COORDINATOR - ANIMAL CARE SERVICES

COORDINATOR - ANIMAL CARE SERVICES

(Grant-Funded)

SALARY:$48,087.00

SECTION I-JOB DESCRIPTION

SUMMARY:

Under the supervision of the Health Administrator. Responsible for developing, coordinating, and evaluating policies, procedures, and operational plans that support the effective functioning of the Cameron County Animal Shelter. Ensures alignment with public health standards, animal welfare regulations, and departmental goals. Conducts data analysis, supports program development, coordinates interagency partnerships, and assists leadership in implementing evidence-based practices that improve shelter operations, animal outcomes, and community engagement. Coordinates the Cameron County Animal Shelter animal adoption services to increase the number of animals adopted and fostered and provide them with a safe and loving home.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Employee will accurately document all time worked.
• Coordinates the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of shelter policies, SOPs, and operational workflows.
• Develops operational assessments and quality improvement initiatives for the county animal shelter.
• Conducts ongoing operational assessments to identify opportunities to improve efficiency, program performance, safety, and regulatory compliance.
• Reviews shelter processes, data systems, and documentation practices to ensure accuracy and regulatory alignment.
• Provides technical assistance to shelter staff on policy interpretation, workflow implementation, and best practices.
• Advise program leadership on policy gaps, operational risks, and recommended corrective actions.
• Provides information to the public about animal healthcare messaging, responsible pet ownership, and animal education initiatives.
• Develops a working knowledge of shelter operations, regulatory requirements, and animal welfare standards.
• Works with staff to develop community outreach strategies, educational materials, and community events including adoption events and vaccination clinics.
• Processes animal paperwork including spay/neuter, microchip, and vaccination record information, program documentation, data reports, and compliance records.
• Provides information on applicable animal welfare regulations, public health requirements, and compliance obligations.
• Collects and maintains program data including donations, animal adoptions, compliance documentation, operational reports, and performance indicators.
• Performs tasks related to animal shelter and stakeholder coordination.
• Counsels environmental staff on policy implementation and operational procedures.
• Assists prospective clients in the selection of animals for adoption and answer questions about the animal including, but not limited to, the behavior of specific breeds, dog/cat behavior, pet care, pet compatibility with children and other dogs.
• Provides information to the public about the Cameron County Animal Shelter, promotes responsible pet ownership and animal health care, and performs tasks related to social media to increase the number of adoptions such as taking pictures and videos of pets for adoption.
• Answers inquiries related to shelter programs, policies, and public health initiatives in a professional and informative manner.
• Maintains positive relationships with animal care stakeholders including community partners, rescue organizations, veterinary providers, and public health agencies.
• Utilizes sound judgment and maintains strict confidentiality.
• Performs job duties by establishing strong communication skills and organizational skills.
• Other duties as assigned.

SECTION II-JOB REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university with a major course work in public health, public affairs, public administration, animal science, animal health, or related field plus one year experience in public health, public affairs, public administration, emergency management, or healthcare related field -OR-- every two years of experience in public health, public affairs, public administration, emergency management, or healthcare related field directly related to the duties of the job can substitute for every one year of required education.

The applicant must currently possess or obtain within six months of employment the Texas Department of State Health Services Animal Control Officer (TDSHS ACO) Certification and maintain active while employed as Health Planner with Cameron County Public Health. The applicant will begin probationary period of six (6) months from the day their required certification is attained.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Ability to understand and apply public health principles, animal welfare regulations, and operational planning methods. Effectively teach methods of humane animal care and treatment. Working knowledge of breed and behavioral characteristics of a variety of animals. Ability to coordinate and support policy development, program planning, and interagency collaboration. Excellent written and oral communication skills. Excellent customer service skills. Ability to work in partnership with others as well as work independently. Self-motivated with the ability to work under minimal supervision. Knowledge of computer programs software (MS, Word, Excel, Power Point, internet). Ability to work with public. Ability to work with confidential client information.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must have a valid Texas Driver's License, comply with State of Texas Driving Laws, and maintain an acceptable driving record. Must have reliable transportation. Employees of Cameron County may be required to work during any natural disaster or emergency, extended hours and non-traditional work schedules (i.e., Saturdays and Sundays). Criminal background check is required for employment or continued employment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Good health and physical condition sufficient to permit full performance of the duties of the position. If additional assistance is required, employee must request assistance prior to performing the assignment.

SECTION III-JOB DIMENSIONS

CONTACTS:

EXTERNAL CONTACTS:

Occasional contact with other health, social, and educational care agencies, outside organizations. Frequent contact with clinic clientele and the general public. Communication is via telephone, written communication and face to face.

INTERNAL CONTACTS:

Utilizes tact when dealing with County employees, health, social and educational care providers, and clientele regarding operations issues. Constant contact with County Personnel. Communicating is primarily face-to-face, via telephone and through written communication.

RESPONSIBILITY:

Comply with Cameron County and Department of State Health Services rules/regulations and display a positive public image. As a Cameron County employee, the identity of every client shall be kept confidential except to the extent necessary to carry out the purpose of an investigation, hearing, or judicial proceeding.

DIFFICULTY:

(Judgment, initiative, and decision-making.) Judgment is required to ensure completion of planning activities, policy development, data interpretation, operational analysis and other job activities as assigned by the Health Administrator. Uses discretion to achieve work goals. Initiative is constantly required to achieve work goals.

GUIDANCE:

As assigned by the Health Administrator. Works under limited supervision with latitude for independent judgment in planning and policy coordination. It is the responsibility of the employee to know and maintain contact with the Health Administrator.

WORKING CONDITION:

Working conditions are primarily in the Animal Shelter, office, community and field settings

This is not a Civil Service covered position.

Benefits: Cameron County Offers Excellent Fringe Benefits, Including: Health and Life Insurance Protection, Sick and Annual Leave, Retirement System, and Paid Holidays. Cameron County has a mandatory direct deposit payroll program.