Animal Scientist jobs in Richmond, VA

Summary:

The Animal Shelter Facility Supervisor will report directly to the General Services Director. Under general direction, the Animal Shelter Facility Supervisor will perform responsible administrative and technical work supervising the day-to-day operations of the animal shelter to include, but not limited to, kennel operations, health care, euthanasia, administrative and support services for animal care issues, assuring that established care standards are met for all animals and other duties as assigned. He/she will be responsible for the performance of the Animal Shelter staff. The Facility Supervisor is expected to exercise initiative and independent judgment in performing the full range of administrative and supervisory duties.

Essential Functions of the Position:

1. Supervises, coordinates, and monitors all procedures involved in the receiving, housekeeping, treatment, adoption, quarantine, redemption, transferring, or euthanasia of impounded animals, including all husbandry procedures to ensure humane and safe handling of animals and to ensure compliance with federal and state guidelines;

2. Supervises animal shelter operations, including kennel cage cleaning and sanitation to protect staff and public safety, and the humane treatment of animals;

3. Prepares and submits all reports and documentation related to animal shelter operations;

4. Provides administrative and technical direction, policy interpretation and supervision to employees to include, but not limited to, hiring, ensure proper training, planning, assigning and directing work, participating in performance reviews and disciplinary actions;

5. Establish and promote a team approach with staff and supervise initial and recurring trainings required for shelter staff and volunteers.

6. Maintains effective and productive working relationships with volunteers, animal rescue/welfare groups, other departments and agencies to promote and increase animal adoptions;

7. Creates and/or maintains manual and computer-based records and databases related to shelter operations, and compiles, analyzes, and records data for special reports as needed by other public or private agencies;

8. Supervises, coordinates, and monitors the procurement, storage, security, use, and disposal of chemicals and pharmaceuticals for shelter operations; and assures compliance with applicable federal, stated, and local laws, rules, regulations, and standards;

9. Establish and/or maintain protocols and procedures for general physical health examinations of animals, temperament evaluations, and pet personality profiles for all animals admitted to the shelter, and train other staff to perform the same;

10. Initiate and/or maintain a training program for shelter staff;

11. Perform front counter operations, including adoptions and customer service.

12. Ensure compliance with OSHA/VOSH standards and regulations;

13. Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Thorough knowledge of local, state and federal laws related to animal shelter management, along with a thorough knowledge of the guidelines and standards of the State Veterinarian;
• Thorough understanding of sound business and management principles, including leadership approaches, strong analytical and organizational skills, attention to detail along with excellent professional and administrative judgment;
• General knowledge of personnel principles and practices;
• General knowledge in the use of office equipment such as computer terminals and copiers;
• Thorough knowledge of occupational hazards and safety precautions of animal shelter work;
• Ability to plan, review and evaluate the work of assigned personnel
• Exceptional communication skills, both oral and written, as well as excellent customer service skills are crucial to deal with a broad range of customers;
• Must also be able to establish and maintain successful professional working relationships with outside agencies, Department Heads, County staff, government officials, citizens, volunteers, rescue/welfare groups, and the general public are essential.

The flexibility to adjust the work schedule to accommodate the needs of the County, including working evenings and weekends, and occasional holidays, as required, is essential.

Education and Experience:

Any combination equivalent to the education and experience likely to provide the required knowledge and abilities would be qualifying.

Education

A High School Diploma or GED equivalency; related college course work is desirable.

Experience

Two years of experience in animal shelter administration, animal health care management, or animal hospital office management, this includes supervision of staff.

Equipment, Tools and Work Aids used in performing the essential functions of the position:

Computer, HALT, County vehicle, Catchpoles, Camera, Telephone, Cell Phone, Protective clothing, Cages, Traps, Disinfectants and cleaning supplies.

Adverse Working Conditions and Environmental Hazards:

1. Exposure to Animal bites.

2. Exposure to inclement weather.

3. Exposure to dirt, air contaminants, animals, temperature extremes, noise and toxic materials/chemicals.

Physical Demands Associated with the Essential Functions of the Position:

The work is performed in office and shelter surroundings. Typical position requires workers to walk or stand for long periods; Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects; Climb, crawl, kneel or stoop to perform shelter duties.

License or Certifications:

In accordance with the County’s safety requirements a valid Motor Vehicle Operators License is required.

Training and Certification in humane chemical euthanasia of animals within 1 year of employment.

Special Requirements:

Must also be willing to submit to a criminal background and DMV records check and testing consistent with the County’s Drug-Free Workplace Policy.