Animal Care and Enrichment Manager
9 days ago
Washington
Job Description About the Humane Rescue Alliance (HRA) For more than 150 years, the Humane Rescue Alliance has championed the protection of animals, support for people, and service to the community. With campuses in the District of Columbia and New Jersey, along with the nation’s leading pet transport initiative, it stands as the largest and most comprehensive animal services provider in the region. Each year, HRA transforms the lives of tens of thousands of animals through rescue and adoption, humane protection, access to medical care, innovative community programs, and legislative leadership. Its broad reach and deep expertise enables HRA to reimagine traditional sheltering and address the most complex challenges facing animals and the people who love them. Position Summary Under the direction of the Chief Operating Officer, the Animal Care and Enrichment Manager manage workflow and provides daily supervision to the Animal Care and Enrichment team. Ensures the team provides daily animal care, enrichment and behavior modifications/intervention according to Humane Rescue Alliance’s Standard Operating Procedures. Leads, guides and manages all staff on the team to ensure they are meeting and maintaining workplace performance expectations. Participates regularly in and oversees that the team provides a high standard of animal care to ensure the welfare of animals at Humane Rescue Alliance is met. Creates a healthy environment for all animals by monitoring their behavior, maintaining the cleanliness of all housing areas, providing enrichment and behavior modifications/interactions with the animals as needed. Exemplifies and helps maintain a positive work environment for all staff at Humane Rescue Alliance. Key Responsibilities: • Oversee and participate in daily animal care., • Coordinate and participate in training of new animal care staff through initial training process and maintenance training as needed., • Supervise Behavior Enrichment Leads and Animal Caregivers to ensure that all responsibilities are consistently fulfilled and that they have the tools they need to do their job effectively., • Ensure the team maintains a high standard of daily animal care and welfare, overseeing scheduled feedings, clean water, proper bedding, and enrichment toys., • Ensure the team thoroughly cleans and sanitizes kennels, rooms, cages, equipment, and areas of shelter as assigned, according to Humane Rescue Alliance’s Standard Operating Procedures., • Identify and report maintenance/repair issues to facilities team via Upkeep., • Establish, oversee and participate in Standard Operating Procedures for the team to be able to provide daily animal behavior interactions as needed (but not limited to) playgroups, behavior modifications/interventions, behavior assessments or behavior consultations for foster, adoption or surrender., • Oversee team to ensure all pertinent behavior information on an animal is communicated accordingly, including clear documentation in PetPoint., • Establish and oversee Standard Operating Procedures for the team to be able to provide behavior counseling for fosters, volunteers, and adopters as needed. Participate as needed in this., • Proficient in Fear Free® handling techniques and ensure the team is adhering to all animal handling in accordance with these., • Restrain, confine, and handle animals, including those which are ill, injured, quarantined, and aggressive, including during euthanasia as needed., • Establish and oversee Standard Operating Procedures for the team to be able to follow up and respond to shelter animal and HLE animal behavior concerns., • Establish and oversee Standard Operating Procedures for the team to be able to observe and document unusual behavior, signs of illness and any injury of an animal daily. Communicate vital information to medical and customer care departments as needed., • Knowledge of animal health, breed behavior, LIMA principles and positive reinforcement training., • Knowledge of canine and feline behavior., • Knowledge of enrichment in animal shelter setting including concepts and interventions that will improve or maintain the physical and psychological well-being of shelter animals., • Knowledge of restraint, handling techniques, and general animal safety practices that align with Fear Free® handling techniques., • Ability to lead, manage, and motivate a team, and identify skills in others that can be developed., • Excellent verbal and written communication, presentation, organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills., • Excellent interpersonal skills with customer service orientation. Ability to communicate effectively, courteously, and professionally with a variety of individuals representing the public, board members, volunteers, donors, and employees., • Computer literacy with proficient use of programs including Microsoft Office programs, email, internet, and database management software to efficiently accomplish work., • Ability to work effectively, both independently and in a team environment, in an atmosphere of multiple projects, shifting priorities, and deadline pressures. Ability to be flexible, detail-oriented, and able to prioritize., • Ability to be a team player with a positive, can-do, and proactive approach. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the primary functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. • Ability to lift 50 pounds unassisted regularly, 50+ pounds assisted., • Ability to be comfortable working w/ cats, dogs, small animals, reptiles, fish, and wildlife., • Ability to perform strenuous physical activity daily, including lifting, carrying, carrying, reaching, stooping, standing, squatting, and bending., • Ability to work holidays, weekends, nights and inclement weather as needed., • Due to the nature of shelter work, deceased, fractious, or aggressive animals; hostile, irate persons; zoonotic or other diseases; unpleasant noises, odors, sights; extreme temperatures., • Minimum 4 years of progressive experience working at an animal shelter, boarding kennel, or other facility where animals are housed., • Certification with one of the following organizations (or in progress) or equivalent is preferred: CCPDT, IAABC, KPA, or Academy for Dog Trainers, • May be required to successfully complete euthanasia certification and be certified as proficient in the administration of animal vaccines and medications, • Hourly rate, commensurate with experience., • Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, paid time off, and retirement savings., • Professional development opportunities. Apply today and become part of a team where your compassion, skills, and commitment will directly save lives and strengthen communities. *The Humane Rescue Alliance (HRA) offers a comprehensive benefits package including healthcare, vision, dental and select offerings for pets. Additional information may be provided upon request. *Multilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. A salary premium may be offered for multilingual candidates who demonstrate proficiency in written and oral testing. *HRA is committed to being an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate because of race, color, creed, gender, religion, national origin, disability, age, pregnancy, genetic predisposition or carrier status, marital status, citizenship status, or sexual orientation. Accommodation will be provided to qualified individuals requiring them.