Supervisor - Animal Care

Summary of Job:

Supervise Animal Care Attendants to provide humane care for all shelter animals and to maintain clean sanitary conditions throughout kennel areas, facilities and grounds. Enforce policies and procedures set by Director of Operations, and the LASPCA as outlined in the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s). Responsible for the training and evaluating of personnel to maintain a humane, professional and efficient staff. Promote and support the LA/SPCA’s programs and mission.

Essential Functions:

- Train, evaluate and direct animal care personnel in all daily activities.

- Schedule adequate personnel to maintain the highest level of clean, sanitary and humane conditions. Will be required to fill in during personnel shortages.

-Ensure constant humane care of all shelter animals.

- Participate in Pathway meetings to maintain an accurate daily animal inventory including routing animals to surgery, foster/rescue, and euthanasia, etc..

- Identify dogs to be walked each day and identify kittens and puppies that need to be weighed.

- Maintain accurate inventory of all supplies needed to perform daily activities, including checking daily to restock necessary supplies and equipment, PPE and uniforms.

- Collaborate with animal care manager on status of personnel, training and supply needs.

- Develops and maintains SOP’s regarding cleaning and animal care.

- Make euthanasia list, surgery list, and distribute list each day.

- Perform euthanasia as needed and schedule personnel to do the same.

- With input from the animal care leads, monitor document performance and behavioral reviews up to and including termination as required.

- Analyze and suggest ways to improve kennel operations and quality of life for shelter areas.

- Ensures equipment is in good condition, inputting facilities requests as necessary.

- Work closely with adoption, clinic, and animal control staff to ensure proper animal handling and care and to promote the LASPCA mission statement.

- Maintain confidentiality of all personnel issues and shelter operations

- Administers immediate disciplinary action (when needed) in accordance with policies and communicates any problems to the Animal care Manager.

- Perform all other duties as necessary and required.

Compensation:

Range is from $20-$26 per hour

Benefits include but not limited to:

o Health Insurance, Life Insurance, 401K match

o Qualification and assistance for Public Service Loan Forgiveness

o 120 hours PTO and 8 paid holidays

o Supportive team environment

This position is considered “Essential” in emergencies and/or weather events

Requirements

Education and/or Experience:

- High school diploma required, some college preferred.

- Requires at least two years of animal care and sheltering experience.

Minimum Qualifications (or skills and knowledge):

- Must be able to pass a criminal background check and pre-employment physical and substance screening

- Valid LA driver’s license and insurable driver’s record

- Demonstrate supervisory knowledge to include training methods, motivation and decision making techniques. Skill in mediating disputes, conflicts and grievances. Ability to train and effectively direct the activities of department staff.

- Excellent interpersonal, organizational and collaborative skills.

- Must have (or be able to obtain) a valid State of Louisiana driver’s license

- Team-focused attitude.

- Strong leadership skills

- Must demonstrate strong problem solving abilities.

- Demonstrate personal communication skills to include knowledge of interviewing techniques, public speaking, skill in writing and editing and ability to express thought orally in a clear manner.

- Demonstrate computer skills including Microsoft Office (word, excel)

- Excellent organizational skills; ability to juggle multiple projects simultaneously

- Expected to work extended hours as needed. Ability to work weekends and holidays. Available to respond as essential staff in disasters.

- Mental and physical flexibility is a must.

Physical Requirements:

- Must be able, with or without accommodations, to lift at least 50 pounds; push and pull heavy objects; bend, twist, reach; perform strenuous physical activities including frequent walking and running, standing, bending and stooping.

- Must be able to work with industrial strength cleaners and disinfectants.

- Must be able to work around all animals, regardless of allergies.

Working Environment (or Working Conditions):

- Potentially subject to animal bites and scratches

- Works in an area with a high noise level