Adoptions Supervisor - Pima Animal Care Center

Pima County; Arizona; On-site; USD 30,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Pima Animal Care Center, part of Pima County, seeks an Adoptions Supervisor to lead frontline teams and drive compassionate, outcome‑oriented adoptions. You will coordinate staffing, support staff in high-pressure situations, and ensure excellent customer service for adopters and the public.

Strong leadership, animal handling, and bilingual English/Spanish skills are preferred. The role requires flexible hours, including weekends and evenings, to meet the shelter’s seven‑day operation needs.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED plus 4 years working with animals or enforcing animal laws, with 1 year in a lead role.
• Substitutions available for NACA Levels I-II certification up to 2 years.
• Experience with shelter operations and consumer interactions is valued.

Responsibilities

• Supervises daily operations of Adoptions and Behavior teams, including scheduling and task coordination.
• Provides front-facing support for staff and the public in handling, matchmaking, and counseling.
• Manages staff schedules, coverage, and shift planning including holidays and events.
• Handles complaints, de-escalation, and connects people to appropriate resources.
• Oversees animal handling, enrichment, evaluations, and placement decisions.
• Directs training for new hires and ongoing staff development.
• Monitors animal well-being, documents notes in the shelter system.
• Supports euthanasia decision-making per shelter protocols.
• Collaborates across departments to achieve timely, humane outcomes.

Skills

Leadership

Staff supervision

Customer service

Animal handling

Bilingual English/Spanish

Education

High school diploma or GED

National Animal Control Association Training Academy Levels I-II

Job description

Job Description Summary Department - Pima Animal Care Center

OPEN TO CURRENT PIMA COUNTY EMPLOYEES ONLY

Job Type: Classified Job Classification: 5673 - Animal Care Placement Supervisor Salary Grade: 8 Hiring Pay: $23.98 Per Hour

Are you passionate about helping pets find homes, supporting people, and leading a team through the fast-paced world of animal sheltering? Pima Animal Care Center (PACC) is looking for an Adoptions Supervisor who is ready to lead with compassion, flexibility, and a strong commitment to lifesaving. PACC serves thousands of pets and people each year and our Adoptions Supervisor plays a critical role in helping animals move from the shelter into loving homes while ensuring adopters receive welcoming, thoughtful, and supportive service. This position leads and develops frontline staff, helps problem-solve challenging situations, supports creative adoption strategies, and keeps the team moving forward even on our busiest days. PACC is open 7 days a week. This position will include non-traditional work hours including weekends, evenings, and schedule rotations.

Essential Functions:

• Supervises daily operations of Pima Animal Care Center’s (PACC) Adoptions and Behavior teams, including staff management, scheduling, daily task coordination, and operational support to ensure exceptional animal care, customer service, and outcome-focused decision-making;
• Provides real-time, front-facing support for staff and members of the public, particularly in key areas such as animal handling, playgroup management, behavior evaluation, customer service, matchmaking, de-escalation, and adoption counseling;
• Updates and maintains staff schedules, ensuring all shifts are adequately staffed, including coordinating coverage for time-off requests, scheduling around holiday closures and special events;
• Provides high-level customer service, including addressing complaints or concerns, resolving conflicts, discussing realistic pet ownership expectations, de-escalating tense situations, and proactively connecting the public with appropriate resources or staff;
• Handles animals safely and confidently, including fractious or potentially dangerous animals, to support animal care needs, oversee enrichment playgroups, facilitate behavioral evaluations, or assist the public during the adoption process;
• Assesses adoption suitability by evaluating potential adopter and animal interactions, reviewing history and behavioral data, counseling on home management plans and facilitating successful and safe placements;
• Directs and organizes departmental training for staff and volunteers including developing and leading onboarding training for new hires as well as continued training for current staff to support skill development and consistency in animal handling, customer service and animal behavior;
• Monitors animal behavior and well-being, coordinating with behavior team staff to ensure appropriate enrichment, handling, and behavioral support for animals in care;
• Ensures timely and accurate updates to notes in the shelter management system;
• Assists with euthanasia procedures and supports euthanasia decision‑making processes in accordance with shelter protocols and humane practices;
• Collaborates across departments to support interdisciplinary animal care, effective placement, behavior modification efforts, and timely communication regarding shared goals and case management.

