Animal Care Manager

The Arc Mercer • Trenton, NJ

56d • $50,000 - $60,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Animal Care Manager is assigned to Administration with a primary focus on Pet Care Services. This role oversees the development, implementation, and management of all pet care and animal-related services within the agency, including residential pet ownership, potential fostering programs, vocational pet care opportunities, educational programming, community partnerships, and the exploration of pet-related business or rescue initiatives.

Requirements

• Minimum 2-4 years of professional animal care or shelter experience (management experience preferred).
• Strong understanding of animal health, behavior, and husbandry.
• Ability to handle animals safely and compassionately, including those with behavioral or medical challenges.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work in a physically demanding environment (lifting up to 50 lbs, standing for long periods).
• Flexibility to work weekends or holidays as needed.
• Valid driver's license (if required by organization).

Nice To Haves

• Veterinary technician experience or training.
• Certification in animal handling, behavior, or shelter operations.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement structured lesson plans, hands-on-experience, and educational modules focused on pet care, responsible ownership, and animal welfare.
• Support vocational programming that provides participants with opportunities to learn pet care skills that may lead to employment or volunteer placements
• Conduct outreach to local animal shelters, veterinary offices, groomers, training schools, rescues and pet businesses to identify opportunities for collaboration.
• Build and maintain partnerships that expand vocational, educational, and community inclusion opportunities for participants.
• Maintain compliance with all safety, licensing, and animal welfare laws.
• Track program data and outcomes for reporting and continuous improvement.
• Maintain the daily safety and security of all Pet Care spaces.
• Ensure cleanliness, sanitation, and organization of all assigned animal care areas.
• Oversee the health and welfare of animals involved in agency programs.
• Develop policy, procedure, & training to ensure the daily safety, security, and cleanliness & organization of all assigned animal care areas.

Benefits

• Top 401k plans in the industry. Employer contribution of 5% and 6% match, for a total of 11%
• Comprehensive Medical and Dental Benefits
• Paid Time Off: Personal, Vacation & Sick; Paid Holidays

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees