Kennel Shift Leader - ACS

Position Summary

The purpose and mission of Animal Care Services is advocating animal welfare, adoption, and rescue. The agency does this by protecting and promoting the health, safety, and welfare of pets and livestock in Marion County. The agency is able to do this by cultivating a productive, collaborative, and compliant work environment in order for our workforce to meet the needs of the constituents of Indianapolis and Marion County.

This position is responsible for supervising and assisting with the work of the animal care technicians and adoption counselors. Incumbent is responsible for training new hires.

Ensures the kennel operations are running according to the established standard operating procedures. Incumbent in this position will support the kennel manager with direct and indirect administrative direction, planning, managing, and administering the programs and activities of the shelter, coordinating assigned activities with outside agencies, and the general public. Incumbent provides support to the kennel manager, animal care technicians, and other departments.

The incumbent in this position must utilize independent judgment in different areas of the division. The incumbent's other actions are dictated by established policies and procedures, civil and criminal laws, and the codes established by the city and county. The incumbent in this position will be on call 24-hours a day all year. Position reports to the Kennel Manager.

All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status. We value diversity in perspectives and experiences among colleagues and the residents of this city of whom we serve.

Position Responsibilities

• Assists in the planning, organizing, and supervising the daily operations and services of ACS shelters for assigned shifts

• Supervises and monitors the work of animal care technicians, and other team members assigned to the shelter by providing training, investigating complaints, and evaluating performance

• Consults with the kennel manager on the division's services, scheduling, and operating procedures

• Coordinates team members' schedules and assignments on shift including scheduling in the event of a team members absence, health hazard, or other emergencies

• Identifies training needs for kennel team members and supervises or conducts training sessions on subjects regarding animal care, administering medications, administering vaccines, animal behavior, and disease control

• Troubleshoots issues within the division as they arise

• Performs inspections of team members assigned areas to ensure work conforms with standard operating procedures

• Reviews results of the inspections with team members as appropriate

• Performs daily rounds at ACS facilities to ensure health and welfare of animals, authorizing treatment of sick, injured, or terminal animals

• Provides information to the kennel manager relating to the temperament of the animals and their options for placement

• Euthanizes animals and when necessary, prepares a specimen for the State Board of Health for rabies testing

• Ensures the operations are maintained by reviewing requests for time off, new equipment, recommending supplies and reporting building issues

• Must maintain confidentiality at all times

• This list of duties and responsibilities is not intended to be all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties or responsibilities that management may deem necessary from time to time

Qualifications

One (1) year of work-related experience. Ability to operate and care for animal control equipment.

Must be able to recognize normal and abnormal animal behavior; manage potentially dangerous animals in a safe manner; respond to requests and inquiries from the general public. Must have an ability to remain calm and effective during a crisis event in an emotionally charged environment.

Must be compassionate in all areas of the animal welfare.

Must have proven leadership skills with the ability to motivate and manage a diverse group of team members. Must be comfortable being around and interacting with animals of all sizes and breeds.

Must understand operational characteristics and services of animal programs including field and kennel operations, principles of animal behavior and care, identification of a variety of breeds of animals, methods and techniques of animal collection, impoundment, and registration.

Must understand the basic principles of budget control. Must adhere to state and local laws, codes, regulations, and occupational hazards.

Must have great communications skills both orally and written and be able to adapt to different tones and messaging to meet the needs of different audiences in different settings.

Must be able to work under extremely stressful conditions. Must exhibit tact in collaborating with other professionals and team members. Must have knowledge of Microsoft Office.

Preferred Job Requirements and Qualifications

Associates Degree in a related field with one (1) year of work-related experience and one (1) year experience in a supervisory capacity. Registered Veterinary Technician is a plus.

Ability to operate and care for animal control equipment.

Must be able to recognize normal and abnormal animal behavior; manage potentially dangerous animals in a safe manner; respond to requests and inquiries from the general public. Must have an ability to remain calm and effective during a crisis event in an emotionally charged environment.

Must be compassionate in all areas of the animal welfare. Proven management skills with the ability to motivate and manage a diverse group of team members and experience managing and working with union team members a plus. Must be comfortable being around and interacting with animals of all sizes and breeds.

Must understand operational characteristics and services of animal programs including field and kennel operations, principles of animal behavior and care, identification of a variety of breeds of animals, methods and techniques of animal collection, impoundment, and registration.

Must understand the basic principles of budget preparation and control. Must adhere to state and local laws, codes, regulations, and occupational hazards.

Must have great communications skills both orally and written and be able to adapt to different tones and messaging to meet the needs of different audiences in different settings.

Must be able to work under extremely stressful conditions. Must exhibit tact in collaborating with other professionals and team members. Must have knowledge of Microsoft Office.