Minimum Qualifications:

High school diploma or General Education Development (GED) certificate AND four years of experience caring for and treating animals, or enforcing animal control laws, regulations and ordinances INCLUDING one year of lead or supervisory experience. (National Animal Control Association Training Academy Levels I and II certification may be substituted for a maximum of two years of the general portion of the aforementioned experience.) (Relevant experience and/or education from an accredited college or university may be substituted.) OR: Two years of experience with Pima County as an Animal Care Technician or Animal Care Field Officer. Qualifying education and experience must be clearly documented in the "Education" and "Work Experience" sections of the application. Do not substitute a resume for your application or write "see resume" on your application.

Preferred Qualifications:

Minimum two (2) years experience working or volunteering in a supervisory or leadership role. Experience coaching employees, providing feedback, addressing performance concerns, and/or supporting staff development. Bilingual (English/Spanish). Experience working or volunteering while handling animals in an animal shelter environment.

Selection Procedure:

Pima County Human Resources Department reserves the right to admit to the selection process only those candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. All applications will be assessed based on an evaluation of the listed education and experience. Candidates meeting the minimum qualifications may be further evaluated/scored against any advertised Preferred Qualifications. The hiring authority will interview and select the successful candidate from a referral list provided by Human Resources. Additional assessments/testing may be required as part of the selection process.

Licenses and Certificates:

Valid driver license is required at time of application. Valid AZ driver license is required at time of appointment. The successful applicant will be subject to a 39-month DOT Motor Vehicle Record review to determine applicant’s suitability to operate county vehicles in accordance with Pima County administrative procedures. Failure to obtain and maintain the required licenses and certifications shall be grounds for termination. Any offer of employment resulting from this recruitment is contingent upon Fleet Services’ review and approval of the candidate’s driving record.

Special Notice Items:

The County requires pre-employment background checks. Successful candidates will receive a post‑offer, pre‑employment background screening to include verification of work history, education, and criminal conviction history. A prior criminal conviction will not automatically disqualify a candidate from employment with the County. Within nine months of appointment, employees must receive the full series of pre‑exposure rabies immunizations. Medical inability to be immunized or previous immunization must be verified by the County Physician prior to employment. Recommended boosters are required for the duration of employment, unless medically excused or physiologically unable to develop immunity. This position will require a post‑job offer physical and/or drug screen. This position will require post‑job offer proof of immunization(s) or immunization(s) and/or a TB screening.

Physical/Sensory Requirements:

Frequently positions self to access and care for animals. Frequently operates tools and equipment to care for and restrain animals. Frequently required to exchange accurate information. Frequently required to lift and carry animals weighing up to 50 pounds. Action Activity - bending and reaching; Motion Activity - simple and firm grasping and fine movement; Hearing Activity - in noisy areas; Speaking Activity - in person; Vision - have depth perception and peripheral vision. Frequently required to lift, push or pull objects weighing up to 50 pounds.

Working Conditions:

Frequently exposed to unpleasant sounds and odors from animals. Frequently exposed to ill, injured or dead animals in potentially hazardous conditions. Exposed to adverse weather conditions when working outside with animals.

EEO Information:

Pima County Government is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We are committed to an inclusive and diverse workforce and will not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, kinship, political interest, or any other characteristic protected by law. Pima County stands out as an exceptional workplace, offering a supportive environment that fosters professional growth and personal satisfaction. As one of the largest employers in the region, Pima County prioritizes its commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace, recognizing the unique contributions of each employee. Embracing innovation and collaboration, Pima County provides multiple opportunities in which individuals can make a meaningful impact on their community. One of the key advantages of working for Pima County is its comprehensive benefits package. Employees enjoy competitive salaries, generous health insurance coverage, and retirement plans that contribute to long‑term financial security. Pima County recognizes the importance of a healthy work‑life balance, offering flexible work schedules, a generous family leave policy and wellness programs that prioritize employee well‑being. Furthermore, Pima County takes pride in fostering a culture of continuous learning and development. Employees benefit from opportunities for professional advancement through training programs, workshops, and educational reimbursement programs. In addition, a County-wide employee recognition program rewards employees who exemplify the County values of being accountable, respectful and ethical as well as providing great customer service. By joining Pima County, individuals become part of a dedicated team working towards a common goal: enhancing the quality of life for residents and building a vibrant future. Pima County is not just an employer; it's a community that values its employees, encourages their growth, and invests in their success.