ADMINISTRATOR, ANIMAL AND RABIES CONTROL (BUREAU OF ADMINISTRATION) - SHAKMAN EXEMPT

Cook County • Chicago, IL

8d • $165,510 - $202,290

About The Position

Cook County Bureau of Administration is seeking an experienced Administrator, Animal and Rabies Control, responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing animal control programs with a primary focus on rabies prevention and control. The role ensures compliance with Cook County Ordinance, Chapter 10, as well as applicable federal, state, and local laws related to animal control, registration, and investigations. Additional responsibilities include providing expertise on animal behavior, bite incidents, examination procedures, and disease prevention. The position also reviews departmental programs promoting responsible pet ownership and conducts seminars and outreach on these topics.
Cook County offers great benefits and the chance to participate in a strong tradition of public service. Cook County is home to more than five million residents, roughly 45%25 of Illinois’ population. Cook County Government provides a range of vital services and programs that enhance the quality of life for residents across the region. These services range from health care to urban planning. Cook County is committed to empowering its employees to bring our constituents the best that public service has to offer.
Attention Applicants: Please note that as part of ongoing job architecture initiatives, the County is reviewing job titles and corresponding grades, which may be subject to change.
WHY PURSUE A CAREER WITH COOK COUNTY?
In addition to providing employees with a challenging, rewarding environment for career and personal growth, we are proud to also offer some of the best benefits in the public sphere, including:
Top Tier Medical Benefits: Medical Plans, Prescription Drug Benefit, Dental Plans, Vision Plan and 9 Additional voluntary benefit plans
Flexible Teleworking Options
Generous, Flexible Paid Time Off (13 paid designated holidays; Minimum of 15 vacation days annually; and Paid sick leave)
Pension Plan
Financial Support Programs and Resources: Life Insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts – Dependent Day Care, Commuter Benefits, Discounted Parking, PSLF Eligibility, Deferred Compensation and Education Tuition Stipend
Health/Wellness Perks: Flexible Spending Accounts-Health Care, Employee Assistance Program and MyHealth Connections wellness program.
SNAPSHOT OF COOK COUNTY
Serves 5.28 million residents of Chicago and its inner suburbs
2nd largest county in America
Larger than 27 states
Cook County employs over 22,000 employees who work in a variety of skilled jobs and trades.
Nearly 80%25 unionized workforce
15 unions represented
63 separate collective bargaining agreements
Highway – Cook County maintains almost 600 miles of roads and highways.
Land – Cook County assesses the value of more than 1.5 million parcels of taxable land and collects and distributes tax funds as a service for local government taxing bodies.
Safety – Cook County provides vital services to local government, from conducting elections in suburban areas to offering 911 services in unincorporated areas and municipalities.
LOCATION
Located in the Loop District of downtown Chicago, one of the most formidable business districts in the world, the area has an astounding number of cultural foundations, stunning parks such as Millennial Park and Maggie Daley Park, steps away from the Chicago Riverwalk, award-winning restaurants, and plenty of shopping! In addition, Chicago is serviced by multiple bus and train lines for public transportation from the suburbs to the city, taxis are plentiful, public parking garages for motorists, and bicycle share rentals and local bike lanes for bicyclists.

Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree or higher and
• Five (5) years of zoological, animal control, rabies prevention, veterinary medicine or directly related experience or
• An equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
• Thorough knowledge of veterinarian medicine, including animal health and welfare.
• Knowledge of the federal, state, and local laws concerning animals, Cook County Ordinance, Chapter 10, and environmental regulations.
• Proficient in verbal and written communication, including gathering information, making inquiries, and explaining policies. Skilled at addressing public inquiries and maintaining confidentiality in a customer-facing role.
• Knowledge of and ability to collaborate with state and local veterinary associations and other professional entities to enhance service delivery.
• Ability to set the overall direction and short- and long-term strategic goals for the department.
• Ability to identify key business drivers and support programs, processes, tools, and/or designs for a job function.
• Ability to communicate the strategic vision, foster team commitment and establish buy-in to enhance department performance.
• Ability to establish plans and objectives within a discipline, make final decisions on administrative, employee or operational matters and effectively achieve objectives.

Nice To Haves

• Eight (8) years of zoological, animal control, rabies prevention, or veterinary medicine experience.
• Six (6) years of previous supervisory or managerial work experience.

Responsibilities

• Leads the evaluation of animal control programs, ensuring effective operations and compliance with policies.
• Leads, mentors, and motivates a team by fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment and ensuring team members are trained in best practices for animal control and rabies prevention.
• Provides ongoing coaching, performance feedback, and professional development opportunities to ensure high levels of employee engagement, competency, and retention.
• Responds to inquiries from staff, veterinarians, and the general public on issues related to animals, including bites, examination procedures, diseases and legal matters.
• Acts as subject matter expert on animal legislation, advising senior leadership on related matters, ensuring recommendations align applicable laws.
• Ensures adherence to federal, state, and local laws and regulations regarding animal control and rabies prevention, including full compliance with Cook County Ordinance, Chapter 10.
• Stays updated on changes to animal welfare laws, rabies control procedures, and relevant public health guidelines, integrating any changes with applicable ordinance.
• Reviews and monitors annual bite cases and animal pickups. Tracks and reports rabies-related incidents, particularly in raccoons, through reviewing public health releases and communication with public health official.
• Organizes and leads seminars and creates educational materials, such as newsletters to raise public awareness about the prevention of rabies, responsible pet ownership, and understanding of the interaction between humans and animals in urban communities.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Top Tier Medical Benefits: Medical Plans, Prescription Drug Benefit, Dental Plans, Vision Plan and 9 Additional voluntary benefit plans
• Flexible Teleworking Options
• Generous, Flexible Paid Time Off (13 paid designated holidays; Minimum of 15 vacation days annually; and Paid sick leave)
• Pension Plan
• Financial Support Programs and Resources: Life Insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts – Dependent Day Care, Commuter Benefits, Discounted Parking, PSLF Eligibility, Deferred Compensation and Education Tuition Stipend
• Health/Wellness Perks: Flexible Spending Accounts-Health Care, Employee Assistance Program and MyHealth Connections wellness program.

What This Job Offers

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