Director of Animal Care & Control

The Director of Animal Care & Control is responsible for supervising Animal Care & Control staff and overseeing day-to-day activities associated with the enforcement of animal ordinances, public relations and care of animals. Performs supervisory field and office work in the enforcement of state and local animal control laws and ordinances. Work involves investigating animal cruelty and neglect, animal bites, capturing and quarantining animals, issuing legal notices for violations, and providing public education regarding responsible pet ownership and rabies control.

Salary starts at $60,000/year, relevant experience will be considered in offer. 

Duties and Responsibilities

• Plans, organizes, and directs the activities of the Animal Care & Control department
• Supervises Animal Care & Control employees, including assigning and reviewing work, scheduling and approving time off, training, evaluating performance, taking necessary disciplinary action and effectively recommending on hiring and termination decisions
• Receives, investigates, and answers complaints concerning stray, wild, or owned animals; patrols, for animals running at large; checks licenses and vaccinations; impounds abandoned and stray dogs and other animals; issues appropriate legal notices regarding vaccinations, animal cruelty, and violations
• Provides customer service support; resolves difficult situations, both in person and over the phone
• Oversees paperwork for redemptions, licenses, citations, and reports
• Develops, recommends and implements departmental policies, procedures and processes to ensure that state and local laws and ordinances pertaining to animal control and licensing are being enforced
• Investigates animal bites on humans and animals; prepares associated bite reports; issues quarantines and associated letters of release
• Assists Animal Care & Control Officers in the capture or dispatch of animals and investigations of animal neglect; assists dispatchers on phones as needed
• Prepares reports and other types of correspondence; prepares and maintains files and records
• Provides public education regarding explanation of state and local laws, codes, and regulations relating to the care and control of animals; builds positive public relations regarding the need for responsible pet ownership
• Works closely with the contracted municipalities, attending meetings and responding to inquiries
• Maintains Animal Control records and prepares required reports
• Testifies in court regarding citations and disposition of complaints
• Coordinates work with local law enforcement agencies to assist in animal related situations

Qualifications

Required:

• Must have at least 2 years prior management experience to include managing a team of employees and managing a departmental budget
• Experience in report generation and writing
• Experience in public speaking and presentation
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal skills, as well as organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to multi-task
• Strong computer skills (Microsoft Office) and ability to learn shelter specific computer programs
• Must pass a background check and be deputized by Ada County Sheriff’s Office
• Must have a satisfactory driving record
• Sincere interest in IHS mission and vision
• Shifts are 8 hours, Monday through Friday, with occasional evenings/weekends as needed

Desired:

• Prior experience working in animal control, law enforcement, code enforcement, or as a government official
• Prior experience working in an animal shelter or working with animals
• Experience in contract negotiations
• Experience in criminal case preparation and courtroom testimony