Temporary Sr. Shelter Specialist - Temporary Emergency

DEFINITION

Under general supervision, assists in supervising and providing oversight of the Town's animal shelter activities including impounding, treatment, and disposal of animals and overseeing shelter facilities, ensuring safe, sanitary and secure facilities for shelter animals and the public as well as the humane handling and care of shelter animals; provides oversight of shelter staff, community workers and volunteers working at the shelter facility;

assists the public in locating and handling animals; performs office support functions; and performs related duties as required.

Receives general supervision from the Animal Care and Control Manager. Exercises direct supervision over lower-level staff. Exercises technical and functional direction over and provide training to lower-level staff, volunteers, and work release program participants.

This is a fully competent lead classification responsible for performing a variety of duties related to the care of animals and the maintenance and cleaning of Town animal shelter facilities. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. This class is distinguished from the Animal Shelter Specialist ACO I as the Senior Shelter Specialist is a journey level lead classification and distinguished from the Animal Control Officer II classification in that the latter has responsibility for enforcing state and local laws related to the control of animals and is empowered with limited enforcement authority in the conduct of official duties.

• Prepares the scheduling, assigning, training and monitoring the work of shelter staff and volunteers.
• Participates in the oversight of volunteer and work release programs.
• Ensures the safe and humane handling and kenneling of all animals; handles and kennels animals and oversees the work of staff and volunteers performing these functions.
• Ensures provision of food, water and proper care for all shelter animals by adhering to schedules and protocols within departmental policy.
• Inspects and monitors all animals, including those that may be isolated or quarantined, for signs of illness or unusual behavior; recommends appropriate action and reports significant problems to the Animal Care and Control Manager.
• Receives domestic and wild animals at the Town animal shelter from Animal Control Officers and the public; places animals in appropriate shelter areas according to species and special requirements.
• Conducts daily walk-throughs of shelter.
• Provides care to impounded animals by providing food, water, baths, and comfort; observes animal behavior and health; isolates sick, quarantined, or injured animals; notifies supervisor or other staff members if an animal needs immediate veterinary care.
• Performs limited temperament testing, evaluation, selection and disposition of animals for euthanasia in accordance with established laws, departmental policy and procedures; performs the euthanasia of animals by injecting selected animals with controlled substances in accordance with established laws and departmental policy.
• Coordinates and participates in the screening and selection of animals to be made available for adoption.
• Maintains animal shelter and night drop facilities, including cleaning and disinfecting kennels, cages, and equipment.
• Provides input regarding the performance of lower level staff members, community workers and volunteers to the Animal Care and Control Manager for consideration in employee performance evaluations and reviews.
• Issues Town of Yucca Valley and County of San Bernardino licenses.
• Provides guidance to the public in claiming lost animals, relinquishing animals, or selecting pets for adoption; issues new and renewed dog licenses; collects various fees and fines, prepares daily deposits, and maintains related records.
• Reviews adoption applications to ensure the appropriate placement of animals; counsels citizens regarding animal behavior and temperament.
• Provides effective customer service; responds to complaints and requests for information; interprets and applies regulations, policies, and procedures in response to inquiries and complaints from public.
• Orders and stocks animal food and shelter supplies and maintains inventory records.
• Operates Town vehicle to transport sick/injured animals to veterinary clinics, pick up supplies, and deliver laboratory specimens; cleans and fuels vehicle as needed.
• Maintains records of impoundment, adoption, transfers of animals, and use of controlled drugs for euthanasia, tranquilization and treatment of animals.
• Performs dispatch and…