Animal Services Manager

Job Description

The Animal Services Manager provides leadership and oversight for the operations and personnel of the City’s Animal Services Department, ensuring humane care and control of domestic and wild animals while supporting public health and safety.

This is a management-level position responsible for planning, directing, and supervising all aspects of department operations. As part of the City’s leadership team, the Manager operates within established policies and administrative guidelines, exercising a high degree of independent judgment and decision-making.

The role requires comprehensive knowledge of animal care, customer service, and facility operations, including the ability to respond effectively in emotionally charged or stressful situations. Strong interpersonal skills are essential to maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, City departments, outside organizations, and the general public.

The work environment includes exposure to both indoor shelter operations and outdoor conditions, which may involve extreme weather and the use of power equipment. The position includes potential exposure to aggressive or injured animals, euthanasia chemicals, and zoonotic diseases such as rabies. Noise levels can vary from moderate to high.

This is an on-call position requiring availability to respond to emergencies and the ability to report to the job site within 30 minutes when needed.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Directs the operations and employees of the City Animal Services Department to ensure the safe care and control of domestic and wild animals and public safety. Hires, trains, supervises, schedules, evaluates, and disciplines employees, including terminations. Maintains operational and employee records, documents, statistics, and logs. Responds to public record requests. Prepares and presents periodic reports, as requested.
• Manages the Department’s budget including creating, revising, and implementing an annual budget. Monitors spending for budget compliance. Creates, updates, and implements Department policies, procedures, and protocols.
• Provides customer service to the public. Provides information, answers inquiries and responds to and resolves complaints in person and by telephone.
• Maintains records and documents and prepares reports to maintain Departments federal and other required drug licensing.
• Presents community education and information programs on the Department’s services and operations. Represents the Department to the news media, elected officials, civic groups, and community stakeholders. Develops and maintains strong relationships with volunteers, rescue organizations, and donors to support shelter programs and initiatives. Oversees the shelter’s public engagement strategy, including outreach events, humane education efforts, and online presence. Serves as liaison to the Animal Shelter Advisory Board and as an active board member of the shelter’s nonprofit fundraising organization, collaborating on fundraising, grant opportunities, and community partnerships.
• Collaborates with Planning and Development, Code Enforcement, Parks and Recreation, and the Police departments to address cross-functional issues such as zoning complaints, animal nuisances, and public safety.
• Monitors and reports on shelter performance metrics (e.g., intake, adoptions, euthanasia rates) to ensure transparency and data-informed decision-making. Ensures compliance with local, state, and federal animal welfare laws.
• Performs the duties of Animal Care Specialist, as needed. Responds to emergency and/or rescue situations, as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned. Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this position at any time.
  
  

Acceptable Experience, Training, Licenses And/Or Certifications

• High school diploma or GED required;
• Bachelor’s Degree in a related field is preferred;
• Idaho driver’s license required;
• Ability to obtain a Euthanasia Technician certification required;
• Ability to Maintain the Agency’s DEA and State drug licenses required;
• Veterinary Technician training preferred;
• National Animal Control Association (NACA) I and II Certifications preferred;
  
  

An equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities to successfully perform the essential functions of the position may be considered.

• Hiring Note: The Animal Services Manager position requires Euthanasia Technician certification within one year of hire. Failure to acquire this certification by the established date will violate the terms of the position and will result in layoff from the position.
  
  

Classification Requirements

The requirements listed below are representative of the minimum knowledge, skill, and/or ability required for an individual to satisfactorily perform each essential duty satisfactorily and be successful in the position.

Knowledge Of

• Methods, techniques, and objectives of animal care and control, including handling injured and aggressive animals.
• Basic animal medical evaluation and treatment, including vaccinations, wound care, and general health assessments.
• Procedures and techniques for the humane euthanasia of animals.
• Domestic and wild animal behavior traits and patterns.
• Principles and best practices of customer service.
• Techniques and procedures for employee recruitment, supervision, training, evaluation, discipline, and termination.
• Municipal budgeting processes and objectives.
• Procedures for the preparation and maintenance of documents, reports, logs, statistics, and records.
• Cash handling procedures and City purchase card policies.
• Inventory management, including ordering, receiving, tracking, and reconciliation.
• Building and grounds maintenance practices, including janitorial tasks, mowing, weeding, and snow removal.
• Federal regulations and City policies regarding safe use of janitorial equipment, power tools, and groundskeeping equipment.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws governing the use, inventory, and disposal of controlled substances used in animal care and euthanasia.
• Principles and methods of long- and short-term planning and implementation.
• Use and maintenance of specialized animal control and capture equipment.
• Use of two-way radio equipment for field communication.
• Operation of standard office equipment, a personal computer, and relevant job-related software applications.
  
  

Skill And Ability To

• Plan, direct, and manage daily Animal Services Department operations to ensure compliance, public and animal safety, and licensing requirements.
• Recruit, train, schedule, supervise, evaluate, and, when necessary, discipline or terminate departmental staff in accordance with City procedures.
• Develop, implement, and monitor the departmental budget; track expenditures and adjust accordingly to ensure compliance.
• Create, update, and enforce departmental policies, procedures, and operational protocols to maintain efficient and lawful service delivery.
• Provide professional and courteous customer service; respond to inquiries, resolve complaints, and communicate effectively in person, by phone, and in writing.
• Maintain and manage a wide variety of records and documentation, including personnel files, reports, logs, and data; respond to public records requests in compliance with legal standards.
• Ensure departmental compliance with all drug handling regulations, including inventory, documentation, reporting, and secure storage of scheduled substances.
• Coordinate and lead public education initiatives, outreach activities, and represent the department at public meetings, events, and in media communications.
• Serve as the department liaison to the Animal Shelter Advisory Board and develop strong partnerships with community organizations and stakeholders.
• Order, track, and maintain inventory of equipment, supplies, and controlled substances.
• Respond effectively to animal-related emergencies and rescue situations in the field.
• Perform hands-on animal care and control tasks, including euthanasia and support roles typically assigned to Animal Care Specialists.
• Operate various equipment and tools, including animal restraint devices, office machines, vehicles, and computers with specialized software.
• Demonstrate professionalism, exercise sound judgment, and communicate clearly and effectively in English.
• Organize work, prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and complete assignments efficiently and accurately.
• Adhere to all applicable safety procedures and maintain a safe and healthy environment for staff, animals, and the public.
  
  

Physical Requirements

While performing the duties of this classification, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, bend, use hands to handle materials, manipulate tools, keyboard or type, reach with hands and arms. Sufficient visual acuity and hearing capacity to perform the essential functions and interact with the public is required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Company Description

Nestled in the foothills of the majestic Rocky Mountains, Pocatello offers a perfect blend of work and play. With a semi-arid climate, you can experience the best of all four seasons, from hiking and skiing to fishing and camping. Plus, you're just a short drive away from Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park, Lava Hot Springs, and other must-visit destinations.

All job offers are contingent upon successful completion of a criminal background check.

Benefits

The City of Pocatello offers a generous benefits package to full-time employees:

• Medical
• Prescription
• Dental
• Vision
• Life Insurance
• PERSI Retirement
• PERSI Choice 401(k)
• 457 Retirement Planning
• HRA VEBA Contributions
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Medical
• Dependent Care
• Vacation Time
• Sick Time
• 11 Paid Holidays
• Education Assistance
• Employee Wellness Program
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Eligible Employer