Kennel Supervisor

About the Role

Supervise, assign, review, and participate in the work of staff responsible for humanely operating and maintaining the City's kennels. Work toward the goal of increased placement of adoptable animals, ensure quality of work and adherence to established policies and procedures, and perform or assist in euthanasia procedures. This is a safety-sensitive position subject to random drug/alcohol testing.

Responsibilities

• Plan, prioritize, assign, supervise, review, and participate in the work of staff responsible for the humane operation and maintenance of the City's kennel facilities.
• Establish schedules and methods for providing compassionate and user-friendly kennel services; identify resource needs; review needs with appropriate management staff; allocate resources accordingly.
• Participate in the development of policies and procedures; monitor work activities to ensure compliance with established policies and procedures; make recommendations for changes and improvements.
• Recommend and assist in the implementation of goals and objectives; implement approved policies and procedures.
• Perform technical and complex tasks, including the maintenance and security of Class II and III controlled substances.
• Evaluate animals for potential adoption; work with volunteers and rescue groups to maximize the placement of adoptable animals.
• Administer medications when necessary.
• Plan, direct, and participate in the humane care, custody, cleaning, and euthanasia of animals.
• Respond to public inquiries courteously; provide accurate information regarding kennel operations and resolve complaints efficiently.
• Perform staff training in humane animal care and control, diseases, breed identification, first aid, and safety; conduct inspections of kennel facilities.
• Participate in the selection of animal handling staff; provide or coordinate staff training; work with employees to correct deficiencies; initiate or implement disciplinary procedures.
• Prepare analytical and statistical reports on operations and activities.
• Attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in humane animal handling and kennel operations.
• Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

Requirements

• Associate's degree from an accredited college or university in science, biology, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Four years of experience in the operation of a kennel, including one year of direct supervisory or technical lead experience.
• Public kennel experience preferred.
• Possession of a valid New Mexico Driver's License (or ability to obtain by date of hire).
• Possession of a valid City Operator's Permit (COP) within six months from date of hire.
• Possession of a valid euthanasia technician license issued by the State of New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department within six months from date of hire.
• Willingness to work weekends, nights, and holidays.

Working Conditions

Environmental: Animal shelter environment; exposure to domestic and wild animals, animal body fluids, wastes, and infectious materials; outdoor and/or inclement weather conditions; potential exposure to hostile or abusive members of the public; exposure to noise.

Physical: Essential and supplemental functions may require maintaining physical condition necessary for moderate to heavy lifting; bending, stooping, kneeling, crawling; sitting or standing for prolonged periods; operating motorized equipment.