Animal Services Manager

General Description

This position oversees and manages all daily field, office, and associated personnel. Responsible for enforcement of the Sumter County Animal Services Ordinances and state laws relating to domestic animals and livestock. Protects the safety and welfare of the public, domestic animals and livestock. This position oversees the kennel operations and associated personnel.

Essential Job Functions

• Directs the Animal Services office, field, and kennel operations personnel. Responsible for ensuring the humane treatment of impounded animals, writes and recommends division policies and procedures as needed, and ensures compliance with the same.
• Enforces, interprets, and explains County ordinances and state statutes; receives, evaluates, and responds to complaints received, and maintains a close working relationship with law enforcement agencies, Health Department (bites/rabies/etc.), and County Code Enforcement. Prepares or coordinates the formulation of various reports and records as they pertain to the Animal Services Division.
• Develops, updates, and directs disaster evacuation plans for the division; coordinates with Emergency Management during events; maintains the standard operating policy of ESF 17 and recommends revisions as needed; manages general field and animal-friendly shelter operations with the emergency operations center, law enforcement, health department, city and county agencies, and veterinarians.
• Maintains equipment used in the division, inventory and property records.
• Attends required Court sessions and Special Master Hearings.
• Review and approve all content used, displayed, or transmitted electronically via the internet related to animal care or other information related to the Animal Services Division.
• Provides a positive example for subordinate staff regarding work ethic, attitude, professional ethics, knowledge of policies/procedures, interpersonal interactions, and mutual respect.
• In case of an emergency or crisis (hurricane, flood, etc.), the position must respond/perform recovery duties as assigned by the immediate supervisor.
• Maintains regular physical attendance during normal work hours as assigned at one of the county’s offices or work facilities with the ability to work evenings, nights, and holidays as required. Performs related duties 24 hours a day as needed to control emergencies related to animal control ordinances and statutes, providing management assistance as needed.
  
  

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

(These essential job functions are not to be construed as a complete statement of all duties performed. Employees will be required to perform other job-related marginal duties as required.)MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Knowledge of State and County animal ordinances, regulations, animal care policies, and procedures of the Division and Board of County Commissioners (BOCC).
• Knowledge of proper methods for trapping/capturing, handling, transporting, and caring for small and large domestic animals, and sufficient knowledge to distinguish between various breeds of animals for proper identification.
• Knowledge of Guidelines for Standards of Care in Animal Shelters.
• Knowledge of animal behavior sufficient to recognize normal and abnormal behavior and diseases in domestic and wild animals.
• Knowledge of current office methods, equipment, and procedures, including word processing and the use of animal software management systems.
• Ability to use a computer.
• Ability to maintain records and prepare written technical reports.
• Ability to solve practical problems, plan, direct, prioritize, and supervise programs and activities with close attention to accurate results and take a teamwork approach.
• Ability to deal with the public and enforce laws impartially, firmly, and tactfully.
• Ability to maintain sanitary conditions of kennels, vehicles, and equipment.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to meet and deal with people of diverse cultural backgrounds and work with multiple Animal Rescue related agencies.
• Ability to interpret or use a variety of instructions, legal or public rights terminology, and language.
• Ability to make effective and persuasive speeches and presentations on controversial or complex topics.
• Ability to offer accurate testimony in court proceedings, civil actions, and before hearing officers.
• Ability to coordinate hands and eyes rapidly and accurately in using machinery and equipment.
• Ability to deal effectively with people and animals under stress.
• Ability to respond on scene to after-hours and weekend calls within sixty (60) minutes.
  
  

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with an Associate Degree in Veterinary Science, Business Management, Biological Science, or a closely related field.
• Four (4) years of experience in kennel/shelter management or similar environment with domestic animals.
• Four (4) years of supervisory experience.
  
  

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, OR REGISTRATIONS:

• Valid Florida Driver’s License and a driving record acceptable to the insurance provider.
• Must possess and maintain certification as a Certified Animal Control Officer in the State of Florida.
• Must possess and maintain certification as a Euthanasia Technician or obtain within six (6) months of employment.
• Additional certifications as National Animal Control Officer, National Cruelty Investigator, or National Equine Investigator preferred.
• Must possess or obtain the required National Incident Management System (NIMS) certifications within six (6) months of employment.
• National Incident Management System (NIMS) training related to animals and livestock preferred.
• Must possess and maintain certification for Chemical Immobilization or obtain certification within one (1) year of employment.
• Must possess and maintain certification for Bite Stick or obtain certification within one (1) year of employment.
• Must possess and maintain certification for Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) Spray or obtain certification within one (1) year of employment.
  
  

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL SKILLS:

• Acceptable vision (with or without correction)
• Acceptable hearing (with or without correction)
• Moderate lifting and carrying (up to 50 pounds without assistance)
• Reaching
• Pulling
• Climbing
• Walking
• Standing
• Crawling
• Kneeling
• Bending
• Stooping
• Jumping
• Running
• Must be able to drive a truck
• Must be able to drive a vehicle towing a livestock or horse trailer
  
  

Vaccinations

• Hepatitis A within sixty (60) days of employment
• Hepatitis B within sixty (60) days of employment
• Pre-exposure Rabies within sixty (60) days of employment
• Tetanus within sixty (60) days of employment
  
  

Environmental Conditions

• Works inside and outside in varying weather conditions with noise and dust
• Works on uneven, slippery surfaces and heights
• Works with animals, including flea/tick-infested areas, dead and diseased animals
• Works with moving objects and vehicles
• Works in stressful situations
  
  

Reasonable accommodation will be made for otherwise qualified individuals with a disability.

FLSA Exempt Status

Revised 05/22/2024