Job Details

Animal Services Director

Under limited supervision this position is responsible for directing, planning, implementing, operating and evaluating the County's Animal Services Department in accordance with NC General Statutes, local ordinance and department policy. Animal Services is a department inclusive of both animal control and shelter operations. This position manages animal services activities including preparing departmental reports, preparing and monitoring the departmental budget, updating records, overseeing departmental projects, addressing public inquiries, reviewing complaints dealing with animal attacks, serving as a departmental liaison, supervising the Deputy Director, Shelter Manager, shelter personnel, and seeks and manages grants and builds strong relationships with community partners. This position also is responsible for managing the daily operations of the County animal shelter. This position is a business minded individual focused on the growth and development of animal services, shelter operation, animal programs, and staff. This position keeps County management, the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC), and the Animal Services Advisory Board (ASAB) aware of the status of department operations and initiatives. Reports to the Assistant County Manager/Planning Director.

Works with Animal Services Advisory Board (ASAB) to develop, implement, monitor and evaluate County's Animal Services Strategic Plan. Ensures that department acts in accordance with Animal Services Ordinances as adopted by the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC). Reports status of department operations and initiatives to ASAB and BOCC. Generates departmental policies and procedures and ensures department staff and volunteers are oriented and trained. Maintain specific records regarding the number and type of animals that come under the control of the shelter each month, a numerical break out indicating the origin of the animal, (named city or county) and the method of dispatching those animals. Administer sheltering contracts with Pitt County municipalities and tabulate monthly charges to be paid to the county finance department from specific cities under contract for animal sheltering and ensure that appropriate invoices are forwarded to the cities in a routine and timely manner. Maintain accurate accounting of all funds received by the Animal Shelter, from adoptions, reclaims, donations and spay/neutering, and be prepared to provide monthly and annual reports regarding total receipts and tracking of the funds. Oversee the Low Cost Spay/Neuter program for Pitt County. Maintain specific records regarding the sale of low-cost vouchers as well as surgical and post-operative records. Ensure the shelter is always compliant with all pertinent county, state, and federal laws, and that the shelter meets all North Carolina Standards for Sheltering Prepares annual budget and monitors department revenues and expenditures. Evaluate the annual budget of the shelter and ensure that all programs are operated in a financially responsible and efficient manner. Use and maintain shelter specific software. Monitor data of current capacity, surgical, and vaccination logs, medical treatments and microchipping. Conduct staff meetings with all employees of the shelter as necessary for training, information flow, and policy changes. Administers or provides recommendations for routine personnel matters affecting subordinates, such as recruiting, interviewing, hiring training, assigning, scheduling, granting leave, appraising and disciplining, etc., submitting such records and reports as required by County management. Writing and implementing disease management protocols and procedures including cross contaminations and zoonotic disease transmission for the shelter. Coordinate, schedule and staff on-site adoption events. Oversee the coordination of off-site adoption events, choosing animals to attend and paying special attention to the medical records and preparation of animals attending events. Develop a strong cadre of qualified animal shelter volunteers and the guidelines under which they will be allowed to participate at the Shelter. Supervise all volunteers and keep records of days and hours worked at the Shelter. Coordinate with the contracted Veterinarian regarding the selection of animals for euthanasia and approve and supervise the process to ensure it is conducted in a humane fashion and according to state and federal law. Administering testing for euthanasia certification of Kennel personnel and submitting appropriate paperwork for State certification. Coordinating with the contracted Veterinarian all medical treatments for shelter animals. Keeps all license for the shelter current Performs all Dangerous Dog Investigations and makes a ruling Serves as back-up in the shelter and field when short handed Supervise and coordinate the purchase of all animal shelter supplies, services, and equipment while following Pitt County purchasing policies and guidelines. Apply for grant funding and maintain records for reporting the use of grant funds. Set up and facilitate shelter tour groups from local schools, educating children of shelter policies and procedures, adoptions, as well as spay/neuter. Facilitate educational meetings at local Elementary Schools Coordinated, schedule and staff fundraising opportunities for the shelter. Addresses customer questions and concerns regarding animal adoption, redemption, euthanasia, and problem animals; addresses public inquiries regarding animal care and disease prevention. Performs work during emergency/disaster situations. Works with Emergency Management to establish animal shelter for people housed in emergency shelters. Prepares and analyzes departmental reports, updates records, and oversees departmental projects. Investigates and reviews complaints dealing with animal attacks and meeting with appropriate panels to decide on the fate of the animal. Serves as a liaison to municipal and County officials, members of the media, community rescue organizations and other external groups to clarify and promote departmental operations and provide education to the general public. Attends animal cruelty investigators course and directs the investigation of animal neglect/cruelty complaints as assigned and ensures necessary action is taken including issuing of citations and possible court action. Fosters positive relationships with animal organizations and community partners. Performs other related work as required.

Graduation from a four-year college and 2 years of directly related experience; or an associate degree and 4 years of directly related experience; or high school diploma and 6 years of directly related experience.

Possession of a valid North Carolina Driver's license and a good driving record are required. Obtain certification within 6 months as Certified Rabies Vaccinator and Euthanasia Certification as well as Cruelty Investigator.

Equal Opportunity Employer