Supervisor - Animal Services -Dallas Animal Services (Civil Service)

City of Dallas; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Dallas seeks an Animal Services Supervisor to lead daily shelter operations and a team of staff. You will supervise, schedule, and ensure humane animal care while enforcing city policies and state laws.

Responsibilities include staff oversight, records management, and collaboration with management to improve procedures. Strong leadership, communication, and reporting are essential for success in this role.

Qualifications

• Requires knowledge of city and state animal control laws and department practices.
• Experience supervising staff, delegating tasks, and ensuring operational efficiency.
• Understanding of animal care, shelter operations, and compliance with regulations.
• Ability to handle diverse animal populations and maintain records accurately.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily shelter operations, staff supervision, and performance evaluations.
• Develop schedules, assign tasks, and ensure timely completion of work.
• Monitor adherence to standards and implement improvement measures.
• Resolve employee concerns and escalate issues when needed.
• Manage animal intake, welfare, and documentation; assist with court-related cases.
• Educate public on animal care standards and city ordinances.

Skills

Ordinances & laws

Supervision

Animal control laws

Dog breeds & behavior

Delegation & leadership

Court documents

Directing others

Communications

Relationship building

Education

HS diploma

Assoc degree + 2 yrs exp

Job description

Dallas is Growing. Grow With Us. Looking for more than just a job? The City of Dallas offers careers with purpose. With competitive benefits, growth opportunities, and a vibrant work culture, we’re committed to helping you thrive while you help our city flourish. Be part of a team that’s committed to service, innovation, and community.

Job Summary

Supervises a small to medium sized operational unit of non-exempt employees. The functional activities are somewhat complex and have moderate impact on overall operations. This level supervises employees in clerical, administrative, trade, or technical functions that provide services to persons inside or outside the organization. The substance of the positions is non-routine and is semi-skilled or skilled in nature and has a direct impact on the work, office operations, projects, or programs of others in the organization. Supervises the daily operation of clerical/administrative or installation/maintenance crews. Work time will be spent performing the type of work supervised

Overview

Job Description

The Animal Services Supervisor leads, supervises, and oversees the daily operations of the animal shelters and its working personnel.

Essential Functions

• 1 Supervises, oversees, leads, and monitors the daily shelter operations for the City; monitors full and part time staff, delegates assignments, provides performance evaluations, enforces regulations an policies, and provides training and education for staff; manages animal handling and adoption procedures.
• 2 Creates, develops, and implements schedules, assignments, and work flows; ensures all appropriate areas are covered and objectives defined; ensures all work is completed in a timely and efficient manner.
• 3 Inspects and reviews work for quality and adherence to standards and policies; finds, recommends, and implements methods and procedures to improve production or effectiveness.
• 4 Hears and resolves minor complaints from employees and escalates issues to higher level staff when needed; manages animal flow and care throughout the facilities and tracks capacity standards for shelter.
• 5 Conducts investigations and generates reports on cases involving suspected animal cruelty, at-large animals, noise complaints, animal-on-animal attacks, and animal bite-to-human cases.
• 6 Captures and impounds stray animals; issues citations to persons violating the City Code; prepares cases to be presented in court; testifies as a witness in court to observed violations.
• 7 Processes dangerous dog and animal cruelty cases by gathering needed information and filing warrants to begin the process for formal legal hearings.
• 8 Educates the public on standards of care and the benefits of spay or neuter and microchip services; educates public on city ordinances as it may pertain to their situation.
• 9 Maintains records and completed activity; completes citation paperwork, violation notices, owner surrender forms, and bite reports; reports on feels operation statistics and coordinates with Management to develop new or updated operational procedures.
• 10 Performs any and all other work as needed or assigned.

Knowledge And Skills

• 1 Knowledge of city ordinances and state laws relating to animal control.
• 2 Knowledge of departmental practices, supervision of personnel, and operational efficiencies.
• 3 Knowledge of city ordinances and state laws relating to animal control and management.
• 4 Knowledge of various breeds of dogs, other animals, and animal behavior.
• 5 Ability to delegate work assignments and provide supervision and leadership.
• 6 Ability to prepare and serve court citations, warnings, and other records and forms.
• 7 Ability to direct the work of others.
• 8 Communicating effectively verbally and in writing.
• 9 Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.

Minimum Qualifications

EDUCATION

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.

Experience

• Four (4) years of experience in animal care or customer service resolving complex complaint issues.

• One (1) year of supervisory/lead work experience. (This experience may be included in the required experience listed above)

EQUIVALENCIES

• Associate degree (or higher) in any field plus two (2) years of the required experience including one (1) year of the stated supervisory/management responsibilities will meet the education and experience requirements.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

• A current valid driver's license and good driving record.
• Must obtain a Euthanasia certification issued by the Texas Department of State Health Services (TDSHS) within the probationary period.

Other Requirements

• NO Felony Drug offenses within the last 10 years
• NO Animal Cruelty convictions
• Subject to extensive walking and bending
• Subject to inclement weather conditions
• Availability to work varying shifts including nights, weekends, and holidays
• Must pass physical exam including drug/alcohol testing

Departmental Note

The Pet Support Supervisor is responsible for overseeing the triage and impoundment of animals entering the shelter and for supporting community members seeking assistance with pets. This is a customer-service–focused role that works with people in sensitive situations, while making safe, policy-aligned intake decisions that are clearly and accurately documented. The position requires strong computer use for case documentation and communication, attention to detail, animal-handling skills, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment with compassion and professionalism.

Salary Range

$55,432.00 - $65,062.40 The salary listed on this job posting is the starting salary range; amount offered will depend upon qualifications.

City of Dallas is an Equal Opportunity Employer.