Animal Protection Supervisor, Austin Animal Services

City of Austin • Austin, TX

6d • $28 - $36 • Onsite

About The Position

At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer—we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles – Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity – anchors in delivering services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee. Under general direction, this position oversees the daily operations and activities of the assigned work unit by supervising the personnel responsible for rabies control, dangerous or vicious animal investigations, animal impoundment, and education and prevention services.

Requirements

• Knowledge of animal services and related programs.
• Knowledge of supervisory and managerial techniques and principles including the evaluation of others and conflict resolution.
• Knowledge of City practices, policies, and procedures.
• Knowledge of City of Austin and Travis County streets, roads, etc.
• Knowledge of laws, regulations, and ordinances concerning animal-related services, issues, and complaints.
• Skill in safely handling wild, domestic, and livestock animals including those with unknown temperament.
• Skill in using tools used to restrain and harness animals.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining good working relationships with other employees and the public and making effective use of community resources.
• Skill in using computers and related software applications.
• Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
• Ability to adhere to disease management and safety protocols.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing to respond to inquiries and prepare and present information.
• Ability to demonstrate leadership, management, and human relations skills to facilitate significant cultural and organizational change.
• Ability to guide, train, monitor, evaluate, and provide feedback on the work of others.
• Ability to effectively manage projects and delegate responsibilities.
• Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in a related field, plus three (3) years of relevant experience, including one (1) year of experience which was in a lead or supervisory capacity.
• Experience may substitute for education up to the maximum of four (4) years.
• Valid Class C Texas Driver license.
• Certifications relevant to the job must be obtained within the given timelines.
• Notary Public must be obtained within six (6) months of hire.
• Current certification with the State of Texas as an Animal Control Officer or the ability to obtain within six (6) months of hire.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in animal control, animal protection, code enforcement, or a related field.
• Completion of the State of Texas Animal Control Training course.
• Prior supervisory or lead experience overseeing field staff and/or dispatch personnel.
• Experience conducting dangerous or vicious animal investigations and managing complex enforcement cases.
• Experience preparing reports, testifying in court, and coordinating with law enforcement and public health agencies.
• Demonstrated experience in public outreach, community education, and building collaborative partnerships with stakeholders and partner agencies.

Responsibilities

• Ensures vehicles, equipment, and materials are maintained and repaired in a timely manner.
• Assists with planning, developing, organizing, evaluating, and monitoring the unit’s budget.
• Plans, develops, organizes, evaluates, and monitors programs, projects, and activities and ensures that City of Austin and Travis County performance measures are being met.
• Creates serious bodily injury reports, evaluates case data and activity, identifies issues, and develops action plan.
• Oversees potential rabies exposure investigations as well as proper care investigations.
• Provides support, training, guidance, expertise, coaching, and discipline.
• Conducts annual performance reviews.
• Tracks continuing education hours of field staff to ensure certifications are maintained.
• Coordinates unit activities with other divisions by evaluating operational needs and assignment of work activities.
• Develops, revises, and implements standard operating practices, policies, and procedures for the unit.
• Determines goals, objectives, and resources requirements for activities within the unit.
• Prepares performance measures, data, and reports for management review.
• Assists in various aspects of community outreach, coordinating and providing animal-related training to a range of government agencies, private sector businesses, and the public.
• Participates in disaster response planning, attends related emergency response training, and organizes staff during emergency response situations.
• Orders supplies, maintains inventory, makes purchases, monitors contracts, and recommends capital expenditures.
• Responsible for the full range of supervisory activities including selection, training, evaluation, counseling, and recommendation for dismissal.

Benefits

• Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.
• Retirement Security: Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.
• Sustainable Transportation Options: Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.
• Focus on Wellness: Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
• Career Growth: Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager