Operations Manager

Organization: West Columbia Gorge Humane Society (WCGHS), is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, animal shelter located in Washougal, Washington. West Columbia Gorge Humane Society relies on a small staff, a core group of volunteers, and a Board of Directors to take care of the day-to-day operations, shelter management, fundraising, and events. The mission of West Columbia Gorge Humane Society is to save the lives of pets and provide resources to keep pets and their people together.

Job Summary: Are you looking for a position where you can make a difference in the lives of homeless pets and support the individual needs of people and their pets within the community? Does the idea of working with adorable pets and connecting them with loving families bring a smile to your face? Then our Operations Manager position might be the perfect role for you!

The Operations Manager is a working leader who keeps daily shelter operations running effectively — supervising staff, supporting training, and providing coverage as needed. This role ensures consistent standards of care and effective program operations.

Reports To: Director of Operations

Supervisory Responsibilities: Provides direct supervision to 4–6 employees and may direct and support volunteers as needed.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead and maintain accountability for daily animal program operations, including intake, animal care, adoptions, and workflow coordination to ensure consistent and efficient program operations.
• Ensure compliance with internal policies, procedures, and animal welfare standards.
• Supervise 4–6 staff members, including scheduling, coaching, performance management, and ongoing support.

● Support staff professional development through coaching, feedback, and structured growth opportunities.

● Lead staff training, onboarding, and skills development to ensure consistent and effective performance.

● Foster a professional, respectful, and collaborative team environment.

● Provide operational coverage across program areas by filling gaps when staff are out to ensure consistent support for animals, volunteers, and programs.

● Oversee facility operations, including cleanliness standards, maintenance coordination, safety, and vendor communication.

● Maintain, actively improve, and reinforce organizational handbooks, SOPs, and operational standards.

• Support effective communication and coordination across departments and program leadership.
• Identify and resolve day-to-day operational needs to maintain efficient program operations.
• Make real-time operational decisions to resolve day-to-day staffing, facility, and animal flow needs, escalating complex issues appropriately.

● Ensure accurate tracking and reporting of operational metrics (intake, length of stay, adoptions, capacity, staffing coverage, community programs, etc.) to support data-informed decision-making and program improvement.

● Collaborate with medical, volunteer, marketing, and leadership teams to support organizational goals.

Position Specifics

● Hours: This position is a non-exempt, full-time, permanent position with 40 hours per week. Must be available to work weekends and some evenings, if needed.

● Salary: $20.50 - $25.75

● Benefits: Paid time off is accrued at .040 per hour worked for a maximum of 80 hours per year; sick time is accrued at one hour per 40 hours worked in accordance with WA State Paid Sick Leave Law, four paid holidays; annual scrub allowance.

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Health Insurance: Full-time employees are eligible to participate in our group health care plan. ●

Closing Date: Position is open until filled.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Experience:

● Operations or management experience, preferably in animal welfare, nonprofit, veterinary, or related fields.

• 2+ years of direct supervisory experience with strong leadership in staff development, coaching, operational coordination, and team accountability, with ability to flex across roles as needed.
• Ability to safely handle animals of all sizes and temperaments, including animals exhibiting (fear, arousal, or reactive behaviors).

● Must have working knowledge of business equipment such as a computer, printer, copy machine, telephone, digital camera, etc.

● Excellent verbal and written skills, as well as organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to be self-motivated and disciplined.

• Strong work ethic and a commitment to teamwork and customer service excellence.
• Able to operate all vehicles and have a clean driving record.

● Love of animals and passion for animal welfare.

Working Conditions

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to noxious odors, fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals. Exposure to animal diseases and in the presence of injured, vicious, or frightened animals and potentially volatile situations which can present risk of violence or injury. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to occasionally loud. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Ability to work in varying temperatures and climate change.

Application Process

Submit resume, cover letter, and references to: ***email_hidden***

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 the Executive Director. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at-will” relationship.

West Columbia Gorge Humane Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer