Animal Services Manager

Do you have a passion for helping animals and want to make a positive impact in the community
Consider joining the City of San Bernardinos Animal Services Department as anAnimal Services Manager!

About the City:
As a future member of our team youll be joining a city with deep roots cultural diversity and exciting momentum. Located in the heart of Southern Californias Inland Empire San Bernardino is the county seat and largest city in San Bernardino County home to more than 222000 residents. Its rich history shaped by Native American Mexican and Spanish influences continues to inspire the citys evolving identity.

San Bernardino offers access to major transit corridors natural beauty and a wide range of housing and lifestyle options. Its a place where public service careers are supported by a strong sense of community and purpose and where motivated professionals can grow contribute and be part of something meaningful.

The City of San Bernardino Department of Animal Services is a progressive community-centered organization committed to promoting responsible pet ownership humane animal care and public safety through education enforcement and compassion. Operating 24/7 the department oversees all aspects of animal sheltering and field services including adoptions rescue coordination licensing and emergency response.

The team collaborates closely with regional partners rescue groups and local communities to improve live-release rates expand access to spay/neuter and vaccination programs and uphold the highest standards of animal welfare. The department is currently experiencing an exciting period of growth and modernization with new kennel facilities expanded veterinary services and innovative programs designed to enhance both animal care and customer experience.

This position provides hands-on leadership and supervision to kennel staff coordinating daily workflows and promoting efficient use of resources to maintain a clean safe and compassionate environment for both animals and visitors. The Manager also plays a key role in capacity-for-care planning sanitation and safety compliance and coordination of medical and behavioral assessments in partnership with veterinary and rescue teams.

The ideal candidate will be an experienced proactive leader with strong operational management skills sound judgment and a passion for animal welfare. This is a dynamic leadership opportunity for someone committed to fostering a positive accountable workplace culture centered on teamwork transparency and lifesaving outcomes.

The Ideal Candidate:

• Leadership & Management Expertise: Demonstrates strong leadership and supervisory abilities effectively planning directing and motivating staff to achieve departmental goals while maintaining compliance with City policies and labor agreements.
• Animal Care & Regulatory Knowledge: Possesses in-depth understanding of federal state and local laws related to animal control licensing quarantine and humane euthanasia along with expertise in animal care disease prevention and safe handling practices.
• Analytical & Decision-Making Skills: Excels at assessing complex situations analyzing data and developing sound evidence-based recommendations and operational improvements that align with City regulations and community needs.
• Communication & Community Relations: Communicates with clarity professionalism and empathy when working with staff city officials and the public; skilled in public outreach conflict resolution and representing the City in hearings and community forums.

• Overseeing the daily operations of animal shelter and field services ensuring efficiency safety and exceptional care for animals in need.
• Leading and mentoring staff by setting performance goals providing coaching and recognizing outstanding work while addressing challenges with fairness and professionalism.
• Managing departmental projects and resources monitoring budgets and aligning operations with City policies and long-term goals.
• Reviewing procedures identifying opportunities for improvement and implementing innovative solutions to enhance animal care and community engagement.
• Directing enforcement of ordinances related to animal licensing quarantine vaccination and humane treatment ensuring all actions comply with state and local regulations.
• Maintaining accurate and transparent records of shelter operations financial activities and personnel matters.
• Representing Animal Services in meetings with city officials partner agencies and community organizations and participating in administrative hearings when needed.
• Responding to complex and sensitive public inquiries resolving issues with empathy integrity and a focus on positive outcomes.
• Staying current on best practices and emerging trends in animal welfare and championing community outreach and education programs that promote responsible pet ownership.

Education and Experience:

High School diploma or G.E.D.

AND

At least two (2) years of college-level coursework in management business law zoology or a related field AND a minimum of four (4) years of progressively responsible supervisory or managerial experience in animal welfare animal control operations or law enforcement; or an equivalent combination of education training and experience.

Previous experience in an animal shelter animal control or other animal welfare program is preferred.

Licenses Certifications and Equipment:
A valid California drivers license is required.

• Understanding and applying animal control laws licensing rules and humane care standards at the local state and federal levels.
• Leading shelter and field operations with a focus on animal welfare safety and compliance.
• Building and guiding a dedicated team through clear communication mentorship and collaboration.
• Managing budgets records and contracts to keep daily operations running smoothly and efficiently.
• Engaging with staff city partners and community members through open professional and compassionate communication.
• Using sound judgment and creative problem-solving to handle challenges and make well-informed decisions.
• Staying current on best practices in animal welfare shelter management and community outreach to continuously improve programs and services.
• Representing the Citys Animal Services Division with professionalism and empathy when addressing sensitive issues or engaging with the public.

Recruitment Timeline:

This recruitment will close on Sunday November 23 2025 or until a sufficient number of applications have been received.

1st Interview: Week of December 01 2025 or agreed upon date by both HR recruiter & Dept (TENTATIVE)

**All dates are subject to change at the discretion of the personnel officer**

Applications must be fully completed and clearly demonstrate that the minimum qualifications for the position are met. All information provided is subject to review investigation and verification. While resumes may be uploaded as supplemental documentation they will not be accepted in place of a fully completed City application.

Following the initial screening the most qualified candidates whose backgrounds best match the needs of the City will be invited to continue in the selection process. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee advancement. Candidates will remain under consideration until a final selection is made and an offer is accepted. The City of San Bernardino reserves the right to close the recruitment at any time and may determine that none of the applicants including those who meet the minimum qualifications are suitable for the position.

• Application Review
• Oral Examination
• Background Investigation (California Department of Justice and FBI)
• Pre-employment Medical Examination including drug screening
• Employment and Professional Reference Checks

The City of San Bernardino reserves the right to adjust the selection process as needed to meet administrative or operational requirements.