Animal Shelter Manager

City of Laguna Beach • Laguna Beach, CA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The City of Laguna Beach is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Animal Shelter Manager (Classification is Kennel Manager) to lead the daily operations of our Animal Shelter. This pivotal role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on animal welfare and public safety while overseeing a talented team of staff and volunteers. The Animal Shelter Manager is responsible for ensuring the humane care, treatment, and placement of all animals, maintaining a safe and legally compliant facility, and fostering strong partnerships with veterinarians, community organizations, and residents. This position combines leadership, hands-on animal care, and community engagement to promote responsible pet ownership and enhance the City’s animal services programs. Please note: While the current classification is Kennel Manager, the position will be listed with the working title “Animal Shelter Manager”. As part of the City’s Classification and Compensation Study, is anticipated to be updated. Changes may include reclassification and retitle to Animal Shelter Manager, and moving the position to the Police and Fire Management Association.

Requirements

• Graduation from high school or equivalent is required.
• Three (3) to five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in the care, handling, and treatment of domestic animals in an animal shelter, veterinary hospital, or related facility, including experience with animal intake, health monitoring, and adoption programs.
• At least two (2) years of supervisory experience overseeing staff and/or volunteers in an animal care or shelter environment.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license at the time of appointment.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain within six (6) months of hire, certification in euthanasia by injection.

Nice To Haves

• An Associate’s degree in animal science, veterinary technology, animal husbandry, business or public administration, or a related field is highly desirable.
• A Bachelor’s degree is preferred.
• Coursework or certification as a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) or Animal Shelter Management certification is desirable.
• Certification or training in animal shelter management, chemical immobilization, or similar fields is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Leading and inspiring staff and volunteers to provide exceptional animal care.
• Managing daily shelter operations, including intake, medical care, and adoptions.
• Ensuring a safe, clean, and compliant facility.
• Engaging the community through outreach, education, and animal welfare programs.
• Overseeing budgets, supplies, and vendor partnerships.
• Making thoughtful decisions and responding to emergencies with professionalism.
• Using technology and social media to promote adoptions and share shelter stories.
• Ensuring the humane care, treatment, and placement of all animals.
• Maintaining a safe and legally compliant facility.
• Fostering strong partnerships with veterinarians, community organizations, and residents.
• Promoting responsible pet ownership and enhancing the City’s animal services programs.
• Being on-call for natural disasters and other emergency incidents that might require the evacuation of the animal shelter and the transportation of the animals to alternative locations.

Benefits

• City paid health insurance for employees
• alternative work schedules
• wellness programs
• opportunities for professional growth and development through training and education programs

What This Job Offers

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