Director of Animal Services – City of Mission Viejo

Job title: Director of Animal Services

Company: City of Mission Viejo

Job description: DescriptionCity of Mission Viejo Invites Applications forDIRECTOR OF ANIMAL SERVICES$140,441 – $200,116 annuallyAPPLY BY: 3:00 P.M., APRIL 14, 2024The City of Mission Viejo is seeking an experienced and motivated leader to join our team as our Director of Animal Services. The City has a strong commitment to animal services and is a leader in this industry with a strong focus on customer service. Reporting to the Assistant City Manager, the successful candidate will have excellent teambuilding and interpersonal skills and will assume management responsibility for all services and activities of the Animal Services Department, including the City’s Animal Services Center, animal services field operations, kennel operations, volunteer program, and a robust outreach and education program.This department head classification oversees, directs, and participates in all activities of the Animal Services Department including short and long-range planning, development, and administration. The incumbent organizes, manages, and oversees day-to-day operations
of the citywide Animal Services Program and is responsible for providing professional-level support to the Assistant City Manager and City Manager in a variety of areas. Successful performance of the work requires an extensive professional background as well as skill in coordinating departmental work with that of other City departments and public agencies.This position requires the ability to exercise a high level of independence and the use of sound independent judgment, discretion, along with political sensitivity and acumen. The incumbent is accountable for accomplishing departmental planning and operational goals and objectives and for furthering City goals and objectives within general policy guidelines.Please click on the below link for more information regarding this position and to view the recruitment brochure:APPLY BY: 3:00 p.m., April 14, 2024. Applicants are required to apply on-line directly by visiting the City’s website at .Job Related and Essential QualificationsKnowledge of:

• Serve at circulation desk; charge and discharge library materials and issue library cards; collect fines for overdue materials and fees for lost or damaged items;
• Policies, procedures, services and activities related to the operation and administration of an animal services program in a municipal setting, including animal shelters, animal control field operations, kennel operations, and volunteer programs.
• Organizational and management practices as applied to the analysis and evaluation of programs, policies and operational needs.
• Administrative principles and practices, including goal setting, program development, implementation and evaluation and supervision of staff, either directly or through subordinate levels of supervision.
• Public relations and media communications.
• Principles of animal behavior and care.
• Principles and practices of excellent customer service skills.
• Communication and conflict resolution techniques to diffuse upset staff and/or public and private representatives.
• Identification of a variety of breeds of dogs, cats, and other domestic animals.
• Methods and techniques of animal collection, impoundment, and registration.
• Principles of budget preparation and control.
• Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment, review and evaluation, and the training of staff in work procedures.
• Pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes and regulations.
• Occupational hazards and standard safety practices necessary in the area of animal services.
• Principles of contract administration.
• General principles of risk management related to the functions of the assigned area.
• Safety equipment and practices related to the work.
• Computer applications related to the work, including word processing, spreadsheet and database applications.
• Standard office practices and procedures, including the operation of standard office equipment.
• Techniques for dealing effectively with the public, vendors, contractors and City staff, in person and over the telephone.
• Safe work practices
• .Safe driving principles and practices.

Skill in:

• Serve at circulation desk; charge and discharge library materials and issue library cards; collect fines for overdue materials and fees for lost or damaged items;
• Developing and implementing goals, objectives, policies, procedures, work standards and internal controls for the department and assigned program areas.
• Providing administrative and professional leadership and direction for the department and the City.
• Selecting, training, motivating and evaluating the work of staff and training staff in work procedures.
• Planning, organizing, directing and coordinating the work of management, supervisory, professional and technical personnel; delegating authority and responsibility.
• Analyzing problems, identifying alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implementing recommendations in support of goals.
• Researching, analyzing, and evaluating new service delivery methods, procedures and techniques.
• Preparing and administering budgets; preparing clear and concise administrative and financial reports.
• Developing and implementing an annual marketing plan.
• Analyzing, interpreting and applying Federal, State and local policies, procedures, laws and regulations.
• Enforcing laws, ordinances, and regulations pertaining to animal services.
• Effectively representing the department and the City in meetings with commissions and committees, governmental agencies, community groups and various business, professional, educational and governmental organizations and agencies.
• Recognizing normal and abnormal animal behavior.
• Handling potentially dangerous animals in a safe manner.
• Responding to requests and inquiries from the general public.
• Preparing clear and concise reports, correspondence, procedures and other written materials.
• Maintaining accurate records and files of work performed.
• Organizing work, setting priorities and meeting multiple deadlines.
• Making sound, independent decisions within established policy and procedural guidelines.
• Using English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone and in writing.
• Using tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within established policy and procedural guidelines.
• Working, planning and coordinating special City and volunteer events.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.
• Handling conflict and implementing successful resolutions.
• Operating modern office equipment including computer equipment and software programs.
• Operating and maintaining animal control equipment.
• Inoculating and medicating animals.
• Operating a two-way radio.
• Operating a motor vehicle safely.

Experience and Training and License/CertificateAny combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:Equivalent to graduation from an accredited four year college or university with major course work in animal science, veterinary technology, public administration, business, public safety, social services, or a field related to the work and six (6) years of experience in animal services, veterinary technology, public services, community services, social services, or a related program, including three (3) years of management experience. Experience coordinating or managing a volunteer program is highly desirable. Experience in a municipal setting
is preferred. Additional municipal experience may be substituted for the education requirement on a year-for-year basis up to a maximum of two (2) years.License and Other Requirements:Candidates must possess and maintain a valid California class C driver’s license and have a satisfactory driving record.Must possess ability to obtain a P.C. 832 certificate within one (1) year of appointment.Must reside either within Orange County or within 25 driving miles of the Mission Viejo
Animal Services Center. This is necessary in order to report for emergency assignments.

Expected salary: $140441.6 – 200116.8 per year

Location: Mission Viejo, CA

Job date: Tue, 19 Mar 2024 08:02:08 GMT

Apply for the job now!