What are the responsibilities and job description for the Animal Care Supervisor position at Washington Humane Society?
About the Humane Rescue Alliance (HRA)
For more than 150 years, the Humane Rescue Alliance has championed the protection of animals, support for people, and service to the community. With campuses in the District of Columbia and New Jersey, along with the nation’s leading pet transport initiative, it stands as the largest and most comprehensive animal services provider in the region. Each year, HRA transforms the lives of tens of thousands of animals through rescue and adoption, humane protection, access to medical care, innovative community programs, and legislative leadership. Its broad reach and deep expertise enable HRA to reimagine traditional sheltering and address the most complex challenges facing animals and the people who love them.
Job Summary
Under the direction of the Operations Manager & Director, the Animal Care Supervisor is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the animal care department and ensuring the highest standards of animal welfare at Humane Rescue Alliance (HRA).
This role provides direct supervision, leadership, and development of all Animal Care staff, ensuring consistency in care, cleanliness, enrichment, and adherence to Standard Operating Procedures.
The Animal Care Supervisor serves as a key operational leader, ensuring efficient workflow, staff accountability, and a safe, humane environment for all animals.
The Role: What You’ll Do
Leadership & Supervision
- Directly supervise, coach, and support all Animal Care staff & Leads, ensuring accountability and high performance.
- Create and maintain daily staff schedules to ensure proper coverage and operational efficiency.
- Lead onboarding, training, and continuous development of Animal Care team members.
- Conduct regular check-ins, performance feedback, and assist with performance evaluations.
- Foster a positive, inclusive, and team-oriented work environment.
- Address staff concerns, resolve conflicts, and escalate issues to the Operations Manager as needed.
Animal Care Oversight
- Oversee and ensure completion of all daily animal care tasks including feeding, cleaning, enrichment, and monitoring.
- Ensure all animal housing areas meet HRA’s standards for cleanliness, safety, and enrichment.
- Monitor animal health and behavior, ensuring timely communication with Medical and Behavior teams.
- Ensure accurate and timely documentation in systems such as Pet Point.
- Maintain compliance with all animal welfare regulations and organizational policies.
Operations & Coordination
- Manage daily workflow and task assignments to ensure efficiency and consistency across shifts.
- Identify operational gaps and implement solutions to improve processes and outcomes.
- Coordinate with Facilities to address maintenance and repair needs.
- Ensure supplies and inventory for animal care are adequately stocked and maintained.
- Serve as primary point of contact for Animal Care operations in the absence of the Operations Manager.
Behavior & Enrichment Support
- Ensure implementation of daily enrichment plans and behavior support strategies.
- Collaborate with Behavior team on interventions, playgroups, and assessments.
- Support staff in safe animal handling practices, including Fear Free® techniques.
Customer & Public Interaction
- Support adopters, fosters, and volunteers with animal care and behavior guidance as needed.
- Represent HRA professionally when interacting with the public and community partners.
Compliance & Safety
- Ensure staff adhere to all safety protocols, animal handling procedures, and regulatory requirements.
- Maintain a safe working environment for staff, volunteers, and animals.
- Respond appropriately to emergencies, including animal incidents and facility concerns.
General Responsibilities
- Perform hands-on animal care duties as needed to support team operations.
- Handle animals of all temperaments, including sick, injured, or aggressive animals.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the Operations Manager or Director.
- In the event that a direct report calls out, you may be required to report in to ensure adequate coverage.
Physical Requirements & Work Environment
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the primary functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
- Basic knowledge of animal restraint and handling techniques and general animal safety practices, including recognizing animal breeds and behavior patterns.
- Basic understanding of canine and feline behavior, animal health, and positive reinforcement training methods.
- Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills with the ability to multi-task.
- Passion for the St. Hubert’s & HRA mission, and for caring for all animals regardless of age, breed, temperament, or species, and supporting and educating members of the public, free of judgment or bias.
- Work collaboratively and with confidence in a high-stress, fast-paced work environment.
- Ability to work effectively, both independently and in a team environment, in an atmosphere of multiple projects, shifting priorities, and deadline pressures. Ability to be flexible, detail-oriented, and able to prioritize.
- Ability to positively interact with colleagues, coworkers, and community members from widely varied backgrounds with integrity and honesty throughout the position, maintaining confidentiality.
- Reliability and a high level of integrity, and punctuality are essential.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills; bilingual plus.
- Highly motivated and creative with experience and a passion for connecting with current and future clients.
- Able to work well under pressure, in emotionally charged situations and handle confrontation politely and professionally while finding a solution
About You: Skills & Qualifications
- Minimum 2-year animal welfare or animal related experience
- Fear Free® certified required or must obtain within 30 days of employment
- Excellent organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
- Proficient in the use and application of computer technology with proficient use of programs including Microsoft Office programs, the internet, and database management software to efficiently accomplish work.
Qualifications – Education & Experience
- Minimum of 18 years of age.
- High School Diploma or GED
- 1-2 Years of supervisory experience preferred
Benefits Overview: Humane Rescue Alliance (HRA)
At the Humane Rescue Alliance (HRA), we are committed to supporting the well-being of our employees so they can continue making a meaningful impact for animals and the community. We offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support your health, financial security, and work-life balance.
Benefits include:
- $0-Cost Medical Plan Option: Access to a no-cost employee-only medical plan through CareFirst, making healthcare more accessible and affordable
- Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance: Multiple plan options available to meet individual and family needs
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): Pre-tax options to help manage healthcare and dependent care expenses
- 401(k) Retirement Plan with Employer Support: Administered through Empower, with tools and resources to help you plan for your future
- Generous Paid Time Off (PTO): Including vacation, sick leave, and holidays to support rest and work-life balance
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential resources to support mental health, wellness, and life challenges
- Commuter Benefits (WMATA SmartBenefits): Pre-tax transit benefits for metro, bus, and eligible commuting expenses
- Professional Development & Training Opportunities: Including Fear Free Certification and ongoing learning initiatives to support career growth
- Flexible Work Environment (Role-Dependent): Opportunities for hybrid or flexible scheduling based on position and operational needs
- Employee Discounts & Perks: Discounts on pet adoptions, veterinary products, and partner offerings
Multilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. A salary premium may be offered for multilingual candidates who demonstrate proficiency in written and oral testing.
HRA is committed to being an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate because of race, color, creed, gender, religion, national origin, disability, age, pregnancy, genetic predisposition or carrier status, marital status, citizenship status, or sexual orientation. Accommodations will be provided to qualified individuals requiring them.
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