Kennel Manager - ACS

Kennel Manager

Salary : $62,171.20 Annually

Location : Animal Care Services, IN

Job Type : Full Time

Job Number : 09492

Department : Animal Care Services

Opening Date : 11 / 24 / 2025

Closing Date : 2 / 22 / 2026 11 : 59 PM Eastern

Overview

This position is responsible for the administrative direction, planning, managing, and administering the programs and activities of kennel and adoption services for ACS. The incumbent will coordinate the assigned activities with other city and county agencies and divisions. The incumbent will provide highly responsible and complex administrative support to the Administrator including assisting the Administrator in refinement and implementation of a strategic plan for the promotion of animal care. The incumbent must utilize independent judgment in different areas of the division. The incumbent's other actions are dictated by established policies and procedures, civil and criminal laws, and the codes established by the city and county. The incumbent will be on call 24-hours a day all year. Position reports to the Administrator Operations.

Agency Summary

The purpose and mission of Animal Care Services is advocating animal welfare, adoption, and rescue. The agency does this by protecting and promoting the health, safety, and welfare of pets and livestock in Marion County. The agency is able to do this by cultivating a productive, collaborative, and compliant work environment in order for our workforce to meet the needs of the constituents of Indianapolis and Marion County.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The City of Indianapolis Marion County is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status. We value diversity in perspectives and experiences among colleagues and the residents of this city of whom we serve.

Position Responsibilities

Plan, organize, and manage the daily operations and services of ACS and coordinate with other agencies and divisions.

Ensures compliance with city ordinances as it relates to the operation of the city animal shelters and laws pertaining to care and treatment of animals.

Supervises and monitors the work of operational team members including kennel shift leaders, adoption coordinator, rescue coordinator and volunteers by explaining practices and evaluating the team members performance.

Coordinates team members scheduling and assignments.

Convenes with Administrator and management team members on division services and operating procedures.

Identifies training needs for team members and supervises or conducts training sessions.

Performs daily inspection of facilities to ensure health and welfare of animals and authorizes treatment of sick, injured and aggressive animals.

Ensures operations are maintained within established budget by reviewing and approving requests for overtime, equipment replacement, supplies, building upgrades, and equipment repairs.

Ensures animals are routed on the most appropriate path to decrease the length of stay at the shelter.

Cooperates with community rescue groups, city elected and appointed officials, and other agencies and divisions, along with the general public.

Coordinates and consults with the administrator, city elected and appointed officials, and other animal welfare organizations and community groups on development and implementation of strategies to address pet needs in order to responsibly reduce shelter intakes, increase adoptions, and improve animal care.

Euthanizes animals and when necessary, prepares a specimen for the State Board of Health for rabies testing.

Maintains a working knowledge of significant developments and trends in the animal welfare field.

Prepares regular reports of activity, initiatives, and city shelter population and attends ACS Services Advisory Board and relevant committee meetings.

Must maintain confidentiality at all times.

Qualifications

High School Diploma or GED equivalent. Three (3) years of work-related experience and one (1) year experience in a supervisory capacity. Ability to operate and care for animal control equipment. Must be able to effectively respond to calls for services; recognize normal and abnormal animal behavior; manage potentially dangerous animals in a safe manner; respond to requests and inquiries from the general public. Must have an ability to remain calm and effective during a crisis event in an emotionally charged environment. Must be compassionate in all areas of the animal welfare. Must have proven management skills with the ability to motivate and manage a diverse group of team members. Must be comfortable being around and interacting with animals of all sizes and breeds. Must understand operational characteristics and services of animal programs including field and kennel operations, principles of animal behavior and care, identification of a variety of breeds of animals, methods and techniques of animal collection, impoundment, and registration. Must understand the basic principles of budget preparation and control. Must adhere to state and local laws, codes, regulations, and occupational hazards. Must have great communications skills both orally and written and be able to adapt to different tones and messaging to meet the needs of different audiences in different settings. Must be able to work under extremely stressful conditions. Must exhibit tact in collaborating with other professionals and team members. Must have knowledge of Microsoft Office.

Preferred Job Requirements and Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree in a related field with three (3) years of work-related experience and one (1) year experience in a supervisory capacity. Certification and training are a plus. Ability to operate and care for animal control equipment. Must be able to effectively respond to calls for services; recognize normal and abnormal animal behavior; manage potentially dangerous animals in a safe manner; respond to requests and inquiries from the general public. Must have an ability to remain calm and effective during a crisis event in an emotionally charged environment. Must be compassionate in all areas of the animal welfare. Must have proven management skills with the ability to motivate and manage a diverse group of team members, experience managing and working with union team members is a plus. Must be comfortable being around and interacting with animals of all sizes and breeds. Must understand operational characteristics and services of animal programs including field and kennel operations, principles of animal behavior and care, identification of a variety of breeds of animals, methods and techniques of animal collection, impoundment, and registration. Must understand the basic principles of budget preparation and control. Must adhere to state and local laws, codes, regulations, and occupational hazards. Must have great communications skills both orally and written and be able to adapt to different tones and messaging to meet the needs of different audiences in different settings. Must be able to work under extremely stressful conditions. Must exhibit tact in collaborating with other professionals and team members. Must have knowledge of Microsoft Office.