This single position class has division level responsibility for administration of the City-wide animal services program within general policy guidelines. The incumbent is responsible for formulating policy, developing goals and objectives, supervising staff, administering the section budget, and directing day-to-day field and shelter activities. PRINCIPAL DUTIES (Illustrative Only) Participates in the selection of staff; provides for the training and development, supervision, and evaluation of staff; and recommends and implements disciplinary action as required. Plans, organizes, coordinates, administers and directs the work of the Animal Services Section; develops and directs the implementation of goals, objectives, policies, procedures and work standards for the section. Prepares a variety of reports related to short- and long-range City animal services needs, and develops specific proposals to meet them. Develops and oversees humane education programs. Develops, plans and implements targeted spay and neuter programs. Recruits shelter volunteers and coordinates and oversees their activities. Develops policy and programs related to the humane care of shelter animals. Develops population control strategies for decreasing animal euthanasia. Assigns and directs field and shelter activities, including patrol. Enforces State and City laws regarding animal services, feeding, care, adoption, placement, quarantine, euthanasia and disposal, collection of fees, and shelter operation and maintenance, directly and through subordinate staff. Assists in the preparation and administration of the section's budget. Coordinates with County animal services on budget and revenue related to the joint shelter, mutual assistance policy and shelter procedures applicable to County employees. Investigates and resolves complaints regarding animal services and shelter activities; ensures observance of safe working practices. Works with other agencies, departments, concerned groups and private organizations to coordinate existing services. Ensures compliance of section activities to pertinent codes, regulations and guidelines; coordinates with City Attorney on matters pertaining to enforcement, prosecution, legal interpretation and changes in local and state laws applicable to animal services. Monitors developments related to animal services, evaluates their impact on City operations and implements policy and procedure improvements. Prepares and maintains written records and correspondence. QUALIFICATIONS Education/ Experience: Possession of a high school diploma or GED and two years of lead or supervisory experience in animal care or services or other related field. Registered Veterinary Technician certification or additional course work or training in animal services, animal behavior, public relations or law enforcement may substitute for up to one year of the required lead or supervisory experience. Other Requirements: Must possess a valid California Class C driver license. Must be physically fit to work with animals and be able to lift and carry up to 80 pounds. Must be available for 24 hour emergency call back. As a condition of continued employment, must possess or obtain within twelve (12) months of appointment, California Penal Code 832 Certificate; and must possess or obtain within eighteen (18) months of appointment, required training in accordance with Title 16, Section 2039 of the California Code of Regulations and the State of California Corporations Code, Section 14502. State of California Corporations Code, Section 14502 re-certification must be maintained. Knowledge of:Principles and practices of animal services, animal care, animal law enforcement, humane education, spay and neuter programs, animal shelter and placement;Supervisory principles and methods, including goal setting, program development and implementation, and employee supervision;Methods, tools, equipment and materials used in animal services and care;Safety regulations, safe work practices, and safety equipment related to the work;and. State and local codes, ordinances and guidelines pertaining to the work. Skill in:Planning, assigning, directing and coordinating field, shelter and office aspects of animal services;Managing and directing programs and procedures for animal services and public education related to animal services;Selecting, motivating, and evaluating staff and providing for their training and development;Monitoring a section budget;Analyzing operational and administrative problems, evaluating alternatives, and recommending or implementing effective courses of action;Developing and implementing goals, objectives, policies, procedures, work standards and management control;Preparing clear and concise records, reports, correspondence and other written materials;Exercising sound, independent judgment within general policy guidelines; and. Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those encountered in the course of the work; and forming working relationships with rescue groups as specified by California State Law. The Examination:Applicants who qualify in terms of relevant work experience and education, that best fit the needs of the City, will be invited to participate in the examination process. The examination process may include an oral and/or practical examination weighted 100%. However, the City reserves the right to utilize alternative testing methods if deemed necessary. Candidates must receive a minimum passing score of 70%, as determined by the relative performance of all candidates in all portions of the examination. In the event of identical ratings, candidates' names will be arranged in order of application date/time, and, if the same, then arranged alphabetically.