Animal Services Director
Onslow County Animal Services Director
Onslow County County Government, which operates under a Commissioner-Manager form of government, is seeking an Animal Services Director to oversee the Onslow County Animal Services Department. The successful candidate for this role will have a commitment to high levels of adoption of shelter animals, to balancing the rights of pet owners with public and animal safety, must be both a diplomat and ambassador for animal services by collaborating with other agencies, nonprofits, and the Public.
The Community: The City of Jacksonville is the County seat, and the areas surrounding the City constitute the major population centers and growth areas in the County. The County has a population of more than 200,000 people and includes the incorporated towns of Holly Ridge, Richlands, Swansboro, North Topsail Beach, a portion of Surf City and unincorporated Sneads Ferry. Onslow County is proudly the home of Camp Lejeune, the United States Marine Corps' largest installation on the east coast.. Located on the coast of Eastern North Carolina, Onslow County enjoys a temperate climate and access to beautiful beaches.
Position Responsibilities
Onslow Animal Services operates animal control services, runs a 24/7 365 day a year animal shelter, and works closely with the Health Department, Environmental Services, Sheriff's Office, local police departments and NC Wildlife to manage issues related to the wellbeing of both animals and citizens in Onslow County. Reporting to the Assistant County Manager, the Animal Services Director will lead a department with an approximate budget of $1,667,000, with 9 animal control employees, 10 animal shelter staff, and 2 veterinary staff members. The Onslow County Animal Shelter can house 57 dogs and 63 cats and processes approximately 5000 animals per year with an adoption rate of 44%, up 24% over the prior year. While 90% of the animals the department works with are domesticated, there are also times when Animal Services works with livestock and wild animals. The Director must spend time educating the public about animal services, have an expert knowledge of animal control procedures, increase the image of animal control and animal services through promotion at public events, and have an outstanding ability to collaborate with diverse groups and individuals who may have differing goals and beliefs about animal rights.
Beginning in January 2020, the Animal Services shelter will begin work on a $4.2 million expansion and renovation. This will include a new 6700 square foot building with a medical intake room and administrative offices for staff and animal control officers. The expansion building will include 45 dog kennels that can expand to house 90 in case of an emergency. Once the expansion is completed, the current dog kennels will receive a complete renovation and will accommodate 44 dog kennels and be able to house 88 in an emergency. The project will include an all new HVAC system to improve air circulation throughout both dog kennels. The first phase of the project is projected to be completed in November 2020 and the second phase by April 2021.
Qualifications
The successful candidate:
- Has outstanding communication and collaboration skills with an ability to listen, educate and seek satisfactory solutions for citizens with diverse and contrasting views
- Has comprehensive knowledge of animal control management methods, federal, state and local laws and ordinances, animal safety and disposition practices, program promotion and evaluation, financial management
- Has a track record of successful promotion and partnering with other agencies and nonprofits to educate the public and maximize animal safety and placement
- Is a motivating leader who will work along side employees carrying out tasks as needed
- Has developed strategies for creative engagement of the public in the mission of the department including frequent public speaking opportunities
- Is skillful at responding to controversial perspectives with diplomacy
- Has a proven track record in developing and supporting staff to achieve excellence through increased training, responsibility, productivity, morale and retention
- Is skilled in budget development and financial management
- Models courteous engagement with staff and customers while ensuring clear and firm adherence to the balancing of animal rights and safety with citizen safety
- Communicates excellently both verbally and in writing and possesses well-developed interpersonal skills and abilities
- Thrives in a culture of high performance expectations and personal accountability with a track record of developing high departmental standards
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Education, Experience, and Special Requirements
The County seeks an animal services professional with a minimum of a Bachelor's degree with coursework in public administration, animal science, business administration (veterinary practice), law enforcement, or related field and progressively responsible animal control services experience including, two years of supervisory experience, OR the equivalent combination of education and experience.
The hiring range is $70,357.77 to $91465.7; salary and compensation will be negotiable based on education, experience, and qualifications.