Director/Chief Dog Warden - Canine Care & Control

Lucas County Canine Care & Control Department Manager

Under general direction from the Board of County Commissioners and through the County Administrator, directs the daily operations of & manages the physical plant of the Lucas County Canine Care & Control Department, supervises & trains department personnel, ensures enforcement of State dog control regulations, manages recording of transactions involving dog seizures, redemptions, adoptions, licensing, claims & complaints as prescribed by law, supervises the care of impounded dogs, promotes public awareness of dog licensing & control requirements.

Responsibilities

Essential Job Functions

• Serves in capacity of Dog Warden for Lucas County as defined in Chapter 955.12 of the Ohio Revised Code (e.g., enforcement of state animal control statutes, patrols and/or supervises county patrol in seizing and impounding stray animals, enforcing statues regulating dog licensing, selling of registration tags, issuing citations and/or warnings to owners in violation of statutes, recording of transactions involving animal adoptions, licensing, claims and complaints as prescribed by law, conducts dog census, directs care of and/or cares for impounded animals).
• General supervision of all staff to include the Deputy Director, Canine Care Center Supervisor, Veterinarian, Canine Control Crew Leader, Canine Control Officers, and Community Outreach Coordinator in the performance of their essential job functions; effectively recommends the hire, transfer, demotion or removal of all employees in the Department; approves leave requests for all employees in the Department; establishes & directs training required for all employees of the Department; uses independent judgment in the areas of grievance adjustment and recommending or taking disciplinary action for all employees in the Department.
• Oversees the development & implementation of all programs (including, but not limited to, adoption, return to owner, education/awareness, transfer, and volunteer) and operational policies & procedures necessary to carry out the mission of the Department.
• Stays informed regarding current dog care & control issues and laws as well as the changing needs of the community regarding these issues.
• Ensures Department's compliance with all applicable federal, state and local dog care and sheltering requirements.
• Keeps the Board and County administration up-to-date regarding the Department's activities and needs; prepares & distributes related reports & statistics as needed/required; prepares, implements & monitors a strategic plan developed to achieve the Department's mission as approved by the Board of County Commissioners.
• Makes public appearances on behalf of the Department and practices proactive public relations to elicit maximum public interest and involvement; serves as department spokesperson on and off camera to handle both routine and politically sensitive department related matters; ensures social media presence; prepares press releases.
• Develops and coordinates a comprehensive public communications & media strategy for the Lucas County Canine Care & Control, including but not limited to the drafting of press releases & preparation of related media materials and serving as the primary contact for media inquiries.
• Foster beneficial relationships with dog owners, non-dog owning citizens, local government officials, local businesses, non-profit organizations/foundations interested in dog care & control, and the media to ensure that the Department's activities are known and the Department is regarded as an important asset in the community.
• Assists County administration with negotiating and managing canine related emergency service contracts with local jurisdictions as needed.
• Prepares annual department budget for submission to Board of County Commissioners; monitors income and expenditures against approved annual budget/allocation and adjusts programs as needed.
• Solicits cash and "in-kind" donations to supplement approved budget as needed for programs; identifies potential grant opportunities, applies for grants, and effectively manages grants awarded to the Department.
• Assists with behavior evaluations, euthanasia and other daily tasks when needed due to staff shortages. Performs chemical capture as needed (when legally allowed).
• Develops, maintains and communicates to staff and volunteers an accurate and in-depth understanding of laws, regulations and guidelines and current or pending modifications thereof.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of Chapter 955 of the Ohio Revised Code and other applicable state or local statutes preferred but may be obtained after employment.
• Knowledge of and experience in media relations.
• Ability to strategically develop and implement progressive animal-care related programs.
• Knowledge of and experience working with basic word processing and spreadsheet programs.
• Knowledge of current trends in animal control and animal welfare, with a specific focus on progressive management of facilities (disease control, cleaning protocols, handling, sheltering, safety, etc.).

Qualifications

• In addition to management/supervisory experience in a bargaining unit environment, a Bachelor's degree in a related field of study is preferred, OR an equivalent combination of training/certification, knowledge and/or experience in an animal care or control environment which shows: a proven understanding of related statutes & local ordinances; development of innovative programs to increase live release rates, adoptions & returns to owners; efforts to educate the public on canine care & control matters and "best practices", and a demonstrated ability to collaborate & communicate effectively with a variety of stakeholders, including but not limited to animal welfare organizations, local law enforcement, volunteers, and the media.
• Must possess Certified Euthanasia Technician certification (or obtain within six months of assuming the position).
• Documentation of successful completion of chemical capture/immobilization training (or ability to successfully complete within one year of legislation to allow this practice).
• Previous experience creating and managing a department's operational budget.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license specific to the vehicle required for the position and remain eligible for coverage under the County's insurability standards.

Job Info

• Job Identification 1304
• Job Category Management
• Posting Date 09/08/2025, 06:12 PM
• Job Schedule Full time
• Job Shift Day
• Locations 1301 Monroe St, Toledo, OH, 43604, US
• Requistion Type Regular
• Agency Canine Care & Control
• Pay Ranges varies