Shelter Care Manager

Non-Exempt role - Starting Wage: $31.00/hour

BENEFITS:

Health, dental, vision and more, with employer contribution

3 weeks paid time off + 10 paid holidays

403(b) with 2% employer match

Pet care reimbursement

Discounted adoptions, pet food, and select veterinary services

Check out our full list of benefits and perks HERE

Position Summary:

The Shelter Care Team is the program that is responsible for all animal care in the shelter building for all nine species of animal housed (dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, hamsters, gerbils, rats, and mice). The program is responsible for the direct care of the animals and to meet their individual needs. To accomplish these duties, Shelter Care is comprised of a team of compassionate and skilled staff and volunteers. The Manager is the direct supervisor of the Shelter Care Supervisors and the Animal Care Associates (unionized team). This position works closely with all team and department leaders to support the mission, goals, and long-term plans of Seattle Humane. This position also requires a high level of communication skills and empathy. The Shelter Care Manager role focuses on program advancement and guiding their direct reports in their duties but may provide some support for unexpected staff shortages as needed. They will also spend time participating in operations management leadership decisions and discussions.

KEY OR ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Manages population of animals in the shelter and provides high-quality individualized care in accordance with the Five Domains of Animal Welfare.

Manages flow of animals through physical housing spaces based on medical needs, behavior needs, and adoption availability.

Maintains and creates cleaning, feeding, and basic care processes with a focus on biosecurity and disease prevention.

Oversees the Shelter Care Supervisors and conduct annual performance reviews and quarterly check-ins

Works in conjunction with Shelter Care Supervisors to draft and delivers performance evaluations, quarterly check-ins, and disciplinary action for Animal Care Associates as outlined by the collective bargaining agreement.

Communicates with union representatives as needed.

Works with Shelter Care Supervisors and Senior Leadership to implement changes to Shelter Care operations.

Partner with Volunteer Services to manage volunteers supporting shelter care.

Advances team goals by focusing on strategic recruitment, retention, and skill specialization of staff where appropriate.

Reviews and address safety concerns brough forward by Animal Care Associates and volunteers.

Plans, schedules, and runs team meetings.

Creates and updates training plans, materials, and schedules trainings.

Collaborates with supervisors to create team schedules, manage time off requests, and approve timecards.

Prepares monthly reports and/or other data requested by Senior Leadership.

Actively participates in project, group, and management meetings.

In collaboration with Senior Operation Manager, creates and updates Standard Operating Procedures and process documents as needed.

Capable of completing all key supervisor and associate tasks and functions.

Secondary Functions:

Maintains appropriate files and records. Adheres to the files and records retention policy and procedures.

Provides Manager on Duty coverage.

Supports other staff teams as needed.

Works with Senior Operation Manager to submit division budget requests; participates in annual budget conversations and planning.

Other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

Staff: Direct supervision of Shelter Care Supervisors. Indirect supervision of Animal Care Associates.

Volunteers: Indirect supervision of all shelter care volunteer positions.

COMMUNICATION/INTERPERSONAL CONTACT:

Daily close collaboration and communication with staff from Shelter Care, Foster Care, Behavior, Veterinary Services, Admissions, Adoptions, and Marketing.

Daily communication with all other staff teams regarding animal flow and planning.

Daily communication with Director, Supervisors, and Animal Care Associates.

Regular individual check-in conversations with direct reports.

Regular written and verbal communication with the Senior Leadership Team and other management team members.

Represents Seattle Humane in a professional manner.

Commits to valuing diversity and contributes to an inclusive working environment that is sensitive to other opinions, culture, and perspectives.

COMPLEXITY:

Management roles require balancing organizational needs with team capacity. Needs to show good analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills. Supervisory roles include coaching and feedback based on the individual’s needs and style. A high degree of independent judgment is required. The nature of the job will vary. Must be able to supervise and coordinate staff and volunteers and remain focused on the agency goals and objectives. A strong attention to detail and the ability to respond to unexpected questions, comments or requests from other divisions or the public is required. Must be able to maintain concentration on a task or series of tasks while dealing with frequent interruptions. Must be able to train new staff and adjust plans as appropriate based on the individual. Must be able to work well without direct supervision. The ability to motivate, negotiate and mediate is important when handling a variety of personalities and emotions. A manager who is open to learning new management methods and skills as well curiosity about changes and progress in the industry is desired.

KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION OR TRAINING:

At least 4 years of employment in an animal shelter setting is required.

At least 2 years in a managerial or supervisory role.

Must have excellent oral communication skills.

Must be able to write clearly and listen effectively.

Must possess the organizational and planning skills to determine work priorities and schedules.

Must have experience working with volunteers.

Must have experience supervising staff.

Experience managing a budget preferred.

Basic knowledge of animal health, behavior, and nutrition.

Basic knowledge of MS Office Suite, internet use and e-mail; experience with databases and data entry helpful.

Bilingual is a plus.

LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

High school graduate or GED.

Must be capable of being certified in human CPR/first aid as well as mental health first aid.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

Communicates clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing

Comfortable administering medications and injections

Can solve problems and make clear decisions quickly

Has good attention to detail

Produces accurate work despite frequent interruptions

Organizes and manages multiple and complex projects

Focuses on strategic goals and objectives and how the impact daily work

Is sensitive to other opinions, perspectives, or cultures

Offers excellent customer service (internal and external)

Can have difficult conversations with staff and volunteers regarding placement and euthanasia in a sensitive manner

Comfortable in dealing with angry, confused, distraught and/or irrational people

Exhibits initiative and motivation in performing all duties

With or without accommodation has good senses of hearing, vision, and smell (to distinguish between various odors)

With or without accommodation stands for long periods of time and walks quickly

With or without accommodation can see clearly with a least one eye and have good dexterity and reflexes especially when restraining or moving an animal

May lift and carry at least 50 pounds with or without accommodation; crouch and bend at the waist and kneel; must be able to control dogs up to 200 pounds when on a leash

WORKING CONDITIONS:

General office and animal shelter environment. When handling animals, there is a