure compliance with policies, procedures and regulations.
• Prepare clear and concise reports.
• Effectively responds to calls for service and dispatches information to the ACOs.
• Recognize normal and abnormal animal behavior.
• Handle potentially dangerous animals in a safe manner.
• Work weekends, evenings, holidays and special events as needed and required.
• Understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Assist in planning and coordinating special County and volunteer events for the Animal Shelter.
• Implement and maintain programs to promote the adoption of shelter animals.
• Exercise good judgment and self-restraint when operating in stressful situations.
• To define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw conclusions.
• Work on multiple projects and assignments simultaneously.
• Use persuasion and diplomacy to achieve consensus and cooperation, especially on difficult or divisive issues.
• Exercise initiative, ingenuity and good judgment in decision-making and in solving problems, including problems of a sensitive or political nature.
• Remain flexible in adapting to changes in priorities, assignments and other interruptions which may impact pre-established timelines and courses of action for completing projects and assignments.
• Lead by positive example by promoting positive, collaborative and professional working relations among staff and outside agencies.

Typical Qualifications: 

Any combination of training or experience that would provide the knowledge and skills to successfully perform the listed duties is qualifying.  A typical way, but not required, to obtain the required knowledge and skills would be:

-Prior experience with domestic animals and livestock is highly desirable.

Special Requirements:

-Possession of a valid driver’s license.

-High School Diploma or equivalent

-Euthanasia Certification.  Applicants who do not possess the Euthanasia Certification may be appointed to the position, but the required coursework must be taken and the certificate obtained at the discretion of the department head.

Salary : $39,603 - $49,338