Shelter Supervisor

Position Summary: Supervise Animal & Client Care Specialist and assigned volunteers and ensure effective and efficient shelter operations.

• Coordinate and direct daily tasks and directly supervise staff and volunteers assigned to animal and client care; perform duties of Animal & Client Care Specialist as needed. 

• Work closely with the Director of Shelter Services and other departments to maximize resources and effectively manage adoption-driven capacity and humane sheltering through animal health, admissions, foster care, behavior assessment and modification, transfer, placement, and euthanasia. Perform or assist with routine medical procedures, including euthanasia, as assigned.  

• Demonstrate and monitor welcoming solution-based client service and accurately process customer transactions; display initiative and problem-solving skills to resolve customer requests or concerns; remain calm in difficult or emotional situations; represent the Santa Barbara Humane in a professional manner.

• Demonstrate knowledge of shelter cleaning, herd health, and disinfecting standards; routine veterinary care; and safe and compassionate Fear-Free animal handling, behavior, and training; follow and monitor staff and volunteer compliance with Standard Operating Procedures. 

• Assist Director of Shelter Services  with scheduling, interviewing, hiring, training, coaching, and evaluating employees; follow and monitor compliance with SBH Personnel policies. 

• Display proficiency in shelter software and ensure integrity and accuracy of animal and client records; generate reports as requested. 

• Stay abreast of industry standards and make recommendations for improvements to animal and client care, work processes and protocols. Participate on committees as assigned. 

• Proactively promote SB Humane programs and services and encourage charitable support for the organization. 

• Actively integrate volunteers assigned to shelter duties by providing a welcoming work environment; assigning duties; practicing mentorship, training, and advancement opportunities; and offering feedback on volunteer performance. 

• Maintain inventory of related supplies and pet food as assigned. 

• Monitor facility and equipment needs; schedule repairs and maintenance to ensure effective and safe shelter operations. 

• Assist with deliveries and operate forklift (SB-only, training provided).

• Maintain public and storage areas in an orderly fashion; schedule and supervise cleaning and organizing projects; coordinate community service volunteer tasks. 

• Participate in community disaster response efforts.

• Train staff in safe workplace practices; monitor workplace safety taking immediate action to address potentially unsafe or hazardous conditions. 

• Keep Director of Shelter Services  apprised of concerns and progress related to shelter operations, employee performance, animal care, and client service. 

• Assume role of Director of Shelter Services  in their absence. 

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications: 

• A sincere interest in supporting and advocating for the philosophies, policies, and mission of Santa Barbara Humane.

• Effective verbal and written communication skills; able to read, speak, and write in English. 

• Experience providing customer service in a busy environment.

• Ability to multitask and shift priorities throughout the workday. 

• Ability to assist people from a variety of backgrounds who may have different orientations to animals due to cultural traditions.

• Volunteer or paid experience in an animal shelter, kennel, or veterinary hospital environment is preferred as is knowledge of dog and cat behavior characteristics, training, and handling. 

• Ability and willingness to work in an environment where euthanasia of animals occurs. 

• A commitment to Fear-Free™ animal handling and a sincere interest in supporting the mission and philosophy of Santa Barbara Humane, a Socially Conscious Shelter. 

Working Environment: 

Work is conducted within an animal shelter environment. This may involve exposure to environmental factors, including temperature fluctuations, elevated noise levels, zoonotic diseases, animal waste, potentially hazardous chemicals or materials requiring OSHA Safety Data Sheets, anesthetics, sharp objects, as well as the possibility of interacting with hostile individuals and handling dangerous or aggressive animals.

Physical Requirements: 

• Must be able to stand, walk, sit, talk, hear and see, stoop, bend, squat, kneel, grasp, put fingers together firmly and reach above and below shoulder level and lift; push, lift or pull 30 pounds for situations of restraining or moving animals and lifting supplies, materials and equipment; 

• Repetitively use hands to move animals around and operate computers; 

• Flex the neck upward and downward; twist the neck and the waist; 

• Specific vision abilities required are close and mid-range vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and ability to focus; 

• Appropriately and humanely restrain cats and dogs; control dogs on a leash; work with a variety of animals in multiple settings both in and out of the clinic/shelter; 

• Be able to tolerate extended work periods of ten (10) hours of performing moderately strenuous activities, standing, lifting, stretching and bending; 

• Work in an environment with daily changes in indoor and outdoor climates; 

• May require long hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, to ensure the shelter’s operation and address emergencies or issues outside of regular working hours. 

Please note: Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

Mental and Emotional Resilience: 

This position involves direct exposure to animals in various conditions, including those who may be injured, sick, neglected, in distress, or deceased.  Employees may also be required to interact with members of the public during emotionally charged or sensitive situations. As a result, the role necessitates a high level of mental and emotional resilience to effectively perform duties, maintain professional judgment, and provide compassionate care.

Organizational Competencies 

Dependability 

• Demonstrates reliability by consistently meeting work schedules, deadlines, and commitments; responds to changing priorities with flexibility while maintaining focus on organizational goals and animal welfare needs.

Critical Thinking

• Analyzes situations objectively, using sound judgment to make decisions that balance animal care, public safety, and organizational resources; anticipates potential challenges and proactively develops solutions.

Customer Service

• Provides compassionate, respectful, and responsive service to the public, volunteers, and colleagues; effectively manages sensitive interactions, including emotionally charged situations involving animals and community members.

Diversity and Ethics

• Promotes a culture of inclusion and respect for diverse individuals, backgrounds, and perspectives; upholds ethical standards in handling animals, confidential information, and interactions with the community.

Teamwork

• Collaborates with colleagues across departments to achieve shared goals; fosters a positive work environment by valuing others’ contributions and providing support during high-volume or emergency situations.

Work Quality

• Completes tasks accurately and thoroughly, maintaining high standards for animal care, facility cleanliness, and record-keeping; actively seeks opportunities to improve efficiency and outcomes.

Supervisory/Leadership (for positions with leadership duties)

• Provides clear direction, guidance, and feedback to team members; inspires trust, supports professional growth, and m