Job: Animal Shelter Assistant Manager

Job Description

Job Type: Full time, Hourly

Wage: $17-$19/hr.

Location: Trinidad, CO.

Job Description:

The Assistant Manager supports the Shelter Manager in the daily operations of the City of Trinidad Animal Shelter. This role ensures the humane care of animals, upholds compliance with municipal and state regulations and fosters a collaborative, efficient and compassionate work environment. The Assistant Manager plays a critical leadership role in supervising staff, supporting community outreach, and implementing shelter policies and procedures.

CULTURAL VALUES AND COMPETENCIES

The mission of every employee at the City of Trinidad is to deliver exceptional value and quality of life to all our citizens.  Each employee is measured by the ability to adhere to the city’s core value of Pride which is delivered through Purpose, Respect, Integrity, Dependability and Excellence.  As a City we embrace and celebrate diversity and equity for all citizens and recognize that it is a privilege to serve the citizens of Trinidad, Colorado.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The following statements are illustrative of the essential functions of the job and do not include other nonessential or peripheral duties that may be required.  The City of Trinidad retains the right to modify or change the essential duties and additional functions of the job at any time without notice. Examples of duties are not intended to be all-inclusive or restrictive:

• Consistent on-site and on-time attendance is essential for this position based on assigned schedule.
• Assists Animal Shelter Manager in supervising employees and volunteers, and performs related management functions for the animal shelter.
• Assists manager with the oversight of all shelter operations, including animal intake, adoptions, medical care, and daily facility maintenance.
• Monitor animal health and behavior; coordinate with veterinary partners for treatment, vaccinations, and spay/neuter procedures.
• Coordinates proper follow-ups of animal adoptions, verifying required vaccinations, licensing and sterilization of all dogs and cats.
• Ensure compliance with PACFA regulations, city ordinances, and established shelter protocols.
• Works closely with the public regarding rescue and adoption efforts; works with various rescue and transfer agencies when animals cannot be adopted; works with veterinarians to ensure health of animals.
• Assists with the development and training of personnel, ensuring their proper induction, orientation, and training; trains and develops shelter volunteers.
• Assists in the development and administration of educational programs on responsible pet ownership, spay/neuter, and other knowledge, or skills; conducts outreach to schools, seniors and various groups to promote responsible pet ownership and regulations related to tags and leashes, etc.
• Maintains accurate records and reports for animal care, inventory, and shelter metrics.
• Assists in resolving customer concerns, adoption counseling, and animal surrender procedures. Tactfully and effectively handles requests, suggestions, and complaints in order to establish and maintain good will, with the understanding that an emphasis is placed on the importance of maintaining a positive image.
• Performs general administrative, maintenance, and support work as required, including, but not limited to, processing mail, preparing reports and correspondence, copying and filing documents, entering and retrieving computer data, answering the telephone, and attending and conducting meetings.
• Support the Shelter Manager in implementing community education, outreach and fundraising initiatives.
• Acts as manager on duty in the absence of the Shelter Manager.
• Ensures that all work is conducted in a safe manner and all work safety practices are followed.
• Continues training; keeps current with trends and state, federal, and local regulations related Animal Shelters and the enforcement of Animal Control.
• Attends relevant city meetings and represents the shelter professionally at community events.
• Performs similar or related work as required, directed or as situation dictates.

NECESSARY KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

• How to plan, organize, and direct the operation of an animal shelter.
• Administrative principles involved in developing, directing and supervising various programs and related activities.
• Various breeds of dogs, cats and other domestic animals, including livestock.
• Normal and abnormal animal behavior, and symptoms of animal abuse.
• Types of equipment, materials and specialty items used in animal control procedures.
• The occupational hazards and safety precautions of the industry.

Skilled in:

• Solving practical problems and dealing with a variety of variables in situations where limited standardization exists.
• Use of computers for word processing and records management.

Ability to:

• Use independent judgment and discretion in supervising various programs, including determining procedures and developing policies, setting priorities, setting schedules, maintaining standards, and resolving problems.
• Listen to, read, understand and communicate the English language so that others are able to understand. This must be done both orally and in writing, at the level appropriate for the position held.
• Complete the duties of the position without the need of direct supervision.
• Plan, organize and prioritize daily assignments and work activities.
• Maintain effective relationships with personnel of other departments, veterinarians, rescue groups, community groups, professionals, and members of the public through contact and cooperation.
• Make public presentations, conduct training of staff and volunteers.
• Deal with sensitive situations with tact and diplomacy.
• Deal courteously, yet firmly and effectively with the public.
• Maintain high standards of accuracy in exercising duties and responsibilities.
• Plan, manage and organize efficient daily work routines and office procedures.
• Reliably and predictably carry out duties.

SUPERVISION

Received:  Works under the general supervision of the City Manager.

Exercised:  Supervises personnel and volunteers.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• At least two (2) years of experience in animal welfare, shelter management or related supervisory roles.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and manage staff in a high-stress, emotionally charged environment.
• Familiarity with PACFA regulations, animal handling, disease prevention, and shelter software (PetPoint preferred).
• Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs., work weekends/holidays and manage emergency situations calmly.
• High School diploma or GED required; associate or bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred.

Other Requirements:

• Must possess a valid current state-issued driver’s license and not be under suspension, revocation or denial nor have any prior alcohol and/or drug related driving offenses within the last five years. A driving record search will be conducted on all applicants prior to employment and will be subject to observation throughout their employment.
• Successful candidates must pass a background investigation and physical examination in accordance with job duties prior to employment.
• Applicants will be required to undergo drug testing prior to employment and may be subject to further drug and alcohol testing throughout their employment as per City policy.
• CPR and First Aid training required.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform 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 is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to high.  This job is most frequently performed in an indoor environment, however, there will be tasks that require the employee to work outdoors from time to time, possibly during inclement weather conditions. Must work near mechanical equipment and be subject to exposure to infectious animal diseases, animal wastes, animal bites, allergens, and various industrial cleaning and disinfecting chemicals.

Employee is subject to odors and smelling of animals for health concerns.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. 

**Disclaimer: The duties and responsibilities described above are not a comprehensive list and additional tasks may be assigned to the employee, time to time; the scope of the job may change as necessitated by business demands. Click “View Application” below for more detail on this specific job.