The Ulster County SPCA is seeking a dedicated, detail-oriented, and compassionate Animal Care Manager. This is a vital leadership role responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the Animal Care Department – kennel, cattery, small animal and farm animal departments. This role ensures the safe and humane treatment of all shelter animals through the highest standards of care, while fostering a collaborative environment dedicated to the organization’s mission.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Strategy
- Executive Advisory: Identify and assess internal/external issues affecting the organization; act as a professional advisor to the Executive Director on all animal care operations. Serve as the Acting Executive Director in their absence.
- Team Culture: Foster an effective teamwork environment among staff and volunteers. Conduct regular meetings to improve programs, protocols, and procedures.
- Supervision: Maintain prescribed work performance standards. Supervise, train, and mentor the animal care staff. Coordinate daily work schedules, conduct performance reviews, and foster a collaborative, compassionate work environment.
Animal Care Operations
- Daily Oversight: Ensure timely completion of daily, weekly, and monthly tasks (feeding, cleaning, enrichment, etc.). Implement and monitor Fear Free sheltering standards. Oversee the implementation of behavioral enrichment and modification programs. Assist with adoption counseling and "meet-and-greets."
- Best Practices: Develop and maintain care practices in alignment with federal, state, and local laws (NYS Standards of Care) and organizational values.
- Cross-Department Collaboration: Work with Medical, Humane Law, and Dog Control regarding handling, intake, isolation, and disease mitigation.
- Documentation: Maintain accurate records using shelter software, ensuring compliance with privacy and security regulations.
- Logistics: Manage equipment/supply inventory and provide recommendations for the organization’s emergency disaster plan.
Program & Human Resources Management
- Pathway Planning: Oversee intake, foster, and adoption programs to minimize length of stay and streamline the adoption process.
- Volunteer Engagement: Promote broad participation by volunteers across all departments.
- Staff Development: Implement HR policies, execute performance management processes, and provide coaching/mentorship to staff.
- Staffing: Provide recommendations for staffing requirements and ensure all personnel receive proper orientation and safety training.
Financial & Community Relations
- Budgeting: Manage department budgets and justify expenditures; assist the Executive Director in developing annual budget goals.
- Advocacy: Ensure each animal’s story is effectively communicated to the marketing department for social media and events.
- Public Representative: Serve as an organizational spokesperson at community events or with media outlets to enhance the shelter's profile.
Qualifications
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science, Biology, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
- Experience: Minimum of 5 years in animal welfare or shelter management. Proven experience supervising a team of 10 or more employees.
- Skills: Advanced animal handling skills (dogs and cats) and a deep understanding of animal behavior. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and shelter management software.
- Communication: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills; ability to remain calm and professional in high-stress, emotionally charged situations.Exceptional leadership and conflict-resolution skills.
- Physical Requirements: Ability to stand/walk for 8+ hours, lift up to 50 lbs, and work safely around animals of varying temperaments.
- Flexibility: Ability to work well in a fast-paced environment and work effectively under pressure.
- Commitment: A genuine passion for animal rescue and a commitment to the "underdogs"—animals with complex medical or behavioral backgrounds.
Why Join Us?
The Ulster County SPCA is a private, non-profit animal welfare organization that has served the community for 135 years. Joining our team means your work directly impacts the lives of thousands of animals and their humans. We offer a collaborative environment where creativity is encouraged and every "shared" post has the power to save a life.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit a resume and a cover letter detailing their experience in shelter management and their philosophy on animal care.
Note: This position is 40 hours weekly, 8:30am-5:00pm, Sunday through Thursday (off Friday/Saturday).
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $22.80 - $34.20 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Education:
- High school or equivalent (Required)
Experience:
- shelter management: 5 years (Required)
Work Location: In person
