Animal Care Supervisor

Washington Humane Society•Washington, DC

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

Under the direction of the Operations Manager & Director, the Animal Care Supervisor is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the animal care department and ensuring the highest standards of animal welfare at Humane Rescue Alliance (HRA). This role provides direct supervision, leadership, and development of all Animal Care staff, ensuring consistency in care, cleanliness, enrichment, and adherence to Standard Operating Procedures. The Animal Care Supervisor serves as a key operational leader, ensuring efficient workflow, staff accountability, and a safe, humane environment for all animals.

Requirements

Minimum 2-year animal welfare or animal related experience
Fear Free®certified required or must obtain within30 daysof employment
Excellent organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
Proficient in the use and application of computer technology with proficient use of programs including Microsoft Office programs, the internet, and database management software to efficiently accomplish work.
Minimum of 18 years of age.
High School Diploma or GED
Basic knowledge of animal restraint and handling techniques and general animal safety practices, including recognizing animal breeds and behavior patterns.
Basic understanding of canine and feline behavior, animal health, and positive reinforcement training methods.
Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills with the ability to multi-task.
Passion for the St. Hubert’s& HRAmission, and for caring for all animals regardless of age, breed, temperament, or species, and supporting and educating members of the public, free of judgment or bias.
Work collaboratively and with confidence in a high-stress, fast-paced work environment.
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 positively interact with colleagues, coworkers, and community members from widely varied backgrounds with integrity and honesty throughout the position,maintainingconfidentiality.
Reliability,a high levelof integrity, and punctuality are essential.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills; bilinguala plus.
Highly motivated and creative with experience and a passion for connecting with current and future clients.
Able to work well under pressure, in emotionally charged situations and handle confrontation politely and professionally while finding a solution

Nice To Haves

bilingual a plus
salary premium may be offered for multilingual candidates who demonstrate proficiency in written and oral testing.

Responsibilities

Directly supervise, coach, and support all Animal Care staff & Leads, ensuring accountability and high performance.
Create and maintain daily staff schedules to ensure proper coverage and operational efficiency.
Lead onboarding, training, and continuous development of Animal Care team members.
Conduct regular check-ins, performance feedback, and assist with performance evaluations.
Foster a positive, inclusive, and team-oriented work environment.
Address staff concerns, resolve conflicts, and escalate issues to the Operations Manager as needed.
Oversee and ensure completion of all daily animal care tasks including feeding, cleaning, enrichment, and monitoring.
Ensure all animal housing areas meet HRA’s standards for cleanliness, safety, and enrichment.
Monitor animal health and behavior, ensuring timely communication with Medical and Behavior teams.
Ensure accurate and timely documentation in systems such as PetPoint.
Maintain compliance with all animal welfare regulations and organizational policies.
Manage daily workflow and task assignments to ensure efficiency and consistency across shifts.
Identify operational gaps and implement solutions to improve processes and outcomes.
Coordinate with Facilities to address maintenance and repair needs.
Ensure supplies and inventory for animal care are adequately stocked and maintained.
Serve as primary point of contact for Animal Care operations in the absence of the Operations Manager.
Ensure implementation of daily enrichment plans and behavior support strategies.
Collaborate with Behavior team on interventions, playgroups, and assessments.
Support staff in safe animal handling practices, including Fear Free® techniques.
Support adopters, fosters, and volunteers with animal care and behavior guidance as needed.
Represent HRA professionally when interacting with the public and community partners.
Ensure staff adhere to all safety protocols, animal handling procedures, and regulatory requirements.
Maintain a safe working environment for staff, volunteers, and animals.
Respond appropriately to emergencies, including animal incidents and facility concerns.
Perform hands-on animal care duties as needed to support team operations.
Handle animals of all temperaments, including sick, injured, or aggressive animals.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Operations Manager or Director.

Benefits

$0-Cost Medical Plan Option: Access to a no-cost employee-only medical plan through CareFirst, making healthcare more accessible and affordable
Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance: Multiple plan options available to meet individual and family needs
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): Pre-tax options to help manage healthcare and dependent care expenses
401(k) Retirement Plan with Employer Support: Administered through Empower, with tools and resources to help you plan for your future
Generous Paid Time Off (PTO): Including vacation, sick leave, and holidays to support rest and work-life balance
Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential resources to support mental health, wellness, and life challenges
Commuter Benefits (WMATA SmartBenefits): Pre-tax transit benefits for metro, bus, and eligible commuting expenses
Professional Development & Training Opportunities: Including Fear Free Certification and ongoing learning initiatives to support career growth
Flexible Work Environment (Role-Dependent): Opportunities for hybrid or flexible scheduling based on position and operational needs
Employee Discounts & Perks: Discounts on pet adoptions, veterinary products, and partner offerings