Kennel Shift Leader - ACS

Animal Care Services advocates for animal welfare, adoption, and rescue by protecting and promoting the health, safety, and welfare of pets and livestock in Marion County. The agency fosters a productive, collaborative, and compliant work environment to meet the needs of Indianapolis and Marion County residents.

About the role

This position supervises and assists animal care technicians and adoption counselors, trains new hires, and ensures kennel operations adhere to established standard operating procedures. The incumbent supports the kennel manager with administrative direction, planning, and program administration, coordinates with outside agencies and the public, and provides support to other departments. The role requires independent judgment and adherence to city, county, and legal policies. The incumbent must be on call 24 hours a day, year-round, and reports to the Kennel Manager.

Responsibilities

• Assists in planning, organizing, and supervising daily operations and services of ACS shelters for assigned shifts.
• Supervises and monitors the work of animal care technicians and other team members, including training, investigating complaints, and evaluating performance.
• Consults with the kennel manager on division services, scheduling, and operating procedures.
• Coordinates team members’ schedules and assignments, including covering absences, health hazards, or emergencies.
• Identifies training needs for kennel team members and conducts or supervises training on animal care, medication administration, vaccines, behavior, and disease control.
• Troubleshoots issues within the division as they arise.
• Performs inspections of assigned areas to ensure compliance with standard operating procedures and reviews results with team members.
• Conducts daily rounds at ACS facilities to ensure the health and welfare of animals, authorizing treatment for sick, injured, or terminal animals.
• Provides information to the kennel manager about animal temperament and placement options.
• Euthanizes animals when necessary and prepares specimens for rabies testing by the State Board of Health.
• Ensures operational continuity by reviewing time-off requests, recommending supplies, and reporting building issues.
• Maintains confidentiality at all times.

Requirements

• One (1) year of work-related experience.
• Ability to operate and care for animal control equipment.
• Ability to recognize normal and abnormal animal behavior and manage potentially dangerous animals safely.
• Ability to remain calm and effective during crisis events in emotionally charged environments.
• Compassion in all areas of animal welfare.
• Proven leadership skills with the ability to motivate and manage a diverse team.
• Comfort interacting with animals of all sizes and breeds.
• Understanding of animal program operations, including field and kennel operations, animal behavior and care, breed identification, and methods of animal collection, impoundment, and registration.
• Basic understanding of budget control principles.
• Adherence to state and local laws, codes, regulations, and occupational hazards.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, with the ability to adapt messaging for different audiences and settings.
• Ability to work under extremely stressful conditions and exhibit tact when collaborating with professionals and team members.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate’s Degree in a related field with one (1) year of work-related experience and one (1) year of supervisory experience.
• Registered Veterinary Technician certification.
• Experience managing and working with union team members.
• Understanding of budget preparation and control.

Working Conditions

• Essential functions are performed in a shelter with exposure to adverse environmental conditions.
• Requires sitting at a desk as well as standing and walking for long periods.
• Involves lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling objects and materials up to 50 pounds.
• Tasks may require extended periods at a keyboard or workstation.
• Requires the ability to perceive and hear sounds, see visual cues or signals, and communicate orally.