Director Of Animal Services

Description

Please click on the below link for more information regarding this position and to view the recruitment brochure:

Job Related and Essential Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Serve at circulation desk; charge and discharge library materials and issue library cards; collect fines for overdue materials and fees for lost or damaged items;
• Policies, procedures, services and activities related to the operation and administration of an Animal Services program in a municipal setting, including animal shelters, animal control field operations, kennel operations, and volunteer programs.
• Organizational and management practices as applied to the analysis and evaluation of programs, policies and operational needs.
• Administrative principles and practices, including goal setting, program development, implementation and evaluation and supervision of staff, either directly or through subordinate levels of supervision.
• Public relations and media communications.
• Principles of Animal behavior and care.
• Principles and practices of excellent customer service skills.
• Communication and conflict resolution techniques to diffuse upset staff and/or public and private representatives.
• Identification of a variety of breeds of dogs, cats, and other domestic animals.
• Methods and techniques of Animal collection, impoundment, and registration.
• Principles of budget preparation and control.
• Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment, review and evaluation, and the training of staff in work procedures.
• Pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes and regulations.
• Occupational hazards and standard safety practices necessary in the area of Animal Services.
• Principles of contract administration.
• General principles of risk management related to the functions of the assigned area.
• Safety equipment and practices related to the work.
• Computer applications related to the work, including word processing, spreadsheet and database applications.
• Standard office practices and procedures, including the operation of standard office equipment.
• Techniques for dealing effectively with the public, vendors, contractors and City staff, in person and over the telephone.
• Safe work practices
• .Safe driving principles and practices.

Skill in:

• Serve at circulation desk; charge and discharge library materials and issue library cards; collect fines for overdue materials and fees for lost or damaged items;
• Developing and implementing goals, objectives, policies, procedures, work standards and internal controls for the department and assigned program areas.
• Providing administrative and professional leadership and direction for the department and the City.
• Selecting, training, motivating and evaluating the work of staff and training staff in work procedures.
• Planning, organizing, directing and coordinating the work of management, supervisory, professional and technical personnel; delegating authority and responsibility.
• Analyzing problems, identifying alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implementing recommendations in support of goals.
• Researching, analyzing, and evaluating new service delivery methods, procedures and techniques.
• Preparing and administering budgets; preparing clear and concise administrative and financial reports.
• Developing and implementing an annual marketing plan.
• Analyzing, interpreting and applying Federal, State and local policies, procedures, laws and regulations.
• Enforcing laws, ordinances, and regulations pertaining to Animal Services.
• Effectively representing the department and the City in meetings with commissions and committees, governmental agencies, community groups and various business, professional, educational and governmental organizations and agencies.
• Recognizing normal and abnormal animal behavior.
• Handling potentially dangerous animals in a safe manner.
• Responding to requests and inquiries from the general public.
• Preparing clear and concise reports, correspondence, procedures and other written materials.
• Maintaining accurate records and files of work performed.
• Organizing work, setting priorities and meeting multiple deadlines.
• Making sound, independent decisions within established policy and procedural guidelines.
• Using English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone and in writing.
• Using tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within established policy and procedural guidelines.
• Working, planning and coordinating special City and volunteer events.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.
• Handling conflict and implementing successful resolutions.
• Operating modern office equipment including computer equipment and software programs.
• Operating and maintaining animal control equipment.
• Inoculating and medicating animals.
• Operating a two-way radio.
• Operating a motor vehicle safely.

Experience and Training and License/Certificate

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Equivalent to graduation from an accredited four year college or university with major course work in animal science, veterinary technology, public administration, business, public safety, social services, or a field related to the work and six (6) years of experience in Animal Services, veterinary technology, public services, community services, social services, or a related program, including three (3) years of management experience. Experience coordinating or managing a volunteer program is highly desirable. Experience in a municipal setting
is preferred. Additional municipal experience may be substituted for the education requirement on a year-for-year basis up to a maximum of two (2) years.

License and Other Requirements:

• Candidates must possess and maintain a valid California class C driver’s license and have a satisfactory driving record.

• Must possess ability to obtain a P.C. 832 certificate within one (1) year of appointment.

• Must reside either within Orange County or within 25 driving miles of the Mission Viejo
  Animal Services Center. This is necessary in order to report for emergency assignments.

Benefits Overview
The following description is a general overview of the benefits provided to City of Mission Viejo benefit eligible employees. For specific details, please review the Human Resources Policies, Management and Budget Policies, Administrative Regulations, and official plan documents, or contact the Human Resources office at 949.470.3060.
Employees of the City are currently covered under the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS). While the City does not participate in the Social Security System, federal mandate requires new employees to contribute 1.45% of wages to Medicare insurance coverage.

Retirement

Employees Hired On or After January 1, 2013, Who Are CalPERS Members –

A CalPERS member hired by the City of Mission Viejo within less than a six (6) month break in CalPERS covered service, will participate in the 2% at 60 formula, three-year final compensation, and 1959 survivor benefit. Employees are required to contribute the full 7% member contribution, plus an additional 1.5% towards the employer rate.

A CalPERS member hired by the City of Mission Viejo with a six (6) month or more break in CalPERS covered service, will participate in the 2% at 62 formula, three-year final compensation, and 1959 survivor benefit. The employee pays the full member contribution, which is variable. The contribution rate for new members is 50% of the normal cost rate which is subject to change. The current member contribution is 7.0%. Employees also contribute 1.5% towards the employer rate.

Employees Hired On or After January 1, 2013, Who Are Not CalPERS Members –

Employees hired on or after January 1, 2013, will participate in the 2% at 62 formula, three-year final compensation, and 1959 survivor benefit. The employee pays the full member contribution, which is variable. The contribution rate for new members is 50% of the normal cost rate which is subject to change. The current member contribution is 7.0%. Employees also contribute 1.5% towards the employer rate.

Employer's Contribution Rate –

Beginning July 1, 2021, the employer's normal cost contribution rate is 9.82%, which reflects the employee pick-up of 1.5% of the employer rate.

Retiree Benefits

Employees Hired On or After December 2, 2006 –

The City's Supplemental Health Account for Retired Employees (SHARE) Plan is a defined contribution health reimbursement plan, which is intended to help employees offset post-retirement healthcare costs by allowing employees to contribute pre-tax dollars from their current wages with an additional contribution from the City, into an account that can be accessed upon retirement. To be eligible for the full benefits of the SHARE Plan, an employee must reach age 55 with a total of 15 years of service with the City of Mission Viejo.

The Plan requires mandatory contributions from both the employee and the City. Contributions to the Plan will commence for an employee beginning with the first pay period that occurs after the eligible employee's completion of one year of service with the City. Eligible employees will be required to contribute 1.5% of their salary. Deductions will be pre-tax and will be taken from each paycheck.

Starting the same date, the City contribution will be $100 per month ($50 per pay period for 24 pay periods) for full-time employees, $75 per month ($37.50 per pay period for 24 pay periods) for full-time equivalents of .750 to .999, and $50 per month ($25 per pay period for 24 pay periods) for full-time equivalents of .500 to .749, after the completion of the waiting period. This program is administered by ICMA-RC.