Director Of Animal Services

Job Summary

Under limited supervision, leads, manages, and directs all operations of the County’s Animal Services Department, including the Animal Shelter and Animal Control Unit. Responsible for ensuring compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws while promoting public safety, humane animal care, and community engagement. Provides strategic leadership, operational oversight, fiscal management, and supervision of staff and volunteers. Serves as the County’s primary authority on animal services operations and enforcement matters.

• Directs and manages daily operations of the Animal Shelter and Animal Control Unit
• Develops, implements, and evaluates department programs, procedures, and policies
• Establishes operational goals aligned with County priorities
• Ensures full compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations
• Prepares regulatory reports, compliance documentation, and operational data summaries

• Develops and administers annual department budget
• Monitors expenditures and ensures responsible fiscal stewardship
• Reviews and approves invoices and purchasing
• Manages inventory of supplies, equipment, medications, and animal food
• Oversees accounting and submission of shelter donations, adoption fees, and related revenues

• Supervises full-time, part-time, and volunteer personnel
• Recruits, hires, trains, evaluates, and disciplines staff as necessary
• Develops work schedules and assigns responsibilities
• Submits payroll and ensures accurate personnel documentation
• Promotes a culture of professionalism, accountability, and safety

• Oversees intake, housing, care, behavioral assessments, adoption, transfer, return-to-owner, and euthanasia procedures
• Coordinates veterinary care, vaccinations, spay/neuter services, and quarantine observation
• Ensures proper storage, administration, and disposal of euthanasia drugs and related equipment
• Conducts routine inspections of shelter facilities and systems
• Oversees maintenance of filtration, ventilation, cleaning systems, and medical equipment

• Directs and supports animal control operations and call response
• Reviews investigations and criminal cases; testifies in court as required
• Performs duties of Animal Control Officer as necessary
• Investigates complaints and enforces local and state animal ordinances
• Educates citizens on animal laws and humane treatment

• Serves as department representative to citizens, community groups, and partner organizations
• Supports nonprofit partnerships related to shelter operations
• Develops volunteer programs and training initiatives
• Responds to citizen inquiries and public records requests as applicable

• Prepares and reviews reports including:
  • Revenue summaries
  • Shelter statistics
  • Calls for service
  • Intake and disposition reports
  • Euthanasia documentation
• Maintains required logs and incident reports

• Associate’s degree in animal science, public administration, criminal justice, or related field
• Minimum of 5–8 years of progressively responsible experience in animal control, shelter operations, or related enforcement work
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered

• Valid Virginia driver’s license with acceptable driving record
• Must qualify as a sworn Animal Control Officer (if applicable)
• Ability to obtain firearms, euthanasia, DEA, and Board of Pharmacy certifications (if required by locality)
• Must be bondable and pass background investigation

• Extensive knowledge of animal shelter management and animal control enforcement
• Knowledge of local ordinances and state regulations governing animal services
• Knowledge of humane care, disease control, and occupational safety practices
• Ability to supervise, lead, and evaluate staff effectively
• Strong judgment and decision‑making skills
• Ability to manage complex situations involving aggressive animals or enforcement actions
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to operate animal control equipment,…