Director of Animal Services

Animal Services Director

Pasco County is currently seeking an Animal Services Director to join the team! Involves highly responsible administrative work directing, planning, implementing, operating, and evaluating the County's Animal Control Program in accordance with the Animal Control Ordinance as adopted by the Board of County Commissioners.

The Community Services Department / Pasco County Animal Services (PCAS) Division has implemented the SAVE 90% Program to save as many adoptable animals as possible. With an emphasis on giving shelter pets a second chance to find forever homes, PCAS is currently implementing crucial program areas by partnering with pet rescue organizations, community residents, volunteers and other community based organizations.

Implements and maintains the County's Animal Control Program in accordance with the adopted Animal Control Ordinance. Establishes and maintains rules and regulations governing the care and feeding of animals maintained in the County kennels. Duties involve heavy public and media contact due to the sensitivity of animals rights and animal welfare issues. Works with the Department Head and Animal Control Advisory Committee to develop policy. Prepares and submits budget requests for the Division. Determines work schedules and administers personnel policies established by the Board of County Commissioners. Maintains liaison with County officials, members of the media, rescue partners, and other community representation. Maintains liaison with veterinarian associations and other professional organizations. Participates with other agencies in cooperative endeavors and maintains community contacts and represents the division to the public through various types of appearances. Handles special problems with private citizens. Reviews divisional citations. Delegates responsibilities to other employees as conditions warrant. Directly supervises the veterinarian and the field and shelter supervisors, and directs the activities of all Animal Services staff including shelter and customer service specialist. Performs all duties of an Animal Control Officer, as needed. Processes paperwork and purchase orders and maintains necessary records within the Animal Control unit. Performs related work as required.

Ability to interpret the ordinances and laws relating to animal control and to direct prosecution of violators. Ability to understand the procedures to custodial care of animals. Ability to understand the road network of the County. Ability to enforce the Animal Control Ordinance with firmness and impartiality. Ability to explain regulations to the public with tact and courtesy. Ability to plan and assign work of employees. Ability to present programs and recommendations clearly and concisely, both orally and in written form. Knowledge of animal disease and its relation to humans. Understanding of animal behavior. Must be well acquainted with and sympathetic to the principals, purposes, and objectives of animal control, animal adoptions, and animal education programs.

PHYSICAL SKILLS : Ability to communicate effectively using verbal, written and visual communication. EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE : Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in Public Health, Public Administration, Business Administration, or related field. Four (4) years' progressive experience in an animal shelter environment, including the apprehension and custody of animals, is required. Master's Degree preferred. Administrative experience in the management of similar government programs preferred. LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS OR REGISTRATIONS : Must possess a valid Florida driver's license. Certification from the Florida Animal Control Officer Association within the first year of employment is required. One or more of the following certifications is preferred : Florida Sterling Examiner, or Malcolm Baldrige Examiner, or Kaizen. ADA STATEMENT : A qualified employee or applicant with a disability may be afforded a reasonable accommodation to perform the essential job functions of a position in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE : Pasco County is a drug-free workplace in accordance with Federal and Florida Law. EMERGENCY RESPONSE / RECOVERY ACTIVITIES : All employees will be required to work before, during, or after an emergency. During an emergency, employees may temporarily be assigned to work and perform duties outside the normal scope of their position, location and work schedule to fit the needs of the County and its citizens.