Animal Care Manager

Rockingham Harrisonburg SPCA

Job Description

JOB DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE: Animal Care Manager
DEPARTMENT: Shelter Operations
ACCOUNTABILITIY: Executive Director
FUNCTION: Under the direct responsibility of the Executive Director, the Animal Care
Manager is responsible for managing the animal population in a manner that
supports core values of the RHSPCA and optimizes the chances for a positive
outcome for the animals. This position oversees the animal care technician
positions, associated volunteers.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
General:
• Perform duties in a manner which encourages attainment of RHSPCA goals.
• Work courteously and cooperatively with the staff, volunteers, fosters, adopters, rescue
partners, and donors to ensure that all R-H SPCA policies and procedures are followed, and new
ones implemented successfully.
• Ensure quality care and humane treatment for the animals in the care of the RHSPCA.
• Assist in implementing operation compliance with current federal, state, county and local laws,
regulations and guidelines that affect operations.
• Responsible for accurate record keeping, maintaining data integrity of animal records and
statistical reporting for all program(s) related activities.
Animal Population Management:
1. Oversees daily cleaning and husbandry for all animals in care; working alongside staff as needed.
2. Is responsible for monitoring the behavioral and physical health of every animal in the care of
the RHSPCA (excludes foster homes).
3. Oversees transport to and from veterinary clinics animals needing various procedures.
4. Identifies medical and behavioral needs and takes appropriate actions towards resolution.
5. Works closely with Medical Technician and Rescue and Foster Coordinator to manage animal
population in a manner that reduces length of stay and maximizes likelihood of a positive
outcome.
6. Facilitates the movement of animals around the building.
7. Provides oversight for adoption counseling by staff/volunteers and adoption approvals.
8. Performs behavior assessments as needed.
9. Makes timely and sound recommendations on disposition of animals.
Staff Management:
1. Ensures staff are well trained in policy and standards of care and monitors and ensures
compliance in daily practice.
2. Sets clear expectations for performance, including measurable goals and deliverables.
3. Directs performance of direct reports through regular meetings, goal setting and appraisal, and
accountability.
4. Participates in hiring and performance management activities.
5. Oversees staff time off and scheduling, including biweekly review of timesheets, receiving and
responding to time off requests, creating schedules and daily assignments to ensure adequate
coverage etc.
6. Ensures a comprehensive staff training program that focuses on best practice skillsets and
continued development for all direct reports. Training should include stress free / safe handling,
understanding of behavior and medical concerns, improving the animal’s adoptability,
matchmaking with adopters and volunteer engagement / utilization.
7. Revise and create SOPs as needed to ensure up to date training and reference resources for
staff.
Volunteer Management:
1. Coordinates with the Volunteer Manager and provides daily oversight to volunteers assisting
with animal care to ensure all animals receive meaningful human interaction including walking
dogs and interacting with cats and other animals.
2. Coordinates with the Volunteer Manager and provides daily oversight to community service
volunteers to ensure facility maintenance, laundry, carrier cleaning and other associated tasks
are performed in a timely manner.
Facilities and Inventory:
1. Ensures all relevant equipment is available and in good working order, reports concern to
supervisor promptly.
2. Performs inventory management routinely and addresses any concerns found.
3. Responsible for placing order requests timely for animal care supplies, animal food and other
associated items as needed.
Budget and Strategic Planning
1. Plays an active role in budget planning and monitoring expenditures including payroll and
department expenses.
2. Participates in strategic planning and plays and contributes towards big picture organizational
goals.
TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE
RHSPCA is seeking a progressive, quick thinking, dynamic individual who brings animal handling and
people skills along with passion, commitment and enthusiasm for our mission and accountability for
their work. We are seeking someone who can lead and work well with a team. Independent thinking
and resourcefulness to overcome roadblocks are a must.
The ideal candidate will have 2 years of animal care management experience. Excellent time
management and oral and written communication skills along with the ability to develop and build
teams to support common goals is required.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Ability to lift 35 lbs., stand for long periods of time, move quickly, work with and around animals
(including diseased, injured and/or potentially aggressive animals), loud noises, chlorine or other
chemicals, inclement weather along with evening, weekend and holiday work times.
COMPENSATION
This is salaried position offering a competitive rate based on experience. After a period of employment,
the Animal Care Manager is eligible for health benefits and PTO.
NATURE OF EMPLOYMENT
The Animal Care Manager is an exempt position, which generally requires a minimum of 40 hours per
week and may include evening and weekend work.
There is no minimum period of employment guaranteed or implied by acceptance of an offer of
employment. It is the policy of the R-H SPCA that employment for this position is at will, which means
that employment for no specified term and the employee or agency may terminate that employment at
any time without cause. This job description serves as a guide.