Animal Shelter Supervisor

Animal Shelter Supervisor

Salary

$65,884.00 - $85,681.44 Annually

Location

C292-Animal Control

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

04413

Department

Animal Control

Opening Date

08/18/2026

Closing Date

8/31/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Position Purpose/Summary

To effectively and efficiently manage the daily operations of the Thomas J. OConnor Animal Control and Adoption Center (Center.) This position ensures that animals are treated in a humane manner, in accordance with state and local laws and visitors to the Center are provided services in a professional and courteous manner. Plans, coordinates and supervises animal shelter activities which includes, but is not limited to animal impoundment, disease management, animal adoption, animal reclaims, front office, cash handling, humane euthanasia, inventory control, scheduling, payroll, and inter-department and outside agency collaboration, in accordance with the standards and procedures established by the Center and City. This position reports to the Executive Director. Supervision is exercised over a team of animal care staff and a corps of volunteers.

Essential Functions

• Responsible for the operational management of all Center activities, (with the exception of animal control officers and field services), including programs, personnel, and adherence to the annual budget.
• Responsible for recruiting, interviewing, hiring, and supervising staff for the facility. Includes performing annual staff performance evaluations and any disciplinary actions necessary.
• Serves as a professional and courteous representative of the Center. Serves as a role model for the public, staff and volunteers, ensuring a positive and effective approach is maintained at all times.
• Oversees recruitment, training, and supervision of the Centers 175+ volunteers.
• Ensures that proper care and attention is provided to all animals in the Centers custody in accordance with the facilitys policies, procedures, and any applicable laws.
• Possesses strong understanding of shelter animal population, health, and disease control.
• Works creatively and effectively with outside organizations to increase the Centers live release rate. Supervises or provides the function of euthanizing in accordance with the Centers policies. Supervises or provides the function of temperament evaluating canines in according to the procedure established by the facility.
• Possesses ability to skillfully vaccinate, medicate, draw blood, and perform humane euthanasia of shelter animals.
• Devises and implements systems, methods, and procedures in accordance with modern humane and business practices and those practices employed by comparable humane societies and animal control facilities.
• Handles problem situations internally (the facility) and externally (general public) relating to Thomas J. OConnors policies and procedures.
• Analyzes all relevant data and information related to the facilitys activities, and prepares required proposals, reports, and recommendations.
• Maintains appropriate relationships with other public service organizations, municipal governments, vendors, news media, and the community to enhance the Centers image and to aid in attaining its objectives.
• Responsible for ordering and maintaining all Center supplies in a resourceful manner. Work with the Center veterinarian to order and manage the use of controlled substances in the Center in accordance with state and federal laws.
• Responsible for overseeing the integrity of Centers mechanical and technical systems.
• Preforms other related duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability and skill to deal with unruly, vicious, and dangerous animals in a humane manner.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to deal diplomatically with the political system and the public.
• Possess the ability to handle a highly stressful work load and maintain composure in stressful situations.
• Possess strong knowledge of state and local animal related laws and ordinances.
• Possess strong knowledge of humane capture and handling techniques and animal body language.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of employee supervision.
• Ability to exercise initiative, considerable independent judgement and resourcefulness where there may be uncertainty in approach, methodology, and interpretation. Errors at this level could potentially lead to the loss of life or major harm or life impairment.
• Ability to maintain a high volume of work output with minimal supervision.
• Requires advanced computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite, such as Outlook, Word, and Excel.
• Experience with Access, PowerPoint and Munis preferred.

Education and Experience

• BA/BS in animal science or related field AND four (4) years of experience as an animal care technician/supervisor; OR anu equivalent combination of eight (8) years education and/or relevant experience.
• Three (3) years of supervisory experience preferred.

NOTICE: The following benefits are contingent upon hours worked and bargaining vs. non-bargaining agreements.

Medical/Dental/ Vision

75% City Subsidized

All health insurance plans include Dental and Vision

Retirement

Available to employees working 20+ hours per week

Paid Vacation

Bargaining unit positions are subject to contractual obligations.

Paid Holidays

All City employees receive 11 paid holidays per year.

Paid Sick Time

Full time employees are immediately eligible to begin accruing 1 1/4 days per month which can be taken after 6 months of service. Unused sick days can be rolled over to subsequent calendar years. Supplemental Long Term and Short disability coverage is available to employees at the employee cost.

Paid Personal Days

Use up to 3 of your accrued sick days as Personal days. Personal days cannot be rolled over into the next calendar year.

Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

A means for eligible employees to balance work and family responsibilities by taking unpaid leave for authorized reasons.

Training

On the job and instructor led courses available

Employee Assistance Program

Free, confidential and personal assistance to employees and their families to resolve issues that affect their personal lives as well as job performance.

Direct Deposit

Easy, convenient, and free!

01

Do you have a BA/BS in animal science or related field AND four (4) years of experience as an animal care technician/supervisor; OR anu equivalent combination of eight (8) years education and/or relevant experience?

• Yes
• No

02

Do you have three (3) years of supervisory experience preferred?

• Yes
• No

03

Are you a current City of Springfield, Chicopee or Holyoke resident?

• Yes
• No

04

The City of Springfield requires all employees to be residents of either Springfield, Chicopee or Holyoke. If you are not a current resident, are you willing to relocate?

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer City of Springfield

Address 36 Court St

Springfield, Massachusetts, 01103

Phone 413-787-6018

Website https://www.springfield-ma.gov