Shelter Operations Manager

Humane Society of Jefferson County WA

Job Description

Who We Are
HSJCWA serves and improves the lives of animals and people in Jefferson County, WA as a non-profit, open admissions animal shelter providing rehoming/adoptions, low-income spay and neuter services, licenses, community education, & behavior/training support.
Our Vision – A future in which all companion animals receive compassionate care and appropriate housing.
Our Mission – To improve the lives of companion animals and people through community engagement and education, encouraging responsible pet ownership, and providing high-quality public services that support animal welfare.
Our Values – Inclusivity, Stewardship, Collaboration, Teamwork, Education, Transparency, Compassion

The Opportunity
The role of Shelter Operations Manager is crucial in ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of the animal shelter facility. In this position, you will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of shelter management, including the care and well-being of the animals, staff supervision, facility maintenance, and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations. This role requires a combination of administrative skills, leadership abilities, and a passion for animal welfare and ongoing education to remain up-to-date on industry best practices.
Beyond your key responsibilities, you will be part of a dynamic, cross-trained team that engages in hands-on care with the animals (i.e., cleaning, handling, vaccinating, humane euthanasia, vet assisting, etc.) and face-to-face interactions with the public (i.e., adoption counsels, volunteer trainings, spay/neuter clients, educational events, etc.).

This is a full-time (40hrs/wk), on-site position that reports to the Executive Director, supervises a team of 3-5 staff, and offers the following benefits:
Competitive Compensation: $28.00-$30.00 hourly wage; dependent on experience, skills, and certifications.
(10) Paid Holidays: New Year’s Day, MLK Jr Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Indigenous People’s Day, Veteran’s Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day
Paid Vacation: Begins accruing immediately, available after successful 90-day introductory period; 80 hours for years 0-2, 120 hours for years 3+
Sick Leave: Per WA state guidelines
Medical Insurance: 100% employer paid for employee; available at-cost for employee’s dependents
Dental Insurance: Optional add-on at employee’s expense
CE & Career Development: $250/year; potentially higher, dependent upon financial health of organization
Work Uniform Credit: $75/year for clothing, footwear, etc. applicable to working conditions on-the-job

Key Responsibilities
As the Shelter Operations Manager, your primary responsibilities will include:
**Animal Care**: Ensuring the overall physical and mental health, safety, and well-being of all animals in the shelter. This includes overseeing daily intake, cleaning, and care routines, coordinating veterinary care, handling of animals who may be experiencing stress and/or aggressive behaviors, and participation in adoption and humane euthanasia pathways.
**Staff Supervision**: Managing a team of shelter staff, including hiring, training, and scheduling. Providing guidance and support to staff members to ensure a positive working environment, efficient operation of shelter animal flow, and employee development.
**Facility Management**: Overseeing maintenance and cleanliness of the shelter facility, including enclosures, kennels, and common areas. Coordinating repairs and improvements as needed. Creating/maintaining a purchase order system that ensures supplies are stocked and that financial resources are stewarded appropriately.
**Adoption Process**: Implementing and maintaining an efficient and inclusive adoption process, including screening potential adopters, conducting adoption counsels, and ensuring proper documentation. Facilitation of adoption meet and greets and post-adoption follow-up on the well-being of animals in their new homes.
**Community Engagement**: In conjunction with the Outreach & Volunteer Manager, building and maintaining relationships with the local community, including potential adopters, volunteers, and donors. Organizing and participating in community events to promote shelter services and raise awareness about animal welfare.
**Records, Reporting, & Finances**: Maintaining accurate records of animal intake, adoptions, veterinary care, public services, and financial contributions. Prepare budgets and reports as required by management and regulatory agencies.

Qualifications and Skills
To be successful in this role, you will have acquired the following qualifications and skills:
**Experience**: 3+yrs of managerial experience in an animal shelter or a closely related setting. Familiarity with animal care protocols, standard operating procedures for shelters, relevant regulations, and budget management. Comfortable interacting with and handling a variety of people and animals in an emotionally charged, stressful environment.
**Leadership Abilities**: Strong leadership and management skills, including the ability to motivate and supervise a team. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively and build rapport and a positive culture with staff, volunteers, and community members.
**Organization and Time Management**: The ability to prioritize tasks, multitask, and manage time effectively in a fast-paced environment. Attention to detail and computer skills (Microsoft Office products, shelter intake software, etc.) to ensure accurate record-keeping and compliance with protocols and scheduling.
**Passion for Animal Welfare and Education**: A genuine passion for the well-being and care of animals. Commitment to promoting responsible pet ownership and finding appropriate placement for shelter animals. Initiative for seeking continuing education in the areas of animal handling, behavior, enrichment, and inclusive placement options.
**Flexibility**: Willingness to work weekends, evenings, holidays, and special events, as needed. The ability to handle stressful situations and make quick decisions in the best interest of the animals and the shelter.

Conclusion
As the Shelter Operations Manager, you play a vital role in ensuring the welfare of animals in the shelter and creating a positive impact in the community. If you are passionate about animal welfare, possess strong leadership abilities and the required experience, have a desire to make a difference, and align with HSJCWA’s Mission, Vision, and Values, you will excel in this role!

This is a full time job