Animal Services Manager

The purpose of this position is to manage and lead the Police Department’s Animal Services Division. Promote and maintain community partnerships and programs, ensure compliance with all federal and state regulations, and consistently adapt/improve operations to support the animals and people in our community. This is accomplished by leading division operations, preparing and monitoring the budget, directing senior staff, and coordinating activities of staff, the public, and governmental agencies.

This includes reviewing and maintaining compliance with a multitude of federal, state, and local regulations.

• Directs and manages operations of the division by developing and maintaining standard operating procedures; reviews and oversees compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, including appropriate records retention practices, including, but not limited to those associated with Schedule II drugs (under the Drug Enforcement Administration) and bite exposures (Texas Department of State Health Services).Leads personnel by observing and monitoring work tasks, evaluating work performance, providing recognition for exemplary work or service, and implementing disciplinary and termination procedures when necessary.
  
  Delegates or covers staff responsibilities during extended absences or vacancies.
• Resolves customer disputes; oversees enforcement and investigation. Manages contracts and communications for vendors and services, including temporary employees and veterinary staff.
• Maintains communication across staff and volunteers, developing programs, training opportunities, and events to build positive outlook and morale.
• Reviews and updates job descriptions; selecting and hiring new employees and coordinating training for department personnel to ensure maintenance of critical certifications and licenses.
• Monitors the budget by tracking expenditures/revenues and communicating with staff and other departments regarding budget issues. Assists with preparation of Division’s annual operating and capital budgets. Manages the collection and use of the Animal Welfare Donation Fund.
• Ensures compliance of a rabies quarantine facility standards in accordance with Texas Department of State Health Services to safely quarantine and/or test specimens involved in potential rabies exposure to humans.
• Oversees and reviews evidence for dangerous dog investigations; responsible for declaration decision, follow up with associated victims and pet owners, and, if applicable, enforcement of sentence.
• Identifies and responds to rule makings regarding animal-related legislation. Determines financial and technical burdens of rules to the City and implements required changes in the regulations and city ordinances as needed.
• Identifies, purchases, and implements technology and software solutions to track trends in animal population, field activity, and other related data. Works closely with IT department to streamline operations with the use of reports and automatically generated content.
• Collaborates with departments within the City of Grand Prairie to maintain operations and fulfill mutual goals for the community.
• Partners with local organizations to raise awareness of and provide animal-related resources to the community; including but not limited to low cost/free pet vaccination clinics, feline trap-neuter-return, microchipping, etc. Works with Grand Prairie schools for various program and projects, including but not limited to education/job fairs, veterinary internship programs, and volunteer events.
• Attends and, when applicable, presents at national animal welfare conferences to promote the GPAS mission and build relationships with national organizations and charities for collaboration or funding opportunities. Maintains certifications and membership with national and local animal welfare agencies. Participates regularly in DFW Shelter Managers association.
• Oversees the Animal Shelter Advisory Committee by creating agendas, providing speakers, and coordinating relevant data for review.
• Provides information and education to the City Council; preparing presentations for City Council Briefings and Meetings, as needed.
• Assesses…