Animal Services Director

City of El Paso•Various Locations within the City of El Paso, TX

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The City of El Paso is seeking a highly qualified, collaborative, and experienced Animal Services Director for its Animal Services Department. The Director will manage and promote animal care and welfare services, including shelter and field operations, public health and regulatory compliance, budget and administration, daily operations, community programs, volunteer and partner engagement, and long-range planning. This executive position reports to the Deputy City Manager and leads an engaged department with a $16.2 million FY26 budget, 26,917 animal intakes in 2025, and approximately 188 staff and 390 active volunteers. The successful candidate will be instrumental in advancing El Paso Animal Services function and must be experienced in direct animal welfare and care including proven results in strengthening trust with residents, volunteers, community partners, and employees. This is a valuable opportunity to strengthen operational stability, support the achievement of a 90% live release target, advance key programs and services, and foster a workplace culture where employees are well-informed, valued, accountable, and empowered to succeed. The City of El Paso (Pop. 683,012) is a full-service municipal organization operating under the Council-Manager form of government. Known as the Sun City, El Paso offers a dynamic borderland setting rich in history, culture, food, arts, and outdoor recreation.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree or higher in Management, Business or Public Administration, Environmental or Public Health, Zoology, or a related field, plus a minimum of eight (8) years of professional administrative experience or animal control experience, including four (4) years of management or supervisory experience.
A valid Texas Class "C" Driver's License or equivalent from another state is required by time of appointment.
Certified Animal Welfare Administrator (CAWA) certification or equivalent may be required within one (1) year of appointment.
Residency within the City of El Paso city limits is required by date of employment.
Brings hands-on expertise in municipal animal services, shelter and field operations, animal welfare, public health, and complex service delivery.
Engages staff, City leaders, officials, volunteers, partners, media, and residents with clarity, transparency, and respect.
Leads large teams, manages budgets, aligns staffing and priorities, develops supervisors, and builds accountability in high-volume settings.
Understands shelter standards, regulations, rabies control, quarantine, zoonotic disease prevention, veterinary coordination, field enforcement, and humane care.
Aligns operations with long-term goals, uses data to improve outcomes, and advances spay/neuter, adoption, and prevention-focused services.
Works effectively in a visible environment with City leaders, advisory bodies, volunteers, advocates, residents, and diverse neighborhoods.
Builds a workplace where employees are supported, informed, trained, respected, and accountable, with strong morale and consistent service.
A collaborative, approachable, resilient leader with integrity, judgment, composure, and empathy in difficult situations.
Uses performance measures, best practices, feedback, and continuous improvement to guide resources and improve outcomes for people and animals.

Nice To Haves

Certified Animal Welfare Administrator (CAWA) certification or equivalent may be required within one (1) year of appointment.

Responsibilities

Manage department operations and administration, including the budget, policies, procedures, and resources that support program goals.
Plan and manage budgets, accounting, information systems, daily operations, and service delivery across shelter, field, medical, community, and support services.
Ensure kennels and facilities meet state shelter requirements and all applicable animal welfare, public health, and safety standards.
Address complex field and shelter issues and guide staff on legal proceedings, court orders, and animal control matters.
Coordinate with veterinarians on zoonotic disease surveillance, inspections, investigations, quarantine, and rabies control.
Evaluate procedures, systems, service delivery, and community programs; identify improvements and implement data-informed practices to strengthen care, service, trust, and efficiency.
Lead department planning and development, including strategic plans, best practices, and program changes that improve outcomes.
Advance humane, community-focused strategies for reunification, pet retention, low-barrier support, spay/neuter, adoption, volunteers, and partnerships to reduce unnecessary intake.
Resolve sensitive inquiries and complaints from City leadership, elected officials, agencies, organizations, volunteers, and residents.
Represent the City and department at meetings and with agencies, animal welfare groups, media, partners, employees, volunteers, and the public.
Prepare reports on activities, results, performance, and goals; coordinate public and Council service responses; and build City and partner relationships.
Responsible for the full range of supervisory activities including selection, training, evaluation, counseling, discipline, and recommendations for hiring, promotion, termination or other employee status changes.