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

City of Dallas; United States; On-site; USD 39,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Dallas seeks a Veterinary Services Supervisor to lead daily animal shelter operations, ensuring compassionate care and efficient workflows. You will supervise technicians and veterinary assistants, coordinate medical evaluations, and support the veterinary team while maintaining compliance with laws and policies.

Availability for varied shifts, including nights and weekends, is required, with a focus on high-volume shelter care and staff leadership.

Qualifications

• Four (4) years of experience in Animal Services/Animal Welfare with two or more lead/supervisory areas.
• High school diploma or GED required.
• Valid driver’s license and Euthanasia certification within probation.
• Experience writing and obtaining warrants; ability to appear in court.

Responsibilities

• Oversee animal shelter intake and examination by staff.
• Create schedules, assignments, and workflows; ensure coverage and timely completion.
• Inspect work for quality; enforce policies and implement improvements.
• Manage medical evaluations, medications, and animal flow across facilities.
• Assist veterinarian with procedures and exams; support surgical operations.
• Supervise intake rooms; ensure safety, cleanliness, and supplies.
• Provide staff training and professional development; collaborate with veterinarians.

Skills

Leadership/supervision

Animal care knowledge

Regulatory compliance

Communication

Documentation/record keeping

Education

High school diploma or GED

Veterinary Technician certification (equivalency)

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.

Job Description Overview

The Veterinary Services Supervisor leads, supervises, and oversees the daily intake and care of animals. Performs evaluative services, provides training to technicians and assistants and ensures the effective processing of animals.

Essential Functions

1. Supervises, oversees, leads, and monitors the animal examination and intake operations for the City's animal shelter; monitors full and part time technical and veterinary assistant staff, delegates assignments, provides performance evaluations, enforces regulations and policies, and provides training and education for staff.
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; walks through kennel area to determine animals in need of care and medical expertise.
4. Gathers and examines animals that have medical evaluation requests; determines ailments and various treatment options, provides medications, and updates system with activity; manages animal flow and care throughout the facilities and tracks capacity standards for shelter.
5. Assists and supports veterinarian with procedures and exams; assists in providing medical evaluations, treatments, and other services.
6. Oversees, monitors, and supervises the intake rooms for animals during the day; ensures safety, security, and cleanliness while monitoring supplies and ensuring appropriate stock.
7. Trains, educates, and provides professional development opportunities for various technicians and vet assistants; works with the Veterinarian to determine effective policies and procedures.
8. Performs any and all other work as needed or assigned.

Knowledge and Skills

1. Knowledge of husbandry, nutrition, disease, diagnostics, heart worm disease and treatment, and pharmaceuticals.
2. Knowledge of Local, State, and Federal laws as applied to Shelter medicine.
3. Ability to diagnose and recognize illness, injury, and disease in animals.
4. Ability to handle and humanely manage various domestic or exotic animals in different health stages.
5. Ability to prepare and maintain a variety of health records and reports.
6. Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships
7. Communicating effectively verbally and in writing.
8. Organizational and time management skills including de-escalation techniques.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: EXPERIENCE

Four (4) years of experience working in Animal Services /Animal Welfare/Animal Husbandry/Social Services/ Veterinary Clinic/Law Enforcement/Code Compliance/First Responders with two (2) or more of the following areas:

• Animal Control Officer
• Animal euthanasia process
• Animal cruelty and rabies prevention programs
• Animal Control operations involving the enforcement of Federal, State, or Local Laws
• Veterinary Assistant or Technician
• Veterinary Emergency Medicine
• Disposition and evaluation of animals
• Enforcement of Federal, State, and Local Laws
• Experience in writing and obtaining warrants
• Experience in public presentations and/or appearing in court
• Development and implementation of training programs
• Directing and reviewing the daily operations of a team, determining the priorities, and making course corrections as needed
• Positive placement programs (Adoption, Foster, Rescue, etc.)
• Solving minor complaints and recommending disciplinary action (Internal and external)
• AND Two (2) years of lead work/supervisory responsibilities. (This experience may be included in the required experience.)

EDUCATION

High school diploma or GED.

LICENSE AND CERTIFICATIONS

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

EQUIVALENCY

A current Veterinary Technician certification plus three (3) years of the required experience, including one (1) year of leadwork/supervisory responsibilities, will meet the education and experience requirements. Valid professional animal shelter/control-related training and/or certification(s) from a State or National organization, plus three (3) years of the required experience, including one (1) year of leadwork/supervisory responsibilities, will meet the education and experience requirements.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Availability to work varying shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays, and a twenty-four (24/7) on-call status. Subject to inclement weather. No Animal Cruelty Convictions. No Felony Drug offenses within the past ten (10) years.

Department Note

The Surgery Supervisor is responsible for overseeing daily surgical operations in a fast-paced, high-volume animal shelter environment. This position requires strong leadership, organization, and the ability to effectively manage a high surgical caseload while ensuring patient safety, efficiency workflow, and quality medical care. Responsibilities include coordinating surgical schedules, managing staff assignments, maintaining surgical equipment and supplies, ensuring compliance with medical protocols, and supporting the veterinary team while maintaining accountability and clear communication across departments.

Salary Range

Salary Range $28.27 - $33.93 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. The City of Dallas is one of the largest employers in the DFW Metroplex. We offer growth opportunities and a chance to make a difference in our community.