Assistant Animal Services Manager

General Description

Under the direction of the Animal Services Manager, this position assists in overseeing all daily field, office, and associated personnel, as well as kennel operations.

Responsible for enforcement of the Sumter County Animal Services Ordinances and state laws relating to domestic animals and livestock, protection of public safety and animal welfare, and maintenance of humane treatment and compliance.

• Assists in direction of office, field, and kennel operations personnel; ensures humane treatment of impounded animals; helps write and recommend policies.
• Enforces, interprets, and explains county ordinances and state statutes; evaluates complaints and maintains relationships with law enforcement, Health Department, and County Code Enforcement; prepares reports.
• Assists in maintaining the standard operating policy of ESF 17, recommends revisions, and manages general field and shelter operations with the emergency operations center, law enforcement, health department, city and county agencies, and veterinarians.
• Maintains equipment, inventory, and property records.
• May oversee daily operations of shelter staff, monitor scheduling, procedures, quality control, and provide training to Animal Control Technicians.
• May supervise and monitor daily operations of field staff, prepare performance evaluations and provide field training to Animal Control Officers.
• Attends required court sessions and special master hearings.
• Provides leadership example in work ethic, professional ethics, knowledge of policies, interpersonal interactions, and mutual respect.
• Responds to emergencies or crises (hurricane, flood, etc.) per supervisor assignment.
• Maintains regular physical attendance during normal work hours and may work evenings, nights, and holidays as required, with 24‑hour availability for emergencies.

(These essential job functions are not to be construed as a complete statement of all duties performed. Employees will be required to perform other job‑related marginal duties as required.)

• Knowledge of state and county animal ordinances, regulations, care policies, BOCC procedures.
• Knowledge of trapping/capturing methods, handling, transporting, caring for small and large domestic animals; ability to identify breeds.
• Knowledge of Guidelines for Standards of Care in Animal Shelters.
• Knowledge of animal behavior to recognize normal/abnormal behavior and diseases.
• Knowledge of current office methods, equipment, and procedures, including word processing and animal software.
• Ability to use a computer.
• Ability to maintain records and prepare written technical reports.
• Ability to solve practical problems, plan, direct, prioritize, supervise programs with accurate results and teamwork approach.
• Ability to deal with the public and enforce laws impartially, firmly, and tactfully.
• Ability to maintain sanitary conditions of kennels, vehicles, and equipment.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to work with diverse cultural backgrounds and multiple animal rescue agencies.
• Ability to interpret legal or public rights terminology.
• Ability to give effective speeches and presentations.
• Ability to offer accurate testimony in court proceedings.
• Ability to coordinate hands and eyes rapidly and accurately with machinery.
• Ability to deal with people and animals under stress.
• Ability to respond on scene to after‑hours and weekend calls within sixty minutes.

• Associate Degree in Veterinary Science, Business Management, Biological Science, or closely related field.
• Three years of kennel/shelter management or similar environment with domestic animals.
• Three years of supervisory experience.

• Valid Florida Driver’s License with acceptable driving record.
• Certified Animal Control Officer in Florida.
• Certified Euthanasia Technician or obtain within six months.
• Preferred:
  National Animal Control Officer, National Cruelty Investigator, National Equine Investigator.
• National Incident Management System (NIMS) certifications within six months; NIMS training related to animals and livestock preferred.
• Certifications for…