General Duties and Responsibilities

Note: The following duties are illustrative and not exhaustive. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. Depending on assigned area of responsibility, incumbents in the position may perform one or more of the activities described below.

• Responds to and resolves customer inquiries and complaints related to animal care and services.
• Supervises the work of subordinate staff by assigning and reviewing work, providing training and counseling and evaluating performance to insure the proper and humane treatment and care of animals.
• Inspects work and oversees work processes to ensure and monitor quality and adherence to policies and procedures; reports and corrects deficiencies in a timely manner.
• Inspects shelter areas for cleanliness, orderliness of supplies, and working order of equipment, to ensure a safe, sanitary, and humane environment.
• Trains assigned staff, evaluates performance and initiates corrective action as needed.
• Assigns, monitors and maintains staffing and workload assignments to ensure appropriate staffing and timely completion of workload.
• Prepares, monitors and maintains staff schedule, to include leaves, vacation, sick callouts, and overtime requirements, to ensure full staffing and completion of duties.
• Prepares reports and maintains records in accordance with established policies and all record keeping requirements. Reports and records include, but are not limited to, animal history, kennel sanitation, use of medical supplies and equipment, controlled drug dispensing, euthanasia reports, and actions.
• Prioritizes the work of Animal Shelter Staff to ensure quality animal care, appropriate customer service, and effective use of staff; elevates supervisory issues to Animal Shelter Coordinator, as needed.
• Prepares reports and information of animal intake, adoptions, customer care service response times and end-results.
• Makes standard and routine decisions to solve operational and administrative problems.
• Recommends improvements to operations and service delivery to the Animal Shelter Coordinator for review, approval, and implementation.
• Assists staff with information and education regarding, animal screenings, ordinances, policies, procedures, adoptions, requirements, tags, fees, and licensing.
• Administers animal vaccinations and documents animal health history with appropriate information.
• Picks up donated shelter supplies from private and public agencies.
• Performs clinical preparation of deceased animals for rabies testing.
• Performs procurement, inventory, and logistical processing of supplies and equipment.
• Supports the Department in mandated ESF-17 (Emergency Support Function 17) responsibilities in the event of a disaster or during an activation of the County’s Emergency Operations Center.
• May participate in performing the actual duties of the Animal Care Staff and substitute for subordinates as needed.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Job Specifications

• Knowledge of Florida and Hillsborough County animal care and control laws and ordinances pertaining to small animals.
• Knowledge of the care and humane treatment of animals.
• Knowledge of the functions, services, procedures and regulations of the Animal Services Department.
• Knowledge of animal drug use regulations and euthanasia programs, including biohazardous waste disposal and the operation of an animal cremation unit.
• Extensive technical knowledge of sanitation and disease control techniques used in an animal shelter.
• Knowledge of common diseases seen in dogs and cats in animal shelters.
• Skill in administering medication and medical treatment to animals as directed by the staff veterinarian.
• Skills in effective communication and conflict resolution with customers and staff.
• Ability to use animal handling equipment within a shelter environment, including specialized handling of dangerous or suspected rabid animals.
• Ability to plan, organize and supervise the work of others.
• Ability to maintain files and prepare work related reports.
• Ability to work under stressful conditions.
• Ability to collect, analyze and evaluate information and develop logical conclusions.
• Ability to use a computer and related software.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to work effectively with others.
• Ability to safely operate a motor vehicle.

Physical Requirements

• Stand, bend, stoop, kneel, and lift 50 pounds repetitively and continuously throughout shift.
• Restrain and move animals weighing up to 100 pounds.
• Exposure to wet, hot conditions in an animal shelter environment (wet, smells animal waste, and blood).
• Exposure to loud noise.
• Exposure to animal diseases that may or may not be transferable to humans or other pets
• Exposure to caustic and harsh chemical compounds.

Work Category

• Heavy work - Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.