Assistant Director

Join a team whose mission is to ensure the protection and advocacy of companion animals and the education and support of the humans caring for them.

At Public Safety Animal Care and Control, our vision is for all animals in Palm Beach County to have a loving and supportive home. We accomplish our mission and achieve our vision through our shared values; these values we believe to be important in all the incredible work that we do:

Compassion
Integrity
Responsive
Advocacy
Collaborative
Innovative
 

We are searching for our next Assistant Director, who will be an experienced leader and who will hold these same values. This executive-level position will support Division leadership in the oversight of personnel management, operational performance, policy implementation, budget development and administration, strategic planning, employee relations and engagement, and organizational development.

The Assistant Director will be joining our Division as it embarks on an exciting new chapter and experiences unprecedented growth, including a major renovation of our main facility, with an expected completion in 2029, and new and expanding community programs to support more pets and people than ever before.

Join our team of high-performing, forward-thinking professionals leading the way in animal care, animal justice and enforcement, animal care center medicine and public health.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assists in overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Animal Care Center, Field and Clinic sections, ensuring continuity of services, compliance with County policies and efficient and effective service delivery.
• Supervises Animal Care Center Operations Manager, Field Operations Manager, and Clinic Operations Manager.
• Evaluates operational needs and recommends policy and procedure improvements for the Animal Care Center, Field, and Veterinary/Clinic Sections.
• Assists Director of Animal Care and Control in establishing operational priorities for the Animal Care Center Operations, Field Operations and Clinic Operations and works closely with the Chief of Veterinary Services to coordinate public health initiatives.
• Coordinates, plans and implements cost analysis and cost-effective programs.
• Develops emergency and disaster plans.
• Attends and represents Division at meetings with the public or other governmental or private agencies.
• Assists in handling sensitive labor relations issues and other personnel matters.                                                                                                                                     

This position requires qualified applicants to possess one of the following:

Master’s Degree in Biology, Veterinary Sciences, Public/Business Administration, or related field and a minimum of three (3) years of experience in a high-volume animal facility (e.g., animal shelter, animal rescue, zoo or sanctuary, university), which includes two (2) years of responsible management or supervisor experience,

OR

Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, Veterinary Sciences, Public/Business Administration, or related field and a minimum of five (5) years of experience in a high-volume animal facility (e.g., animal shelter, animal rescue, zoo or sanctuary, university), which includes two (2) years of responsible management or supervisor experience,

OR

Unrelated Bachelor’s Degree and a minimum of seven (7) years of experience in a high-volume animal facility (e.g., animal shelter, animal rescue, zoo or sanctuary, university), which includes two (2) years of responsible management or supervisor experience,

OR

Associate’s Degree in Biology, Veterinary Sciences, Public/Business Administration, or related field and a minimum of seven (7) years of experience in a high-volume animal facility (e.g., animal shelter, animal rescue, zoo or sanctuary, university), which includes two (2) years of responsible management or supervisor experience,

OR

Graduation from high school or an equivalent recognized certification and a minimum of nine (9) years of experience in a high-volume animal facility (e.g., animal shelter, animal rescue, zoo or sanctuary, university), which includes two (2) years of responsible management or supervisor experience.

Preferred qualifications include:

• Experience in animal welfare investigation and enforcement,
• Experience administering Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Release (TNVR) programs,
• Extensive experience working with rescues and community partners,
• Management experience in an animal shelter or veterinary clinic,
• Open admission animal shelter experience, and
• Developing and implementing community focused initiatives to reduce intake.
   

BENEFITS

Palm Beach County offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package designed to support the well-being and financial security of our employees:

• Health, dental, vision, life, and disability Insurance
• Generous leave benefits: Vacation, sick leave, and 13 paid holidays annually
• Florida Retirement System (FRS): Choice of Pension Plan or Investment Plan
• 457(b) deferred compensation program
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF): Eligible public service employment may qualify you for federal student loan forgiveness
• Paid parental leave
• Tuition reimbursement program
• Additional benefits and employee perks