DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

The work involves responsibility for supervising the City of Syracuse dog shelter. An employee in this class is responsible for ensuring efficiency in the care of the dogs and the overall operation of the shelter. The incumbent may also perform administrative functions, such as budget preparation and development of policies and procedures. Supervision is exercised over Dog Control Officers, Shelter Attendants and other subordinate paraprofessional and clerical employees. General supervision is received from an administrative superior. Does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

Plans, directs and supervises the work of shelter attendants by review of log sheets, daily maintenance and care of dogs and communication with partners.

Supervises clerical functions through review of release forms and adoptions and by communicating with partnering agencies.

Reviews and verifies subordinate employee records, such as time sheets and leave time.

Discusses progress of work with shelter attendants and develops, modifies and/or implements procedures regarding dog care.

Maintains records and composes periodic reports of adoptions and emergency care needed for shelter dogs,

Maintains an inventory of supplies for the shelter to ensure adequate equipment is on hand.

Works with administrative staff to prepare the annual budget by forecasting the needs of the dog shelter. Reviews budgetary expenditures to determine whether they exceed funds allocated, and confers with Department staff to convey fiscal status of the program.

Collaborates with the Division of Licensing, Engineering, Police Department (Dog Control/Animal Cruelty Units), partner nonprofits, veterinary hospitals and corporation counsel concerning dog care matters.

Receives constituent concerns regarding other animal issues and communicates accordingly to related nonprofits, agencies and departments in an attempt to respond and/or resolve issues.

Acts as a liaison between constituents and various animal-related nonprofits and other agencies.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Good knowledge of the laws and ordinances of the State of New York and City of Syracuse relating to the licensing and control of dogs and other animals..

Working knowledge of the principals and practices of supervision.

Ability to prepare and monitor an annual budget by estimating needs and costs, and by reviewing proposed expenditures.

Ability to plan, direct and supervise the work of subordinate employees.

Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

Ability to prepare and maintain written material.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

A. Graduation from a regionally accredited college or university or one accredited by the New York State Board of Regents to grant degrees with an Associate’s Degree in criminal justice or animal science; or,

B. Two (2) years of paraprofessional or professional-level work experience, or its part-time equivalent; as an animal control officer, one year of which must have been in a supervisory capacity.

SPECIAL NECESSARY REQUIREMENT AT TIME OF APPOINTMENT: Possession of a valid New York State driver’s license with any required endorsements appropriate to the type(s) of vehicles being operated.