Manager Shelter Operations/Behavior

Work Location: Bishop Animal Shelter,5718 21st Avenue W, Bradenton, Florida 34209 

Supervises staff of the Animal Care Shelter of Manatee County including all Animal Care Specialists to assure the humane and proper care of animals while at the shelter. Maintains close working relationships with the veterinarian to ensure proper protocol is followed when it applies to the proper care and treatment of impounded animals. Responsible for the disposition of all animals in the shelter according to ordinance, policy or procedure. Work with all shelter departments and volunteers to ensure safe, high-quality behavior support from intake to outcome. Support, communicates with staff to optimize the mental health and welfare of animals, increase adoptability and when possible, set them up for success in a new home. The manager may also facilitate consultations with fosters, adopters and pet owners, with the goal of keep animals in a home when appropriate.

Working Conditions: 
Indoor/Outdoor situation, varying weather conditions, including inclement. High noise environment while performing certain duties. Dealing with animals, alive or dead, capturing, restraining, handling, lifting up to 100lbs with assistance.

Note: Work schedule will regularly include weekends and/or early/late hours.

Essential Functions
These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position.

Plans, directs and coordinates work of assigned shelter staff, which may include other than regular employees (i.e. temporary OPS, On-Call OPS, volunteers, etc.).

Participates in personnel related actions/issues, i.e., making recommendations for staffing level and employee status changes, initiating disciplinary actions when necessary, and handling Employee Performance Evaluations (including completing/reviewing and signing EPE forms).

Remains current with pertinent laws and regulations, as well as the County personnel policies, rules and procedures manual, and assists staff with related questions/concerns.

Supervises and performs all aspects related to the Manatee County Animal Ordinance and Florida State laws, rules and regulations pertaining to animals.

Orders equipment and supplies for the efficient operation of the shelter section.

Facilitate the timely evaluation of animals to determine safety for handling, likelihood of rehabilitation and suitability for adoption per Adoption Criteria.

Provide specialized handling as required for intake, medical handling, and officer hand-offs.

Implement comprehensive behavioral enrichment program and behavior modification (BMOD) plans for animals.

Communicate results of behavior assessments to transfer coordinator when rescue groups may be considering taking these animals; provide write-ups and/or video.

Communicate animal management recommendations and BMOD plans to kennel staff when dog is transferred from Impound to Adoptions.

Responsible for maintenance of controlled substances on site, including maintenance of proper records and licenses.

Coordinates with local organizations for the transfer of impounded animals in the shelter according to ordinance, policy or procedure.

Prepares and maintains appropriate reports and records relative to the position.

Assist in the development and maintenance of training and/or operational procedure manuals for the division based on specialized knowledge of hazards and safety practices required for employees working in animal services.

Assists with or euthanizes sick, injured, and aggressive animals of a variety of sizes and breed, in accordance with regulations and standard veterinary procedures.

Works emergency situations (including weather and other extreme conditions) as required, including work in the Emergency Operations Center and pet friendly shelters.

High school diploma or equivalent.

Minimum of three (3) or more years’ experience working in animal shelters or animal control.

Minimum of two (2) years in training and behavior modification relevant to shelter induced behaviors, high stress housing conditions and shelter enrichment.

Minimum of one (1) year supervisory or lead experience.

Must obtain Florida State Certification in Animal Euthanasia within one year of hire.

Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Background in animal behavior/training highly desired. 

Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

Experience determining outcome and pathways for shelter animals.

Knowledge of practices, policies and procedures pertaining to the operation of an Animal Services Facility or small animal shelter/kennel environment.

Knowledge of, or ability to quickly learn, State of Florida and Manatee County laws, rules and regulations pertaining to animals.

Knowledge of practices/procedures in the safe handling of all types of animals under varying conditions.

Ability to assist with picking up and handling animals, alive and deceased, up to and over 100 pounds, with assistance when needed.

Ability to capture and control vicious and dangerous animals.

Ability to communicate clearly effectively and tactfully, orally and in writing, including writing concise, detailed reports, courtesy notices, civil citations, etc.

Ability to handle and restrain large and small animals.

Ability to keep a neat and clean appearance to maintain a professional public image.

Ability to work indoors and outdoors in all conditions.

Ability to recognize a wide variety of animal health problems.

Skill to effectively use all animal capture equipment issued, including but not limited to Ketch-All pole, Snappy Snare, and live animal traps.

Skill in computer operations and pertinent software applications.

Veterans Preference 

In accordance with Florida Statute 295.07, F.S., Chapter 55A-7, priority consideration in employment will be given to eligible veterans and spouses of disabled veterans. Applicants claiming preference must provide a DD Form 214 or other acceptable documentation with their application. We are committed to honoring the service and sacrifices of our veterans and their families.

EEO/ADA Statement

Manatee County Government is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you require any accommodations to participate in the recruitment process, please contact Human Resources at 941-748-4501 x 3865.

Drug-Free Workplace

Manatee County Government is a drug-free workplace in accordance with Federal and Florida Law.

Emergency Response/Recovery Activities 

All employees may be required to work before, during, or after an emergency. During an emergency, employees may temporarily be assigned to work and perform duties outside the normal scope of their position, location, and work schedule to fit the needs of the County and its citizens.