| Purpose: |
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Under the general direction of the Assistant City Manager, is accountable for the effective delivery of animal services to the Austin/Travis County community. The Chief Animal Services Officer will be responsible for animal shelter operations and animal control activities, including division supervision, program coordination and development, fiscal accountability, policy development, consultation, special projects, data analysis and reporting. |
| Duties, Functions and Responsibilities: |
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Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.
- Ensures compliance and adherence to the department’s management philosophy and mission statement.
- Ensures development and establishment of policies and procedures and ensures adequate execution, compliance and updates.
- Oversees the development and implementation of division procedures and controls to promote communication and adequate information flow within the division.
- Oversees implementation of division strategic planning process and ensures creation of division, program and/or unit goals, objectives and priorities which incorporate departmental business needs, corporate business initiatives and council priorities. Oversees development of Department/division/unit performance measures and reporting systems and utilizes to establish accountability, determine progress, evaluate alternatives, assess productivity, and obtain agreement on expectations in order to achieve required Department/division business results. Advises and assists in developing division objectives and plans (short/long-term planning). Analyzes fiscal impact of proposed policies and programs and recommends options. Establishes and achieves financial goals and measures and monitors fiscal performance.
- Oversees activities designed to enhance organizational health and welfare of employees to include safety and employee health activities, reward and recognition activities, etc.
- Ensures all activities are carried out in compliance with departmental policy, local, state, and federal regulations and laws governing activities.
- Develops, manages and recommends division budget, ensures systems are in place to identify problem areas, develops action plans to manage over/under expenditures and revenue shortfalls, and allocates/reallocates available funds to highest areas of priority. Authorizes expenditures in accordance with budget and purchasing policies. Approves budget and expenses of direct reports.
- Monitors and reports progress toward departmental and City/County mission and goals. Measures division activities and outcomes and effectively communicates results to the City leadership and elected officials.
- Prepares agendas, reports and policy statements for presentation to boards and commission, the Austin City Council, and the Travis County Commissioners Court.
- Develops excellent working relationships with key staff, division and departmental employees, other governmental organizations, and with external services, such as consultants, legal counsel, boards and commissions, the Austin City Council and Travis County Commissioners Court.
- Maintains professional affiliations in national, state, and local associations and enhances professional growth and development by keeping current in the latest trends in the animal service field.
- Coordinates division activities with those of other division and outside agencies and organizations.
- Identifies and responds to community concerns and needs. Monitors and evaluates the adequacy of the Department’s existing services and ensures the development of programs and services, maintains an in-depth knowledge of the changing public and environmental health environment and assesses community needs for quality animal services.
- Informs City Leadership about current trends, programs, and activities in the animal service field to facilitate policy-making.
- Recommends departmental policy positions regarding administrative and legislative matters.
- Serves as a member of Executive Leadership team that determines the overall goals and direction of the department.
- Responsible for monitoring, analyzing assessing and communicating division progress. Considers present and planned capacity. Considers staffing and organizational needs, including facilities and technology.
- Undertakes special studies or projects as requested by the Assistant City Manager, boards and commissions, the Austin City Council or the Travis County Commissioners Court.
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| Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised: |
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- Responsible for the full range of supervisory activities including selection, training, evaluation, counseling, and recommendation for dismissal.
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| Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: |
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Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.
- Knowledge of fiscal planning and budget preparation.
- Knowledge of and skill in supervisory, managerial techniques, and principles.
- Skill in oral and written communications.
- Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
- Skill in using computers and related software applications.
- Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
- Ability to train others.
- Ability to quickly recognize and analyze irregular events.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective communication and working relationships with city employees and the public.
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| Minimum Qualifications: |
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Education and/or Equivalent Experience: - Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Public Health, Business Administration, Public Policy or related field, plus five (5) years of progressively responsible management including fiscal management experience, two years of which were in a managerial capacity.
- Masters degree may substitute for experience up to a maximum of two (2) years.
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| Licenses and Certifications Required: |
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None.
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