Animal Education Jobs in Springfield, MA (NOW HIRING)

Position Purpose/Summary To effectively and efficiently manage the daily operations of the Thomas J. O'Connor Animal Control and Adoption Center (Center.) This position ensures that animals are treated in a humane manner, in accordance with state and local laws and visitors to the Center are provided services in a professional and courteous manner. Plans, coordinates and supervises animal shelter activities which includes, but is not limited to animal impoundment, disease management, animal adoption, animal reclaims, front office, cash handling, humane euthanasia, inventory control, scheduling, payroll, and inter-department and outside agency collaboration, in accordance with the standards and procedures established by the Center and City

This position reports to the Executive Director. Supervision is exercised over a team of animal care staff and a corps of volunteers. Essential Functions Responsible for the operational management of all Center activities, (with the exception of animal control officers and field services), including programs, personnel, and adherence to the annual budget.

Responsible for recruiting, interviewing, hiring, and supervising staff for the facility. Includes performing annual staff performance evaluations and any disciplinary actions necessary. Serves as a professional and courteous representative of the Center.

Serves as a role model for the public, staff and volunteers, ensuring a positive and effective approach is maintained at all times. Oversees recruitment, training, and supervision of the Center's 175+ volunteers. Ensures that proper care and attention is provided to all animals in the Center's custody in accordance with the facility's policies, procedures, and any applicable laws.

Possesses strong understanding of shelter animal population, health, and disease control. Works creatively and effectively with outside organizations to increase the Center's live release rate. Supervises or provides the function of euthanizing in accordance with the Center's policies.

Supervises or provides the function of temperament evaluating canines in according to the procedure established by the facility. Possesses ability to skillfully vaccinate, medicate, draw blood, and perform humane euthanasia of shelter animals. Devises and implements systems, methods, and procedures in accordance with modern humane and business practices and those practices employed by comparable humane societies and animal control facilities.

Handles problem situations internally (the facility) and externally (general public) relating to Thomas J. O'Connor's policies and procedures. Analyzes all relevant data and information related to the facility's activities, and prepares required proposals, reports, and recommendations.

Maintains appropriate relationships with other public service organizations, municipal governments, vendors, news media, and the community to enhance the Center's image and to aid in attaining its objectives. Responsible for ordering and maintaining all Center supplies in a resourceful manner. Work with the Center veterinarian to order and manage the use of controlled substances in the Center in accordance with state and federal laws.

Responsible for overseeing the integrity of Center's mechanical and technical systems. Preforms other related duties as required. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Ability and skill to deal with unruly, vicious, and dangerous animals in a humane manner.

Excellent oral and written communication skills. Ability to deal diplomatically with the political system and the public. Possess the ability to handle a highly stressful work load and maintain composure in stressful situations.

Possess strong knowledge of state and local animal related laws and ordinances. Possess strong knowledge of humane capture and handling techniques and animal body language. Knowledge of the principles and practices of employee supervision.

Ability to exercise initiative, considerable independent judgement and resourcefulness where there may be uncertainty in approach, methodology, and interpretation. Errors at this level could potentially lead to the loss of life or major harm or life impairment. Ability to maintain a high volume of work output with minimal supervision.

Requires advanced computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite, such as Outlook, Word, and Excel. Experience with Access, PowerPoint and Munis preferred. Education and Experience BA/BS in animal science or related field AND four (4) years of experience as an animal care technician/supervisor; OR anu equivalent combination of eight (8) years education and/or relevant experience.

Three (3) years of supervisory experience preferred.