**Position subject to close at any time**

Under limited direction, this position will support the Director, serve on the leadership team, be expected to help advance the Department’s mission, goals and objectives. The Assistant Director will directly oversee assigned areas of responsibility while being involved in all animal services operations including the field, veterinary clinic, shelter, and administrative areas. The Assistant Director will be involved in budget planning, oversight, and compliance.

The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification. It is not necessarily descriptive of any one position in the class. The omission of an essential function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed herein if such functions are a logical assignment to the position.

• Works directly for the Animal Services Director to advance the Department in accordance with County and Departmental goals and objectives.
• Embraces a “one team” approach to accomplish daily tasks, goals, and projects through interaction, cooperation, assisting, training, and learning from volunteers.
• Oversees and participates in the training and onboarding of new employees.
• Creates and updates Standard Operating Procedures as needed to ensure consistency in operations and clarity in expectations.
• Ensures employee schedules provide for the best coverage and service to our community.
• Participates in the development, monitoring, and updating of the department’s strategic plan.
• Responds to the community effectively, sometimes during intense emotional circumstances.
• Reviews daily reports associated with various activities.
• Supervises employees that are within areas of assigned responsibility to include, but not limited to, hiring, evaluating, providing feedback and disciplinary action if necessary to help ensure accountability and to maintain a high level of employee performance, quality service, and efficiency.
• Works closely with the County Attorney’s Office, State Attorney’s Office and local law enforcement agencies on matters of animal cruelty, dangerous dogs, loose livestock, rabies control, etc. to include producing necessary documentation / reports related to cases and/or proofreads reports written by others.
• Identifies and submits applications for grants that would help advance animal welfare and/or public safety programs that are critical to the department.
• Assists with the development and monitoring of the Department’s budget to ensure we are achieving our goals and operating within established parameters.
• Serves in a Tier 2 capacity during a declared emergency and thus is considered essential personnel subject to being required to work in the event of a disaster, such as a hurricane, or other emergency.
• Performs other duties as necessary which are related to or logically associated with this position.

Education: Must possess a bachelor’s degree in Animal Science, Public Health, Criminal Justice or similar field. CAWA preferred.

Experience: A minimum of 7 years of progressive supervisory experience in an animal related or law enforcement capacity.

Miscellaneous: Must possess and maintain a current, valid Florida Driver’s License.

• Must have experience working with, and be able to develop an in-depth understanding of, local and State laws that are related to animals and public safety.
• Must have a passion for animal welfare and possess enthusiasm for working in a progressive animal service organization.
• Possess strong written and verbal communication skills and able to deal diplomatically and professionally with sensitive issues and problems. Able to provide competent courtroom testimony.
• Ability to troubleshoot complicated situations, using knowledge and good judgment and render quick, responsible decisions under stressful and emotional circumstances.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective and positive working relationships, collaborations, and communications with staff, volunteers, other County personnel, government agencies, veterinarians, law enforcement, civic groups, and the public.
• Willingness to participate with outside organizations such as the Florida Animal Control Association or the Association for Animal Welfare Advancement, as examples.
• Must be attentive to legislative activities occurring on a state and federal level that may impact animal service organizations. Brings concerns to the attention of the director.
• Ability to participate in planning, but able to adjust to an ever-changing environment and be willing to take some risk to accomplish to accomplish important goals.
• Ability to learn and utilize standard computer programs along with those that are specific to animal services and law enforcement.
• Ability to help establish and maintain best practices regarding animal handling, transportation, offloading, triaging, and housing to minimize stress and maximize safety.
• Ability to interact with, handle, and assist with the care of a variety of animal species, oftentimes when they are sick or injured.

• Physical Demand: Medium
• 100 pounds maximum lifting.
• Frequent (up to 2/3 of the work time) standing, lifting, carrying up to 25 lbs.
• Expressing or exchanging ideas by spoken word or perceiving sound by ear.
• Good eyesight for production or safety of self and others.
• Physical demand requirements are more than light work.