Animal Care and Control Program Coordinator

With a minimum of direction, responsible for the management and coordination of all activities associated with the Animal Care and Control Program. The ACC Program Coordinator assumes responsibility for the training, supervision and administration of personnel involved with the promotion of animal and human health, and the enforcement of animal control laws and regulations. This position also advises and counsels staff in matters relating to animal care and control, including training and enforcement of regulations and directs the Animal Care and Control program as it involves citizen complaints, animal impoundments, and rabies vaccinations and tags. The ACC Program Coordinator also promotes a positive working relationship with and between staff, County officials, Animal Hospitals/Veterinarians, Community and Humane groups, participates in investigations, including animal abuse or neglect, and dangerous, animal-aggressive, or vicious dog declarations, and mentors staff regarding enforcement appearances in court or administrative hearings and accompanies staff if appropriate.

• Assumes responsibility for personnel assigned to, or working in the program(s), including training, development, and performance appraisals.
• Assumes major responsibility for the overall planning, development, maintenance, and evaluation of the Animal Care and Control Program in accordance with local and state laws, regulations, and good principles and practices.
• Assists in the recruitment and selection of staff when required.
• Evaluates the Animal Care and Control Program, performs studies for projects of department interest, updates procedural guides periodically, and assumes responsibility for uniformity.
• Reviews and evaluates the work of subordinate personnel.
• Institutes record systems and report forms for office and field use; conducts correspondence with other agencies and interested parties regarding technical problems, laws, or regulations.
• Functions as the primary Lake County Health Department public contact with the community regarding animal care and control, and rabies control to inform Lake County residents about laws regarding wild and domestic animal bites, strays, and requirements for rabies vaccinations and tags.
• Exemplifies positive interactions with staff and the public, maintains a positive and productive workplace, and participates in or observes staff interaction with one another and with the public on a daily basis to assure that behaviors or attitudes inconsistent with organizational expectations are identified and addressed.
• Trains wardens in the use of tools for animal control, including immobilization drugs and equipment.
• Responsible for inventory and regulatory compliance regarding controlled substances. Is responsible for equipment inventory and for assuring that necessary equipment is maintained in working order or replaced if necessary.
• Serves as the shelter facility safety coordinator. Responsible for keeping equipment and vehicles in good working condition, and for assuring staff complete necessary training such as “defensive driver” training.
• Supervises reporting of all transactions involving animal control, investigations including abuse and neglect, and declarations of dangerous, animal aggressive, or vicious animals.
• Mentors staff regarding enforcement appearances in court and accompanies if necessary.
• Acts as liaison with the Department of Agriculture.
• Supervises the handling of specimens suspected of rabies or other zoonoses, including West Nile specimens, and their transportation to appropriate laboratories.
• Manages the low-income Spay/Neuter program and vaccination clinics.
• Acts as the shelter facility manager and is available, or has designated a substitute, for after-hours emergencies requiring supervisory-level decisions.
• Assists in the formulation of service area policies.
• Adapts the existing program to changing community needs and recommends implementation of new programs.
• Prepares ordinances and policies/procedures in accordance with recommended standards and considers industry impact.
• Prepares the program budget and supervises the billing and collection of fees and the issuance of rabies registration tags. Monitors budget expenses.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree (Animal Sciences preferred) or at least 5 years of progressive job and supervisory experience related to animal care and handling in an animal shelter.
• Requires a valid driver's license with appropriate classification, supplemented with a satisfactory driving record.
• Requires Certified Euthanasia Technician License.

As the largest human service provider in Lake County, we believe that services must be available without barriers. No residents are turned away due to the inability to pay. We believe in providing services in an environment of mutual respect, free of discrimination or bias. Whether assuring accessible and effective care, impacting policy, or assessing and monitoring risks, the Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center has been an essential part of the public health system in Lake County for 60 years.We are looking for passionate, qualified team members who can help make a difference in our agency and, most importantly, in our community.

Additional information about the Lake County Health Department, our culture, and why you should join our team can be found athttps://lakecountyil.attract.neogov.com/health-department.

At this time, you must live in Illinois or Wisconsin to be eligible to work at Lake County Health Department.You can find oursalary gradesathttps://www.lakecountyil.gov/4515/Salary-Grades. For unionized positions, a list of ourcollective bargaining agreementscan be found here :https://www.lakecountyil.gov/2686/Collective-Bargaining-Agreements.

Any offer of employment is conditioned on the successful completion of a background screening, drug and alcohol testing and may include a pre-employment medical exam.