Manager, Care

Job Summary: The Manager, Care and Enrichment oversees the daily care of animals at the Cruelty Recovery Center (CRC) and temporary shelter facilities. They supervise a team of 8 Care and Enrichment Technicians, providing guidance on animal handling, enrichment, and medical care. This role requires strong leadership skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment. The Manager works closely with other departments, including Veterinary Forensics, Legal Advocacy & Investigations, Behavioral Sciences, and Shelter Medicine Services. They are responsible for implementing and maintaining high-quality animal care standards, ensuring compliance with protocols and procedures. This position is ideal for an experienced animal welfare professional who is passionate about leading a team and improving animal lives. If you have a background in animal behavior, psychology, or a related field, and excellent communication and problem-solving skills, we encourage you to apply. Responsibilities: Shelter Operations (50%): * Direct the Care and Enrichment team to monitor and maintain the medical and behavioral health of shelter animals * Ensure proper daily care, nutrition, sanitation, and infectious disease-prevention protocols * Fill in to support CET responsibilities as needed * Act as Shelter Lead, Floor Lead, and Enrichment Coordinator as assigned by the Senior Manager, Care and Enrichment * Ensure feline and canine enrichment programs are implemented and maintained * Provide a safe and compassionate environment for animals, staff, and volunteers using low-stress handling techniques * Ensure all team members have received training and mastered low-stress handling techniques * Hold team briefings to give updates, determine progress, and shape the remainder of the day * Collaborate with behavior and veterinary team members to ensure open communication, excellent care, and close monitoring of every animal * Perform daily rounds to ensure all animals are in appropriate enclosures and evaluate enclosure condition * Provide feedback to improve processes and minimize barriers to efficient work and high-quality animal care * Work with Volunteers and Responders to integrate volunteers into daily care, setting clear expectations and providing guidance as needed * Work with Foster and Placement to orchestrate the export of released animals to partner organizations and foster homes * Ensure shelter supply needs are met, track expenses, and order supplies with supervisor approval People Management (40%): * Manage and supervise two Care and Enrichment Technicians, maintaining a fully staffed team * Develop and implement annual professional development plans for each direct report * Supervise multiple ASPCA staff, volunteers, and contingent workers at CRC and temporary shelters * Clearly explain protocols to garner buy-in from staff and volunteers, ensuring they are used as intended * Oversee daily cleaning, handling, enrichment, monitoring, and documentation of the Care and Enrichment team * Provide regular trainings to keep the Care and Enrichment team up to date on advances in the field and proficient in protocols * Work alongside Care and Enrichment Technicians, assisting in daily care and monitoring adherence to protocols Program Maintenance (10%): * Review Standard Operating Procedures for CRC and temporary shelters, communicating changes and updates to the team * Continuously assess the efficacy of CRC animal enrichment, innovating and encouraging the team to maintain a robust program * Research and develop best practices in sheltering, enrichment, and animal care/handling * Attend workshops for animal welfare professionals, sharing learning with the Care and Enrichment team upon return Education & Work Experience: * High School Diploma or GED Required; B.S. or B.A. preferred * At least 2 years of management experience strongly preferred; excellent people-management skills * At least 2 years of experience working hands-on with animals required; experience in animal welfare preferred * Animal shelter experience preferred Compensation and Benefits: * Starting pay for the successful applicant will depend on a variety of factors, including education, training, experience, location, business needs, internal equity, market demands or budgeted amount for the role

Created: 2025-03-09