Shelter Manager – Dartmouth SPCA Shelter

Nova Scotia SPCA; Dartmouth; Hybrid; CAD 56,000 - 67,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Dental & health benefits

RRSP matching

Employee rewards program

Discounts on veterinary services

Job summary

Nova Scotia SPCA in Dartmouth is seeking a Shelter Manager to oversee operations of the Dartmouth SPCA Shelter. You will lead shelter staff, ensure a welcoming adoption experience, and drive compassionate animal welfare initiatives.

The role requires strong interpersonal and operational skills, with a commitment to professionalism and integrity in all interactions with adopters, volunteers, donors, and the public.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years’ work experience in an animal shelter or veterinary medicine.
• 1-2 years’ experience in management or leadership in veterinary/healthcare.
• Completion of a Veterinary Technician Program or Veterinary Assistant Diploma is an asset.
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Foster effective communication between staff and leadership.
• Promote a positive team culture and staff engagement.
• Ensure a welcoming adoption experience and exceptional customer service.
• Support performance management, recruitment, onboarding, training and development.
• Oversee shelter operations, including animal population, waitlists, and capacity management.
• Coordinate veterinary services and medical records.
• Manage inventory and ensure cost-effective operations.
• Oversee behavioral assessments and welfare decisions with the Liaison team.
• Develop staff schedules to maintain appropriate staffing levels.
• Report on animal care statistics and operational data.
• Collaborate on strategic initiatives with Provincial Leadership.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organizational skills

Problem-solving

Staff engagement

Staff scheduling

Decision-making

Customer service

Conflict resolution

Training & development

Education

Veterinary Technician Program

Veterinary Assistant Diploma

Job description

Location: Nova Scotia SPCA – Dartmouth, Nova Scotia

Job Type: Full-time

Compensation: $27 – $32 per hour, with consideration for experience & qualifications

Start Date: As soon as possible

The Nova Scotia SPCA is seeking a Shelter Manager to oversee operations of our Dartmouth SPCA Shelter. This individual will play a critical role in creating a welcoming, positive, and supportive experience for every member of our community, including adopters, volunteers, fosters, donors, and visitors.

A Shelter Manager will provide leadership and support to shelter staff, oversee daily operations, and champion innovative initiatives that advance animal welfare. The ideal candidate has strong interpersonal and operational skills with a commitment to fostering a culture of compassion, integrity, and professionalism.

Please see below for more details on the position and information on how to apply.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Foster effective communication between shelter staff, management, and leadership teams.
• Promote a positive team culture by supporting collaboration, conflict resolution, and staff engagement.
• Ensure a welcoming adoption experience and deliver exceptional customer service.
• Support staff in creating caring, thoughtful and compassionate service to members of the public.
• Support employee performance management, recruitment, onboarding , training, and development.
• Communicate, implement, and ensure compliance with organizational policies, procedures, and operational changes.
• Monitor shelter operations, including animal population, waitlists, length of stay, and capacity management to meet organizational goals.
• Coordinate veterinary services, medical rounds, scheduling, and the accurate maintenance of animal health records.
• Oversee shelter cleanliness, organization, safety, and facility standards.Manage animal care, medical, pharmaceutical, and food inventories to ensure cost-effective operations
• Provide oversight of behavioural assessments, animal welfare decisions, and euthanasia processes in collaboration with the Liaison team.
• Develop and manage staff schedules to maintain appropriate staffing levels.
• Ensure accurate reporting of animal care statistics and operational data.
• Collaborate with Provincial Leadership on strategic initiatives, operational improvements, and mission-aligned opportunities
• Apply strong problem-solving and decision-making skills to support animal welfare, community needs, and organizational objectives.
• Other duties as required

Qualifications, Experience and Skills:

• 3-5 years’ work experience in an animal shelter or veterinary medicine or related industry position.
• 1-2 years’ experience working in management or a leadership role in the veterinary or healthcare setting.
• Completion of a Veterinary Technician Program or Veterinary Assistant Diploma would be considered an asset for this position.
• Strong leadership and decision-making skills, with the ability to manage complex situations
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to support, engage and implement organizational initiatives.
• Experience fostering relationships with community members.
• Knowledge and experience in working during stressful, emotionally charged, or high-emotion situations in a calm, compassionate and professional manner.
• Physical ability to bend and lift and carry up to 40 lbs regularly.

What We Offer:

• Dental and health benefits including Teladoc telemedicine service (after 3 months).
• RRSP matching contributions (after 1 year)
• Internal employee rewards program.
• Employee discount for veterinary services, pet food and at SPCA thrift stores.