JOB SUMMARY: The Animal Care Supervisor will be responsible for performing all of the duties of an Animal Care Technician (ACT) as well as logistical functions to help with the effective operations of the Animal Care Department. Duties include training staff in animal care policies/procedures; care of equipment and tracking the use of animal food, litter, bedding and other resources; prioritizing and assigning tasks; performing daily checks to ensure tasks have been completed; and assisting adoptions, veterinary, and behavior staff as needed.

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS:

This position is supervised by: Senior Manager of Animal Care  
 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB INCLUDE:

• Perform all of the functions of an Animal Care Technician;
• Serve as the primary supervisor for all animal care related tasks and complete routine daily inspections to ensure all tasks are performed correctly and in a timely manner;
• Under the guidance of the Senior Manager of Animal Care, train all newly hired ACTs and volunteers on proper cleaning and care protocols and processes;
• Track the use of all animal care supplies (including cleaning supplies, equipment, animal food, litter, safety equipment, ect.) and report to the Senior Manager of Animal Care when ordering is needed;
• Work directly with the  Senior Manager of Animal Care to review and revise animal care procedures as necessary;
• Report any maintenance or safety issues to the Senior Manager of Animal Care;
• Help facilitate animals being moved into adoption areas as quickly and efficiently as possible to aid in reduction of length of stay;
• Enter information about animals into the AWLA’s database;
• Work closely with the  Senior Manager of Animal Care and veterinary staff to ensure all ACTs understand and comply with veterinary instructions for each animal;
• Assist with logistics of all incoming animal transfers to ensure a smooth transfer process;
• Provide assistance to the veterinary team in administering daily medications when necessary;
• Provide assistance to the adoptions staff in showing animals to potential adopters as needed;
• All other duties as assigned.

Position Specifications:

Required:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Minimum 2 years of experience in animal care in an animal shelter or similar environment
• Minimum 3 years of experience in team management
• Proven ability to handle multiple tasks in a busy workplace environment
• Ability to accurately perform basic mathematical calculation
• Understanding of humane care and treatment of animals
• Valid Driver’s License
• Fluent in English

Preferred:

• Spanish language skills

Working Conditions:

• Indoors in a high noise, air-conditioned/heated building, outdoors at shelter, or on-location for various activities
• Equipment use:
  • Includes use of PC, laser printer, copy machine, fax machine, telephone, power washer, industrial dish washing machine, laundry machine, dryer, and cleaning supplies
• Work hours:
  • Work hours will vary
  • Early morning, evening, weekend and holiday hours are required
  • Most likely schedule will be Sunday thru Thursday, 9am to 5:30pm

Mental, Physical and Communications Demands:

A successful candidate must be able to:

• Tolerate regular exposure to animals (including pet dander, dust and other allergens, and feces/urine), cleaning chemicals and fumes;
• Frequently lift and/or move up to 100 pounds;
• Frequently bend, grip and be flexible to do so;
• Have close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus;
• Strong data entry skills and the ability to maintain accurate records in a database;
• Work alone or with minimal supervision; Must be self-motivated;
• Have patience and tact when working with difficult, emotional, or angry people;
• Effectively communicate, verbally and in writing, over the phone and intercom, with a wide variety of both internal and external individuals, including the Directors, Managers, Coordinators, the staff, a volunteer workforce, partner organizations and private citizens;
• Treat people and animals in a pleasant, courteous and professional manner;
• Follow to AWLA’s policies and philosophies;
• Receive Rabies vaccine and/or titers test upon request.

This position description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related duties required by their supervisor. This document does not create an employment contract implied or otherwise, other than an "at-will" relationship.

COMPENSATION: The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria offers an excellent benefits package and competitive compensation. The AWLA provides health care, dental, and vision coverage, a retirement plan, and additional employee benefits. Pay will be commensurate with experience.

The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, disability, gender identity, results of genetic testing, service in the military, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions.

Equal employment opportunity applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leave of absence, compensation and training.