Animal Care Supervisor

Indian River County Board of County Commissioners • Fl 32967, FL

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Under general direction, this position oversees the daily operations and activities of Indian River County Animal Services animal care unit. This role supervises staff, ensures high standards of animal care and welfare, and supports all shelter functions including intake, housing, sanitation, enrichment, adoptions, foster, rescue transfer, and clinic support. The Animal Care Specialist Supervisor plays a key role in building a progressive, community-focused animal services program.

Requirements

• High School Diploma / GED supplemented with 5 years of experience in animal care, animal sheltering, or related field.
• At least 1 year of supervisory or lead experience is preferred.
• Experience in a municipal animal shelter environment.
• Certification in animal care, animal control, or related field.
• Experience with shelter software (e.g., Chameleon or similar).
• Knowledge of Fear Free or Low-Stress Handling techniques.
• Knowledge of animal behavior, handling, and disease prevention.
• Ability to safely handle animals of all sizes and temperaments.
• Strong communication and leadership skills.
• Basic computer skills and ability to learn shelter management software.
• Euthanasia Technician Certification
• Must meet all Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) requirements/prerequisites to handle controlled substances.
• Leadership and Management: Strong ability to lead, motivate, and manage a diverse team of staff and volunteers.
• Compassion and Emotional Intelligence: A deep passion for animal welfare, coupled with the ability to handle emotional and high-stress situations with empathy.
• Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills for interacting with the public, staff, donors, and other organizations.
• Organizational Skills: Strong ability to multitask, prioritize, and maintain detailed records in a fast-paced environment.
• Animal Knowledge: In-depth knowledge of animal behavior, health, handling, and disease control protocols.
• Problem-solving: Capacity to anticipate and address operational challenges, such as staffing shortages or animal health crises.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in a municipal animal shelter environment.
• Certification in animal care, animal control, or related field.
• Experience with shelter software (e.g., Chameleon or similar).
• Knowledge of Fear Free or Low-Stress Handling techniques.
• Knowledge of animal behavior, handling, and disease prevention.
• Financial Acumen: Experience in budget management, fundraising, and grant writing.

Responsibilities

• Supervise, train, and evaluate Animal Care staff and volunteers
• Oversee daily shelter operations including feeding, cleaning, and animal monitoring
• Ensure humane handling and care of all animals in accordance with policies and best practices
• Monitor animal health and behavior, report concerns to veterinary staff or leadership
• Assist with intake, reunification, adoptions, and transfers to rescue partners
• Ensure proper sanitation, disease control, and biosecurity protocols are followed
• Maintain accurate records in shelter software (intake, medical, outcomes, etc.)
• Coordinate daily staff assignments and workflow to ensure efficiency
• Provide excellent customer service to the public and partner organizations
• Assist with euthanasia decisions and procedures in accordance with policy (if applicable)
• Support foster and volunteer programs as needed
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations
• Maintain inventory of supplies and notify leadership of needs
• Assist with emergency response situations involving animals

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED