Assistant Manager of Animal Care (Full-Time, Exempt) at Richmond SPCA – Richmond, Virginia

Reports to Manager of Animal Care

The Richmond SPCA is a non-profit organization located in the heart of Richmond, Virginia. As a leader in the field of animal welfare, we are cultivating a community committed to saving, protecting and enriching animal lives with a mission to provide education and resources to achieve and sustain a no-kill community. Annually, we rescue, rehabilitate and find homes for about 4,000 homeless animals while also providing our region with vital safety net programs designed to keep thousands of pets in loving homes and out of shelters. Our values of collaboration, creativity, honesty, inclusion and respect guide not only what we do – but how we do it. ?

The Animal Care team plays an essential role in caring for our homeless dogs and cats, many of whom are sick or injured and undergoing medical treatment. These team members help protect our animals' health and contribute to their overall wellbeing – making sure they are happy and loved while being readied for adoption. The Animal Care management team consistently supports and promotes the mission and objectives of the Richmond SPCA, while inspiring and coaching their team to deliver excellent animal care.

Essential Functions

• Oversee operation of the Animal Care department at least two days per week
• Support Animal Care Manager in the management of 30+ Animal Care Technicians
• Motivate employees and support a culture of respect, professionalism, creativity and mission devotion
• Conduct regularly scheduled meetings with staff, including Vibe Checks, Focus Groups, monthly departmental meetings, and feedback sessions to assess staff needs, provide support, and identify areas for improvement
• Handle employee concerns and complex, emotional situations with empathy and professionalism
• Assist the Animal Care Manager with scheduling, work to ensure areas are adequately staffed and modify the schedule to account for callouts as needed
• Help to perform daily check-outs of staff, including all assigned areas and animals
• Work closely with operational management team to strategically manage kennel space taking multiple factors into consideration and plan for animal intakes
• Assist the Animal Care Manager with the creation, implementation and improvement of orientation and training procedures for animal care staff members
• Support the hiring process by coordinating and conducting interviews in various formats, including phone screenings, one-on-one interviews, and panel or group settings
• Assist with documenting staff performance through shared journals and formal records, addressing areas of improvement in a professional and respectful manner. Provide supportive guidance and constructive feedback to ensure quality of care and performance standards are consistently maintained
• Maintain open and regular communication with Manager of Animal Care, Animal Care Leads, and Senior Director of Shelter Operations
• Assist the Animal Care Manager with the monitoring of inventory for the department and ordering of supplies as needed
• Perform weekly special diet list and animal inventory
• Work with operational management to prepare for occasional disaster relief responses
• Report any medical or behavioral concerns or observations to appropriate staff for monitoring
• Attend and participate in all required training and meetings, including weekly shelter operations meetings
• Other job related duties as assigned

Qualifications, Skills and Experience

• Alignment with the Richmond SPCA’s mission to achieve and sustain a no-kill community including promoting pet adoption and spaying/neutering
• Effective, professional, and empathetic customer service skills and communication (written and verbal) with the public, volunteers, and all Richmond SPCA employees
• Attitude that contributes to a welcoming, accessible, compassionate, and respectful atmosphere
• Uncompromising commitment to the wellbeing of every pet in our care
• Excellent time management and organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks effectively, manage competing deadlines, and maintain accuracy and attention to detail in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to multi-task, follow directions (written and verbal), adapt, and accommodate changing demands productively
• Demonstrated experience in leading and supporting change management initiatives within an organization
• Skilled at anticipating concerns and addressing resistance in a calm and constructive manner
• Proven ability to maintain stability and minimize uncertainty during periods of transition
• Demonstrated experience in conflict management and resolution within professional settings with an ability to address and resolve conflicts in a calm, impartial, and solution-focused manner
• Commitment to handling sensitive matters with professionalism and strict confidentiality
• Ability to exercise good judgement and be diplomatic
• Resourcefulness and ability to work independently in a mature, professional, and productive capacity
• Team-oriented mindset with the ability to recognize a need for assistance and ask for help
• Strong computer skills (Microsoft 365, PetPoint, DaySmart Vet) with an ability to learn new software quickly and effectively
• Strong work ethic, reliability, punctuality
• High degree of emotional intelligence
• Ability to maintain and, when possible, improve existing organizational systems and procedures

• Daytime availability with the ability to work on weekends and holidays
• Able to work in a high volume, fast-paced environment
• Have a valid driver's license and reliable transportation, including during inclement weather*
• Be 18 years of age or older

* The Richmond SPCA must provide for the care, feeding and medicating of shelter animals even in the event of public emergencies, critical or hazardous conditions, or an inclement weather closure. This position is considered Essential Personnel, which means that, if scheduled, you would be required to work even when the Richmond SPCA may be closed to the public.

Physical Job Requirements

• Able to handle dogs, cats, and small animals (guinea pigs, rabbits, ferrets): both general handling (petting, leash-walking, some lifting and carrying) and restraint (placing animals in cages/carriers) are necessary daily
• Able to routinely lift 40-50 lbs.
• Able to work around animals (including those who are sick or injured or who have behavior challenges), loud noises, cat litter, animal waste, and various chemicals
• Able to bend and use your arms in a repetitive manner
• Able to kneel and stoop
• Able to be on your feet for up to 8 hours at a time
• Able to perform job duties in all weather conditions

Work Environment

• Supportive, collaborative team environment that encourages and celebrates creativity and resourcefulness
• Rapid pace with exposure to potential hazards including animal waste and disinfectants
• High levels of noise
• Potential for animal bites, scratches, and zoonotic disease (transmitted from animals to people)

Richmond SPCA employees are eligible to become clients of our low-cost, full-service Susan M. Markel Veterinary Hospital and have access to an Employee Assistance Program. Employees who average 15+ hours per week are eligible for voluntary (employee-paid) benefits including accident insurance, hospital indemnity and critical illness insurance. Employees who average 20+ hours a week can participate in our 401(k) retirement plan and have access to paid wellness leave.

Full-time employees are eligible for insurance benefits, including medical, dental, and vision, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability, and paid personal leave.

The Richmond SPCA is a qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.