Director Of Animal Care And Control

Description
An ideal Candidate will possess the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:
Understanding of people and team management

• Utilizes management strategies and styles for supervising teams, individuals and/or volunteers to produce positive results and in which people want to do their best.
• Can lead by example.
• Able to remain positive and calm during stressful situations or conditions.
• Competent in conflict management.
• Able to monitor multiple projects and a department's workload to ensure accountability and success in running a professional, effective, and efficient division.

Skillful communicator

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate skillfully and effectively with a diverse staff, volunteers, and community in a professional, respectful, and tactful manner.
• Must have the ability to present to small or large groups; engage the audience and speak clearly; prepare PowerPoint presentations. Ability to write clearly and succinctly in a variety of communication media as needed; convey a clear message with the desired effect.
• Experience being an effective instructor or trainer particularly when presenting information and conducting workshops to groups of people or coaching staff on a one-on-one basis.
• The ideal person for this job would be personable, outgoing, patient, professional, and able to get along well with a variety of people.

Knowledge of Animal Welfare/Animal Care and Control

• Experience with animal shelter operations, Animal Care, behavior and health, animal handling and restraint techniques. Stays abreast of key trends and best practices in the field of Animal welfare and Animal Services.
• Former experience as an Animal Services Officer helpful.
• Knowledge of state and county laws pertaining to animal regulations such as but not limited to holding times, ownership issues, seizure and impounding animals and bite quarantines.
• Contract negotiation skills, ability to facilitate and reach consensus or proper agreements.
• Experience filing criminal complaints, writing investigation reports, collecting evidence, and interviewing people involved in a case.

Decision Making/Problem Solving/Setting Strategy

• A successful track record in setting priorities; keen analytic, organization and problem-solving skills which support and enable sound decision making, especially under pressure.
• Strong problem solving and organizational skills.

SUMMARY: The Director of Animal Services is responsible for providing progressive, strategic, and tactical oversight of Marin Humane's Animal Services program; overseeing the implementation of and compliance with the JPA (Joint Powers Authority) Animal Services contract, including the management of the Field Services, Customer Service, and Licensing departments. This position oversees enforcement of all applicable county, state and federal statues and county ordinances regulating Animal Care and welfare, rabies control to investigate animal bites and human exposures to rabies, community outreach and education on related animal welfare issues, laws, and regulations; and leads the organization's disaster response, animal rescue, and preparedness activities and plans before, during and after emergencies or disasters. Marin Humane's Animal Services program focuses on utilizing both an enforcement and a social services approach to the work; the intention is to maintain trust, awareness, and support for the Animal Services program in the communities served. This position also directly supervises the three supervisors within the division and 21 positions among the three departments in the division.
In addition, the Director is a participant in advocacy efforts, monitoring legislative issues, assisting in setting policies and providing testimony when appropriate; must work effectively and collaboratively with other governmental agencies, community and civic groups, and the public.
The Director of Animal Services is a member of the Marin Humane leadership team and will be expected to exemplify Marin Humane leadership competencies. They are accountable for accomplishing division goals, working collaboratively with internal and external Marin Humane stakeholders, and supporting the mission, goals and philosophy of Marin Humane.
ACCOUNTABILITY: Reports to the CEO/President
HOURS/CLASSIFICATION: Full-Time, exempt -- 40 hours per week. Occasional evening or weekend work may be required.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
ANIMAL SERVICES PROGRAM

• Oversee the day-to-day-operation of Animal Services, ensuring that contractual obligations are met regarding officer coverage, terms of coverage, and enforcement of state and local ordinances regarding animals.
• Plan and implement long and short-term goals for the program; develop and implement policies, programs and services related to Animal Services for the contractual jurisdictions.
• Monitor the efficiency and effectiveness of the program, its activities, and results; recommend ways to increase productivity or impact.
• Provide information and other communication to the other divisions regarding ongoing cases or issues from Animal Services.
• Work closely with the Director of Marketing and Communications regarding media inquiries or coverage on Animal Services cases, rescues, or projects, and regarding any marketing efforts for the program
• Communicate periodically with the cities and counties regarding Animal Services issues, trends, and accomplishments. Actively monitor animal control policy issues affecting the communities served.
• Maintain a strong network and regularly liaison with community groups and partnering organizations, such as, but not limited to, the Marin County Farm Bureau, Marin County Veterinary Medical Association, Marin Horse Council and Marin County Office of Emergency Management.
• Participate as a member of the Marin Humane negotiating team during the JPA contract renewal process. Keep those involved in the management of the JPA contract - the County of Marin, Marin General Services Authority, and cities - updated periodically on program results, impacts and/or accomplishments.
• Is a main spokesperson in the media and community for Animal Services related issues when needed.
• Encourage best practices to overall approaches to investigating and enforcing animal related complaints and inquiries; promote a human services or social worker approach to cases, whenever appropriate.

