Assistant Director - Animal Services

The role of Assistant Animal Services Director involve responsible administrative work assisting the Division Manager with the administration of the Animal Services Program, including, but not limited to the Division's SAVE 90% Program's goal of saving as many adoptable animals as possible. Serves in the capacity of the Director in his/her absence. Assists the Director in all aspects of operations, budget administration, community and media relations, including special projects, long range planning, personnel and formulating Division policies.

Essential Job Functions

Oversees the daily activities of the Division's various functions, including shelter activities, customer service and field operations to ensure compliance with operational objectives for quality and effectiveness. Assists Director with implementation of the SAVE 90% Program by establishing partnerships with pet rescue organizations, community residents, volunteers and other community-based organizations. Assists Director with planning, scheduling, training and supervising the work of employees engaged in a wide variety of animal control activities. Assists with preparation of annual budget by researching and compiling pertinent information. Monitors budget expenditures for all operational activities. Coordinates fleet vehicles utilized within the Division including regular maintenance, accident investigations, repair work and vehicle replacement programs. Assists with reviewing existing practices and procedures to ascertain methods of improving animal capture techniques, as well as investigation and enforcement methods. Reviews and/or prepares cases for prosecution by the County and State Attorney's offices. Assists Director in the monitoring of rabies surveillance activities within the County parameters, including the coordination and implementation of the Oral Rabies Bait Program and any low-cost rabies vaccine clinics that may be implemented. Assists with providing or coordinating initial and follow-up certification training for the Animal Services staff. Instructs personnel in equipment operation and maintenance requirements. Assists Director with interviews and recommendations for hiring, terminations, evaluations and promotion of staff. Responsible for extensive report writing and record keeping duties. Assists Director with analysis of statistical data to determine trends and projections concerning community needs relating to effective animal control and adoptions. Assists with duties and responsibilities associated with activation of the Emergency Operations Center through staffing, coordinating and participating with ESF 17. Performs all other related duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• 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.
• 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/WORKING CONDITIONS: Must be able to physically control 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 verbal, written and visual communication.

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE: Graduation from an accredited college with a Bachelor's Degree in Public Health, Public Administration, Business Administration, or related field and three (3) years' experience in Animal Control, law enforcement, or military field, in either supervisory or progressively responsible position required.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS OR REGISTRATIONS: Must possess a valid Florida driver's license. Must qualify for commission as a notary public within six (6) months of employment. Current certification as Animal Control Officer in the State of Florida is preferred. One or more of the following certifications is preferred: Florida Sterling Examiner, Malcolm Baldridge Examiner, or Kaizen.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Must have and maintain a working telephone, as employee is subject to call. Must attend and satisfactorily complete State certification in Chemical Capture and as a Euthanasia Technician within one (1) year of employment date. Certification from the Florida Animal Control Officer Association within the first year of employment is required.

ADA STATEMENT: A qualified employee or applicant with a disability may be afforded a reasonable accommodation to perform the essential job functions of a position in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE: Pasco County is a drug-free workplace in accordance with Federal and Florida Law.

EMERGENCY RESPONSE/RECOVERY ACTIVITIES: All employees will be required to work before, during, or after an emergency. During an emergency, employees may temporarily be assigned to work and perform duties outside the normal scope of their position, location and work schedule to fit the needs of the County and its citizens.

• Florida Retirement System (FRS) retirement plan
• PTO (Paid Time Off)
• Paid holidays
• Group insurance
• Tuition reimbursement
• Deferred compensation
• Medical leave pool
• Annual medical leave buy-back
• Mid-management/Professional grade, and management personnel may receive 40 hours of admin leave per calendar year.