Assistant Manager Of Animal Care

ASSISTANT MANAGER OF ANIMAL CARE
Full-time exempt position
Reports to the Animal Care Manager
The Richmond SPCA is one of our region's most beloved non-profit organizations. As a national no-kill leader in animal welfare, the Richmond SPCA is building a more compassionate community through the delivery of crucial programs of pet adoption, retention, training, advocacy, humane education, and more. Annually, we rescue, rehabilitate and adopt out nearly 4,000 homeless animals while also providing our community with vital safety net programs designed to keep pets in loving homes and out of shelters.
The Assistant Manager of Animal Care helps oversee a hardworking team of animal care technicians who provide uncompromising care to approximately 300 homeless animals in our care each and every day. This individual will consistently support and promote the mission, needs and goals of the organization while inspiring and coaching their team to deliver exceptional animal care. The Assistant Manager of Animal Care provides supervisory support to the animal care department and must be able to work with a sense of urgency so as to help maximize the lifesaving of homeless animals.
Essential Functions

• Answer correspondence in a timely manner with helpful and clear information
• Perform weekly special diet list and animal inventory
• Assist the Animal Care Manager with creating staff schedules, work to ensure areas are adequately staffed and modify the schedule to account for callouts as needed
• Report any medical concerns or observations to the veterinary staff for monitoring
• Assist the Animal Care Manager with the creation, implementation and improvement of orientation and training procedures for animal care staff members
• Handle employee concerns and complex, emotional situations with empathy and professionalism
• Help to perform daily check-outs of staff, including all assigned areas and animals
• Work closely with operational management team to strategically manage kennel space taking multiple factors into consideration and plan for animal intakes
• Oversee operation of the Animal Care department at least two days per week, to include leading the weekly meeting with animal care technicians
• Work with our awesome volunteers and respond to their questions in a professional manner
• Other job related duties as assigned
• Assist the Animal Care Manager with the monitoring of inventory for the department and ordering of supplies as needed
• Attend and participate in all required training and meetings, including weekly shelter operations meetings
• Motivate employees and support a culture of respect, professionalism, creativity and mission devotion
• Assist other colleagues and employees in the department and organization to achieve organization-wide goals
• Work with operational management to prepare for occasional disaster relief responses
• Support Animal Care Manager and fulfill responsibilities as assigned (by supervisor)
• Maintain open and regular communication with Manager of Animal Care, Animal Care Leads, Enrichment Specialists and Senior Director of Shelter Operations
• Report any behavioral concerns or observations to the shelter trainers for monitoring

Requirements

• Be 18 years of age or older
• Daytime availability with the ability to work on weekends and holidays
• Successful completion of a criminal background screening
• Have a valid driver's license and reliable transportation
• Able to work in a high volume, fast-paced, high-stress environment

Qualifications, Skills & Expectations

• Professional communication skills and comfort speaking with staff and customers from varying backgrounds and differing communication styles
• Excellent attention to detail
• Ability to maintain existing organizational systems
• Team-oriented mindset
• Ability to exercise good judgement and be diplomatic
• Punctual and reliable
• Works well under pressure and meets deadlines
• Resourceful, positive, get-it-done attitude
• High degree of emotional intelligence
• Ability to multi-task, take and follow directions, adapt to and accommodate changing demands
• Handling dogs and cats: both general handling (petting, leash-walking, some lifting and carrying) and restraint (placing animals in cages/carriers) are necessary daily
• Uncompromising commitment to the wellbeing of every pet in our care
• Good time management and prioritization skills
• Strong work ethic
• Must be able to work independently at times
• Ability to learn new software quickly and effectively
• Fluency in Spanish is preferred, but not required
• Strong computer skills (Word, Excel, MS Outlook)
• Adept and creative problem solver

Physical Job Requirements

• Willing to work in all weather conditions
• Able to routinely lift 40-50 lbs.
• Able to be on your feet for up to 8 hours at a time
• Able to kneel and stoop
• Able to work around animals (including those who are sick or injured or who have behavior challenges), loud noises, cat litter, animal waste, and various chemicals
• Able to bend and use your arms in a repetitive manner

Work Environment

• All employees are eligible to become clients of the low-cost, full-service Susan M. Markel Veterinary Hospital of the Richmond SPCA and have access to an Employee Assistance Program and 401(k) retirement plan. Full-time employees are eligible for insurance benefits, including medical, dental, and vision, life insurance, short-term disability, and paid time off.
• High levels of noise
• Potential for animal bites and scratches and diseases that are zoonotic (can be transmitted from animals to people)
• Rapid pace with exposure to potential hazards including animal waste and disinfectants

Individuals interested in applying for the position should submit a completed resume with their application. Selection for this position will be contingent on the successful completion of a background check. If you are selected for an interview, you will be contacted. No phone calls or walk-ins, please.