Intakes & Quarantine Manager
Full-Time | Alaqua Animal Refuge | Freeport, Florida
Do you believe every animal deserves a second chance? Are you a compassionate leader who can turn that belief into action?
At Alaqua Animal Refuge, every rescue has a story, and every animal deserves the opportunity to heal, feel safe, and find a better future. We’re looking for a dedicated, hands-on Intakes & Quarantine Manager to lead our intake and quarantine team, coordinate incoming animal rescues, and ensure every animal receives the compassionate, quality care they deserve.
This is more than a management position. It’s an opportunity to make a meaningful difference every day by helping vulnerable animals transition from uncertainty to safety, healing, and hope.
If you’re an experienced leader with a passion for animal welfare, strong organizational skills, and the ability to stay calm and focused in a fast-paced rescue environment, we’d love to meet you!
What You’ll Do
Lead With Purpose
- Lead, mentor, and support the intake and quarantine team to create an organized, productive, and compassionate work environment.
- Recruit, interview, hire, and train team members who are committed to Alaqua’s mission.
- Develop staff schedules, delegate responsibilities, coach employees, and conduct performance evaluations.
- Establish efficient workflows and continually improve team communication, accountability, and performance.
Coordinate Rescues & Animal Admissions
- Manage and coordinate incoming animal admissions, ensuring appropriate placement, staffing, and communication.
- Serve as a primary point of contact for individuals and organizations seeking to surrender or transfer animals into our care.
- Evaluate potential intakes from other shelters, rescues, and animal welfare organizations.
- Partner with animal control agencies, shelters, rescue groups, and community resources to facilitate lifesaving transfers.
- Coordinate animal and equipment transportation and assist with rescue operations as needed.
Champion Animal Health & Welfare
- Conduct morning and evening animal welfare rounds to ensure animals receive appropriate care and that medical or behavioral concerns are promptly reported and addressed.
- Monitor feeding plans, daily care requirements, behavior assessments, and animal placement.
- Maintain accurate, up-to-date records, including medical information, behavioral observations, and adoptable status.
- Collaborate with veterinary, operations, and other teams to ensure consistent, high-quality care.
- Help maintain a safe, secure, and well-organized quarantine environment, including end-of-day checks of animal areas, buildings, runs, and gates.
What We’re Looking For
The ideal candidate is a confident, compassionate, solutions-oriented leader who understands that animal rescue requires both a caring heart and a steady hand.
Required qualifications:
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- At least 3 years of management experience preferred.
- Valid driver’s license.
- Strong leadership, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to manage competing priorities and make sound decisions in a fast-paced environment.
- Commitment to humane animal welfare and the mission of Alaqua Animal Refuge.
- Ability to remain calm and professional during stressful, emotionally challenging situations.
- Willingness and ability to work hands-on with animals and support daily operational needs.
Preferred qualifications:
- Management experience in an animal shelter, rescue organization, farm, or similar environment.
- Experience with animal handling, restraint, health monitoring, and behavior assessment.
- Experience coordinating animal intakes, transfers, transportation, or rescue operations.
At Alaqua, the mission is at the heart of everything we do. Our work gives vulnerable animals a chance to recover, rebuild trust, and experience the compassionate care they deserve.
As Intakes & Quarantine Manager, you’ll play a vital role in making that possible. Your leadership will help shape the daily experience of our animals, strengthen our rescue operations, and support the people who dedicate themselves to this important work.
If you’re ready to lead with compassion, take ownership, solve problems, and make a tangible difference in the lives of animals, we encourage you to apply!