Animal Control Manager

HUMANE SOCIETY OF ELKHART COUNTY

JOB DESCRIPTION

Animal Control Manager

Reports to:        Director of Operations

General Overview:  Animal Control Manager fulfills duties of an animal control officer helping to enforce local and state ordinances concerning the care, use, and treatment, selling, licensing and impoundment of animals.  Conducts investigations and inspections, issues warnings, responds to injured animal calls and prepares reports of daily activities.  Educates the public about relevant animal regulations and humane animal care.  Collaborates with local law enforcement to address issues which may require prosecution or legal intervention.  Also works in the shelter to support animal care functions.

As a member of the shelter management team, coordinates the work of other staff members working with animal control and schedules in cooperation with the Kennel Manager. 

Because this is a front-line staff position working closely with staff, volunteers and the public, must maintain a pleasant, welcoming atmosphere that reflects professionalism and commitment to support the work of staff and volunteers.

• Major Responsibilities - Animal Control Manager:

1. Coordinates work schedule of animal control officers (full-time and ACO Backup) in cooperation with the Kennel Manager to ensure appropriate staff coverage.
2. Provides necessary training for ACO staff as needed and coordinates with Director of Operations to help budget and plan for additional training which may be required.
3. Ensures reviews of staff under your supervision and makes recommendations to the Director of Operations regarding employee raises within the budgetary limitations.
4. Participates in developing ACO budgetary needs for equipment, uniforms, etc. and works with appropriate personnel as needed.
5. Ensures appropriate care and maintenance of ACO equipment and that team members using such equipment have received appropriate training in use and care.
6. Maintains working relationship with local law enforcement agencies and explores ways of greater collaboration, training opportunities and professional coordination.

7. Coordinates efforts as needed with other community professionals, police officers, sheriff’s department, court officials, state agencies and veterinarians.
8. Confers with the Director of Operations regarding equipment or vehicle needs.
9. Confers with Director of Operations and necessary staff regarding current and ongoing cases.
10. Performs such other duties as may be deemed necessary for the fulfillment of the Humane Society’s goals and objectives.

• Major Responsibilities – Animal Control:

1. Responds to dispatched calls in priority and determines appropriate action enforcing local and state animal laws and ordinances as possible.
2. Completes log sheets outlining daily activity and outcomes and any other paper work required for processing completed activities.
3. While in the field, educates the public regarding responsible pet ownership and animal laws and ordinances.
4. If possible and as necessary, arbitrates disputes. Issues warnings and contacts law enforcement as necessary regarding citation violations.
5. Conducts general investigations of animal related problems such as nuisance complaints, animals running at large, wildlife and possible cruelty situations.
6. Confers with the Director of Operations and Veterinarian as necessary to prepare written investigative reports that may be introduced as legal court evidence.
7. Ensures confidentiality is maintained in dealing with investigations and outcomes.
8. Assists in shelter cleaning and maintenance and care of impounded animals helping with job functions of animal care attendants.
9. Helps with transports as needed for wildlife rehabilitation and animals being transferred to other animal welfare and rescue groups.
10. On a daily basis, ensures preparation of animal control vehicle for road readiness and ensures vehicle and equipment are maintained and properly stocked.
11. Inspects animal related businesses as contacted to ensure operation meets local and state standards.
12. Helps as necessary with routine inspections of collaborative rescue groups.
13. Ensures reports are prepared on all business and rescue inspections.
14. Assists callers with information and questions regarding situations such as trapped animals, nuisance, wildlife, etc.
15. Confers with front office regarding collection of necessary fees for shelter services provided off site.
16. Fulfills intake procedures for impounded animals and ensures they are carried out in a timely and effective manner and that data entry of all actions taken are maintained in shelter data base.
17. Works collaboratively with HSEC team to achieve shelter goals.
18. Participates in team meetings to receive updates regarding procedures, discuss workplace issues and share ideas to improve animal care.
19. Performs such other duties as may be deemed necessary for the fulfillment of the Humane Society’s goals and objectives.

Essential Functions and Skills:

Good organizational skills; attention to detail; self-motivated; skills with animal first aid and CPR; performing euthanasia; basic laboratory techniques and basic animal grooming techniques; ability to temperament test animals; ability to identify animal species, breeds, ages and sexes; ability to identify signs of animal illness and injuries; ability to recognize signs of animal neglect, abuse and cruelty, knowledge of law enforcement principles and practices; knowledge of local and state animal laws and ordinances and of court procedures; skill in animal restraint and capture methods and the ability to interpret animal body language; good communication skills – verbal and written; team player; ability to work with data base and maintain records; ability to understand and implement effective sanitation practices; team player; ability to work well with broad spectrum of the community; good sense of humor. 

General understanding of basic care of equipment, grounds, facilities and capacity to use commonly used tools.

All employees must be able to provide their own transportation to and from work.

Must have a valid driver’s license.

Ability to manage a large van in various climates.

Availability to work a flexible work schedule including weekends, evenings and holidays.

Must be able to lift heavy weight more than 50 lbs.

Certifications:  Successful completion of National Animal Control Association certification.

Hours:   40 hours per week        Benefits:  See the executive director for current copy of available benefits

Classification:     Shelter Support – Non-Exempt