Animal Welfare Director

JOB OPENING CITY OF FARMINGTON JOB POSTING : ANIMAL WELFARE DIRECTOR NUMBER OF VACANCIES: 1 DEPARTMENT: PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT WORK LOCATION: FARMINGTON REGIONAL ANIMAL SHELTER HIRING RANGE: $60,370.4823 to $93,849.0721/SALARY PAY GRADE: N, EXEMPT TYPE OF POSITION: REGULAR, FULL-TIME DAYS WORKED: VARIED HOURS WORKED: VARIED APPLICATIONS WILL BE RECEIVED UNTIL: Until Filled, First Review in 2 Weeks SUMMARY BACKGROUND This is a professional position working within the Parks and Recreation Department. The Department is committed to providing experiences that improve the overall health, wellness, and quality of life of our community through exceptional customer focus. Each division has a unique business model and target audiences. This is a management and leadership position which organizes, manages and directs all activities of the City's Animal Services Division which reports to the Director of Parks and Recreation. This position is responsible for the operation of the Regional Animal Shelter which encompasses housing and caring for incoming stray and unwanted animals, adoptions, public education, transfers, recovery of owned animals, and spay and neuter programs. The ultimate goal of the position is to drive the shelter forward with its goal of increasing the live release rate for the shelter animals as well as nurture an animal welfare culture within the City of Farmington and San Juan County. This position works independently and, in a team setting, exercising considerable judgment and initiative. Finally, this position interfaces directly and frequently with Parks and Recreation staff, community organizations, vendors, media, and the general public. ESSENTIAL DUTIES The following statements describe the principle functions of this job and its scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned. Leads and directs, through subordinates, all aspects of the Animal Services division which includes all supervision and management of employees, customer service, public relations, finance, regulation and compliance, and shelter operations. The intent is to improve and maintain the live release rate of animals. Oversees the recruitment, evaluation, and discipline of all animal shelter employees. Schedules, organizes and directs work plans, and reviews performance of the Animal Shelter staff. Oversees the overall health and wellness of all the animals housed at the shelter. Performs daily rounds to ensure animals are being processed correctly and that health needs are being addressed. Maintains an overall smooth flow of animals through the shelter system with the intent of reducing the length of stay for the animals. Creates reports as needed. Analyses data to highlight gaps, effectiveness of programs, and reports numbers to stakeholders. Using excellent customer service skills, establishes and maintains effective working relationships with other employees, officials, and all members of the general public. Acts as a liaison between Farmington Regional Animal Shelter, the Farmington Police Department, and Animal Control Officers. Oversees euthanasia program including decisions as to which animals are euthanized. Performs euthanasia of animals by injection. Must be licensed with the state of New Mexico to perform euthanasia. Oversees, along with the shelter veterinarian, the control of controlled drugs in the shelter and the sterilization clinic and compiles records as to their use. Responds to media and public inquiries regarding animal services. Follows COF and Parks and Recreation Department media policy. Acts as a city representative to the Regional Animal Shelter Foundation as well as the PRCA Commission. Attend meetings and prepare reports for these organizations. Acts as a liaison to the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs department. Assists, when necessary, in departmental projects and events. Specialized Skills and Abilities. Knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration. Ability to research and analyze statistics and other related data to prepare proposals to improve or create efficiencies. Ability to recommend, read, write, and interpret codes, ordinances, policies, procedures, rules, and regulations. Knowledge of federal, state, and local regulatory requirements applicable to animal control, animal shelter, and veterinary clinic operations. Thorough knowledge of animal sciences, capture, control methods, and practices. Ability to remain calm in stressful situations. Able to problem solve effectively in these situations. Ability to take a teamwork approach to the job by cooperating with others, offering to help others when needed and considering larger organization or team goals rather than individual concerns. Includes the ability to build a constructive team spirit where team members are committed to the goals and objectives of the team. Leads and develops programs that provide for volunteers, foster care, and transfer opportunities at the shelter. Assists in the adoption and rescue of animals. Handles public relations assignments for all programs supervised. Develops and implements short-term and long-term goals for the shelter. Prepares budget documents, supervises purchasing, and maintains responsibility for all equipment. Works with Law Enforcement agencies to coordinate investigation of Animal cases. Appears in court to testify cases regarding animal control cases. Operates a motor vehicle to assist in carrying out the business of the department and the City. Attendance at work is an essential function of this position. NON-ESSENTIAL DUTIES The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. QUALIFICATIONS This position is subject to the City of Farmington's Drug and Alcohol-Free Workplace Policy which includes: pre-employment testing, post-accident testing, random testing, reasonable suspicion testing, return to duty testing, and follow-up testing. Graduation from a college or university with a bachelor's degree in animal science, or a closely related field and six (6) years increasingly responsible experience in animal welfare, facility management, and employee supervision, or any equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered. Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record for the past three years, or state of current residency. Ability to receive money and make proper change. Ability to cope emotionally with the euthanasia of large numbers of healthy, unwanted animals daily. Knowledge of and concern with animals. Thorough knowledge of animal control ordinance/procedures and animal shelter operations. Working knowledge of Parks and Recreation department and proper methods of public relations in recreational setting. Ability to handle public contact in stressful situations. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the Parks and Recreation Director, peers, subordinate employees and the public. Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing. Extensive background check required. This position has the responsibility to participate in and comply with the City's Environmental, Health, and Safety program. TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED Animal capture equipment, hand-held radios, first aid equipment, catch poles, leashes, gloves and ropes to handle animals, and cleaning materials and equipment used in shelter cleaning and maintenance. PHYSICAL DEMANDS While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 80 pounds with assistance. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus. WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee occasionally walks and runs alone in outside weather conditions and in the dark. The employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts; in high, precarious places; and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Occasionally works out of doors in inclement weather. Operates city vehicle in all types of terrain and weather conditions. WE ARE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER, M/F/D/V