Animal Control Director

Position Summary

Under the supervision of the County Administrator/Controller, the director is responsible for planning and developing animal control operations in accordance with established policies and regulations. The director maintains responsibility for enforcement of state regulations and county ordinances governing animals in the county, supervises reporting of animal bites to the Health Department for rabies control follow‑up, and accounts for the distribution, sale and revenue of dog licenses.

The director also manages and administers the county’s animal shelter, including adoptions, shelter and kennel operations, euthanasia, marketing and fundraising, medical treatment and veterinary services, disposal of deceased animals, community relations, volunteer recruitment and management, staff supervision, budget preparation, and training. The director performs related tasks as directed by the County Administrator/Controller.

• Plan, direct and coordinate activities of all departmental employees and volunteers in the office, shelter and enforcement activities.
• Prepare and submit budgets, reports, employee time sheets, and accounts payable functions within the department.
• Prepare and maintain written standard operating procedures for the shelter and animal control operations.
• Prepare regular work schedules, on‑call and emergency duty rosters for all animal control personnel and manage dog census activity.
• Hire, train and ensure continuing education of employees; enforce safety procedures and conduct employee evaluations, counseling, and disciplinary actions as necessary.
• Present reports and information to commissioners, citizen groups and schools; communicate with the public on matters concerning the department’s policies, procedures and laws.
• Respond to citizen complaints regarding dogs or other animals; secure cooperation of animal owners to comply with laws; enforce care and treatment laws.
• Represent the county in court regarding animal control issues with assistance from the Prosecuting Attorney or Corporate Counsel; testify in legal proceedings regarding violations of animal control laws and ordinances.
• Work with the County Treasurer on issuance of dog licenses; record fees and make bank deposits.
• Manage the impounding of stray animals and operations of shelter pound areas, including transport, in‑processing, redemption, adoption, euthanasia, medical care, cleaning, feeding and watering.
• Serve as the county’s animal shelter director and ensure compliance with all laws, rules, regulations and county policies and procedures.
• Oversee the county’s animal adoption and spay/neuter programs.
• Develop and implement fundraising efforts, community relations programs and volunteer recruitment initiatives.
• Develop working relationships with other governmental, community and professional agencies and individuals that interact with the division.
• Handle difficult problems that arise.
• Maintain confidentiality of all non‑public matters.
• Meet with contracted service providers to address quality assurance issues and resolve concerns.
• Comply with applicable county personnel policies, collective bargaining agreements, affirmative action and equal opportunity programs and federal, state and local laws.
• Perform additional duties or special projects directed by the County Administrator/Controller.

Work is performed under the direction of the Administrator/Controller.

Supervises animal control officers, support staff, vet technicians, contracted veterinarians and volunteers; oversees daily tasks and workload.

• Bachelor’s degree in animal control management, law enforcement, business administration or a related field and at least 3 years of experience in animal welfare or animal control, including 1 year in a supervisory or management capacity.
• OR an associate’s degree in animal control management, criminal justice, business administration or a related field and at least 5 years of experience in animal control or animal welfare, including 1 year in a supervisory or management role.
• Ability to obtain a valid license from…