ANIMAL LAW ENFORCEMENT

• Enforce all laws and ordinances pertaining to animals including complaints about aggressive animals, cruelty, leash laws, licensing, or other related regulations.
• Act as an advocate for animal welfare and ensure that decisions are made with the best interest of all animals.
• Testify and appear in court and administrative hearings when necessary. Coach or prepare staff on any trial proceedings or testimony prior to their appearance in court.
• Produce and maintain accurate case files, records and reports as required.
• Assist with investigations on cases involving potentially dangerous and vicious dogs, animal cruelty and high-profile cases. Assist with preparation of search warrants and casework submitted to officials regarding Potentially Dangerous Animal (PDA) and Vicious Animal (VA) cases.
• Periodically review staff's documentation and provide oversight on handling of any high-profile cases; ensure Marin Humane maintains the proper chain of evidence and proper case management. Support Animal Services Officers (ASOs) in managing caseloads.
• Ensure officers possess and maintain all required certifications.
• Supervise the animal permit system process for commercial animal establishments and exhibitors.
• Support the licensing administration and promotions designed to increase license sales and awareness about the importance of pet identification, the licensing program and successful redemptions or reunions.
• Participate in the Animal Law Enforcement Academies or any other Marin Humane sponsored animal services training programs or projects offered to other agencies or organizations. Act as a liaison between the entities that may be involved such as the academic institutions, California Animal Welfare Association (CalAnimals), and Marin Humane in preparing for and coordinating the schedule, instructors, and other logistical arrangements, when or if needed.
• Assume the role of custodian of records for purposes of Animal Services records requests.
• If needed, can perform all duties and responsibilities assigned to ASOs as well as possess all qualifications.

STAFF MANAGEMENT AND TRAINING

• Participate in the hiring of direct reports (Field Services Supervisor, Customer Service Supervisor and License Program Coordinator).
• Direct and guide staff in the performance of their respective responsibilities.
• Monitor their schedules and ensure proper timekeeping or other HR related procedures are in compliance.
• Evaluate direct reports on a regular basis, hold them accountable to assignments and goals, discipline when needed.
• Monitor training needs to provide for their growth and maximize their potential for the good of the organization.
• Ensure that organizational and department policies and procedures are being followed; periodically review or revise department policies and procedures, if needed.
• Ensure weekly department briefings and regular division meetings are scheduled.
• Maintain a thorough knowledge of the department; be willing and able to cover staff duties when necessary or appropriate.
• Maintain a current Department Operations Manual and documented Standard Operating Procedures for the department.

MARIN HUMANE EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE EFFORTS

• Work closely with committees to provide ongoing training for staff and volunteers. Increase their ability to respond to an emergency or disaster at Marin Humane or in Marin County.
• Assume a leadership role to coordinate animal disaster rescue, response and recovery activities in Marin County and beyond when a disaster occurs, or when needed in an emergency. This position is one that represents Animal Services in the Marin County Emergency Operations Center during declared disasters and is the main contact for and liaison with the County's Office of Emergency Management
• Ensure Marin Humane representation and participation at any Statewide, Regional, County or City related drills or meetings regarding Marin County response and recovery efforts.
• Design and establish a robust team of trained volunteers to assist Marin Humane with community outreach activities around disaster preparedness and to gain certification necessary to assist Marin Humane in responding to local or regional disasters.
• Review any Mutual Aid Agreements between Marin Humane and other organizations and make recommendations if needed prior to staff and internal CEO signature. Work with CEO to keep all disaster-related MOUs current and on file.
• Help coordinate requests for Marin Humane resources -- deployable teams and/or equipment and supplies-- to respond to or assist with disasters outside Marin County. Maintain documentation necessary for reports and reimbursement requests.
• Regularly provide disaster related information and give presentations to community-based groups or local coalitions regarding disaster preparedness and Marin Humane's roles and responsibilities during and after a disaster.

ANIMAL ADVOCACY, LEGISLATION AND OUTREACH

• Assist with research, monitor and make recommendations regarding proposed legislation or existing animal-related laws.
• Keeps abreast of legislative efforts and trends related to the enforcement or delivery of effective Animal Services.
• Participate on Marin Humane's Advocacy Committee.
• Attend hearings and provide testimony when and where appropriate.
• Represent Marin Humane before city councils or other governmental agencies, or county-wide committees (involving other Marin nonprofits or enforcement agencies, for example) concerning Animal Services and to provide general networking opportunities for the division into the community at-large.
• Serve as a resource to the community by advising the public and staff of provisions and applications regarding animal welfare and Animal Care and Control issues, laws, along with the Animal Services perspective.
• Provide training and consultation to other animal service organizations when and where appropriate.

CUSTOMER SERVICE

• Promote and emulate exemplary customer service by providing courteous, prompt and responsive service to internal and external customers, including members of the public, district attorneys and public officials.
• Be willing to provide options to the public that benefit animals and people.
• Provide educational talks to students, community groups and others on a variety of Animal-related topics.
• Understand, support, and articulate Marin Humane policies and philosophies to the public in a positive and effective manner through education and by example.
• Foster teamwork, creativity and a work culture aligned with Marin Humane's mission and values.
• Utilize strong conflict resolution skills to resolve disputes.

FINANCIAL

• Prepare annual budget proposal when requested and by deadline.
• Monitor assigned accounts and issue variance reports when needed.
• Negotiate with vendors for best terms for Marin Humane.
• Follow purchasing protocols and procedures.
• Prepare monthly reports and/or other data as requested by the VP of Finance, CEO/President or Board of Directors.

SAFETY AND SECURITY

• Must be committed to a high standard of safety and be willing and able to comply with all safety laws and all of the employer's safety policies and rules.
• Model and encourage safe practices and regulatory compliance throughout the organization.
• Oversee and coordinate the department's safety program and ensure timely compliance.
• Oversee Field euthanasia and chemical capture security protocols,...