Director of Animal Welfare

Humane Society of West Michigan is looking for individuals excited to make a difference in the lives of animals in the West Michigan community.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

● Associates or Bachelor’s Degree in a related field or comparable work experience

● Minimum of two (2) years program management experience

● Minimum of three (3) years animal welfare experience preferred

● Developed working knowledge of animal welfare issues, including spay/neuter, pet overpopulation, animal behavior, responsible pet care practices and HSWM programs

● Demonstrated animal handling skills

● Understanding of vaccines and other preventative care

● The ability to run basic medical tests and equipment or capable of learning

● The ability to handle stress and remain calm in emergency situations

● Experience utilizing Microsoft Outlook for email and calendar management

● Higher level background with Microsoft Office Suite; particularly Excel, Word and PowerPoint

● Well-developed writing and editing skills

● High attention to detail proven through accuracy

● Highly-organized and efficient work practices (e.g. Seeks to proactively anticipate job related needs and to address them immediately.)

● Friendly and outgoing personality that communicates a positive attitude within and outside the workplace

● Flexible work schedule that will adjust for working nights and weekends as needed

● Ability to be reliable, responsible, timely and accountable

● Ability to follow instructions and stay on task to ensure the safety of animals, others and self

● Willingness to create and maintain a clean, healthy and safe shelter environment

● Ability to work independently and with others to foster a positive and healthy work environment

● Willingness to work with animals of any species, breed and size without prejudice

● Works effectively and respectfully with internal and external customers, including staff, co-workers, supervisors, volunteers, clients and the general public

● Ability to act with integrity and demonstrate commitment to and passion for Humane Society of West Michigan’s mission and values

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

● Oversee Veterinary, Behavior, Animal Care, Foster staff and related programming.

● Coordinate and lead daily work for Veterinary, Behavior and Foster staff, including Relief Veterinarians as needed.

● Schedule Veterinary staff to most efficiently streamline surgical and medical procedures based on current animal population.

● Hire, train, direct and manage staff; providing formal and informal feedback, coaching, performance reviews and corrective action, to ensure positive employment outcomes.

● Create and delegate training schedules and check ins with new hire employees as needed.

● Expand skills and knowledge of direct reports to better the mission of the HSWM by identifying continuing education opportunities.

● Create and maintain the budgets for Veterinary, Behavior and Foster program needs and monitor purchasing for those departments.

● Educate and train staff on proper protocol execution (including staff in other departments).

● Develop and maintain efficient and safe protocols for Veterinary, Behavior and Foster departments.

● Assist with coordinating and executing transports.

● Evaluate and ensure the adoptability of shelter animals.

● Maintain an ideal flow of animals throughout the building.

● Coordinate services with outside organizations or companies (usually veterinary related) as needed.

● Coordinate monthly (or more frequent) team meetings.

● Serve as the point of contact for all veterinary or foster emergencies.

● Ensure that while in the care of the HSWM, the HSWM is meeting an animal’s Five Freedoms by maintaining their physical and mental health.

● Lead a select team to perform daily rounds in order to quickly identify any medical or behavior concerns.

● Track monthly statistics in ShelterLuv and update outside databases as needed.

● Implement and maintain industry best practices and keep up to date as they change.

● Perform other duties as directed by the Executive Director to meet the needs of the organization.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

HSWM Expectations of Employees

● Treat all animals and people humanely, with compassion, both on and off the job, and transmits these values to others

● Provide accurate information and courteous service to the public at all times

● Discretion with confidential and financial information

● Adhere to all state and local laws regarding personally owned animals

Work Environment

● May be exposed to unpleasant noises, odor and animal feces

● May be exposed to bites, scratches and zoonotic diseases

Physical Demands

● Work requires lifting and carrying animals and items that weigh up to 40 pounds. Will be assisted by other staff members with animals and items weighing over 40 pounds.

● Will be required to walk or stand for extended periods of time. Will frequently work in a bent position.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $45,000.00 - $52,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Ability to Relocate:

• Grand Rapids, MI 49534: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $45,000 - $52,000