Manager, Care & Enrichment

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals • Pawling, NY

11d • Onsite

About The Position

The Manager, Care & Enrichment role at the ASPCA’s new Recovery & Rehabilitation Center (R&R Center) in Pawling, NY, is for individuals passionate about animal welfare and eager to advance the field. This position operates within a dynamic, complex, and highly collaborative environment. The R&R Center is dedicated to providing integrated sheltering, behavioral, and medical care for canine victims of cruelty, working closely with ASPCA teams in New York City to assist animals rescued in partnership with the NYPD.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Minimum of one year of experience leading a team, directly or indirectly.
• At least two years of experience working in an animal shelter in a hands-on role.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to pass a motor vehicle history check demonstrating safe driving.
• Fluent in the use of MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint a plus.
• Familiarity with shelter software systems or Salesforce a plus.
• Familiarity with Airtable or project management system a plus.
• Familiarity with Canva or other design software a plus.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Able to regularly witness animals suffering medically and/or behaviorally.
• Comfortable with humane euthanasia in theory and in practice.
• Displays concern for the safety and well-being of self, animals and others, especially under stress.
• Fosters collaboration by creating strong connections with colleagues at all levels and in all areas.
• Builds strong work relationships based on trust, respect, and listening to understand.
• Freely and generously shares knowledge, skills, and expertise with others.
• Demonstrates genuine interest in the thoughts, ideas, and expertise of others.
• Proactively problem-solves and takes appropriate initiative to implement solutions.
• Flexible; can easily adapt to changes and help others do the same.
• Resilient; bounces back from difficult and disappointing situations quickly.
• Strong and adaptable people leader.
• Artfully flexes coaching styles to best support diverse individuals.
• Cultivates a climate in which diverse perspectives are solicited, encouraged, valued, and respected.
• Ability to set a clear direction and inspire others to work towards shared goals.
• Sets a high standard by leading with transparency, integrity, honesty and strong ethical principles.
• Unafraid of hard conversations and approaches them openly, quickly, and kindly.
• Views conflict as generative, using disagreement to drive innovation, improve communication, clarify and articulate values, and build stronger relationships.
• Values training and education for self and team, ensuring ample access to learning opportunities.
• Work takes place in a variety of environments and weather conditions, including indoor climate-controlled spaces and outdoors where surfaces may be wet or uneven and extreme heat, cold, or precipitation is possible.
• Work occurs in noisy environments.
• Work involves exposure to chemical and biological hazards such as medications, cleaning products, urine, feces, blood, and sharp objects.
• Ability to work in a physically demanding environment that requires standing, walking, bending, squatting, and/or kneeling for extended periods of time.
• Ability to lift and carry animals (50 pounds unassisted, 100 pounds with assistance) and equipment, such as food bags, bedding, and cleaning supplies.
• Comfort and ability to handle and restrain animals safely and humanely, particularly in stressful situations.
• Ability to wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment, including but not limited to disposable coveralls, respirators or face masks, and booties.
• English (Required).

Nice To Haves

• B.S. or B.A. preferred.
• Fear Free® Shelter Program certification (approximately 5 hours) required or completed within 60 days of hire.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the R&R Center’s team of Care & Enrichment Technicians (CETs).
• Develop, implement, and oversee daily monitoring processes.
• Ensure meticulous data collection.
• Maintain ample and open communication within and between teams.
• Collaborate with behavior and veterinary teams to ensure holistic and individualized animal care.
• Maintain working knowledge of all Care & Enrichment daily protocols and ensure they are clear, concise, and up-to-date.
• Maintain working knowledge of all relevant regulatory requirements and keep accurate records of compliance activities.
• Oversee the cleaning and prepping of animal holding areas and associated tasks.
• Ensure the provision of enrichment and the feeding and watering of animals to meet their daily needs.
• Arrange daily animal care and enrichment tasks to optimize workflow and ensure efficiency.
• Provide consistent floor management, supporting Care & Enrichment Technicians with hands-on guidance and assistance.
• Assist in training and overseeing volunteers performing animal-related tasks.
• Collaborate with behavior and veterinary team members to ensure open communication, excellent care, and close monitoring of every animal.
• Creatively problem-solve and take appropriate initiative to solve day-to-day issues.
• Provide continual feedback to the Senior Manager, Care & Enrichment to improve processes and minimize barriers.
• Contribute to the ongoing development and refinement of daily care and enrichment SOPs.
• Audit data entered by Care & Enrichment Technicians daily to ensure accuracy and appropriateness.
• Assist in choreographing animal movement into and out of the shelter.
• Perform repeated daily checks of animal holding areas, spot cleaning, feeding, watering, and providing enrichment.
• Hold team huddles at regular intervals to determine progress, identify support needs, and shape the remainder of the day.
• Develop, implement, and execute strategies to keep animal care and enrichment equipment and supplies organized and in good repair.
• Monitor the inventory and conditions of animal care and enrichment supplies, requesting additional supplies before stock is depleted.
• Perform daily rounds to ensure all animals are in appropriate enclosures and to evaluate enclosure condition.
• Clearly and concisely explain the reasoning behind each protocol, garnering buy-in from Care & Enrichment Technicians.
• Serve as an active floor lead by monitoring workflow, offering real-time support, and assisting with daily care tasks.
• Oversee the Care & Enrichment team’s daily cleaning, handling, enrichment, monitoring, and documentation.
• Provide regular trainings to keep the Care & Enrichment team up-to-date on advances in the field and proficient in protocols.
• Work alongside the Care & Enrichment Technicians, assisting in daily care and monitoring adherence to protocols.
• Provide instant, kind feedback and coaching when a deficiency in job performance is noted.
• Ensure team adherence to standard operating procedures, protocols, and set clear, achievable goals.
• Directly and immediately address conflict and concerns as they arise.
• Practice delegation for growth, giving direct reports appropriate stretch opportunities.
• Monitor and evaluate employee performance, fostering growth through coaching, feedback, and formal appraisals.
• Evaluate staffing levels and training needs, providing feedback to the Senior Director, Care & Enrichment.
• Regularly recognize team members' accomplishments and provide healthy work-related engagement opportunities.
• Attend and meaningfully contribute to all relevant R&R Center and ASPCA meetings.
• Accurately track and report time worked, time off, and work-related expenses.
• Review time off requests and weekly hours worked for Care & Enrichment Technicians.
• Responsibly steward R&R Center assets.

Benefits

• Affordable health coverage, including medical, employer-paid dental, and optional vision coverage.
• Flexible time off that includes vacation time, sick and bereavement time, paid parental leave, 10 company paid holidays, and paid personal time off.
• 401(k) plan with generous employer contributions — match dollar for dollar up to 4% and provide an additional 4% contribution.
• Robust professional development opportunities including classes, on-the-job training, coaching and mentorship with industry-leading peers, internal mobility, opportunities to support in the field, and so much more.

What This Job Offers

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