Purpose & Job Related Requirements First review of applications on March 20, 2026
CLICK HERE for further information about the Unified Government, and the Athens-Clarke County community. APPLY: Do not send resumes in lieu of a completed application. The online application is available at www.accgov.com/jobs .
We hope you will take time to explore this opportunity to join a highly professional local government organization and a progressive, vibrant community in the heart of sunny Northeast Georgia just 65 miles from Atlanta. Home of the University of Georgia, Athens is nationally-recognized for its high quality of life, state-of-the-art educational opportunities, endless outdoor recreation, and cultural amenities such as arts, entertainment, music, and food. If this opportunity is for you, we invite you to apply, or to pass on this information to others who might find this position of interest.
REPORTS TO: Manager
FLSA STATUS: Exempt - Executive
CLASSIFICATION : Appointed; serves at the discretion of the Manager.
PAY GRADE: 130; Salary range:  $ $99,902 - $119,007 depending on qualifications.
SAFETY SENSITIVE: Yes - Subject to random drug testing per the Athens-Clarke County Drug and Alcohol Ordinance
Purpose of Job The purpose of this position is to lead and manage the Animal Services Department to ensure the effective delivery of shelter and field services that meet the needs of the Athens-Clarke County community. The Director oversees daily operations of an open-admission shelter, supervises staff engaged in animal care and ordinance enforcement, and coordinates medical care and operational protocols in collaboration with veterinary partners.
This position develops departmental policies, establishes service goals, manages resources, and promotes continuous improvement in operations and outcomes consistent with the vision and direction established by the Manager and executive leadership. The Director provides professional expertise and operational recommendations to support informed decision-making and works collaboratively with volunteers, partner organizations, and the public to advance the mission and effectiveness of Animal Services.
Job Related Requirements
WORK SCHEDULE : Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. May be required to respond to emergency situations and participate in emergency operations or disaster response activities as needed and may be required to support departmental service delivery needs outside normal business hours as needed.
May be required to work on religious holidays.
Regular and predictable attendance is required.
Must work cooperatively with others.
When requirements include vehicle operation, responsible for the safety, readiness and operation of the vehicle and must abide by ACC's safe driving policy.
Minimum Training & Experience Required to Perform Essential Job Functions Bachelor's Degree in Animal Science, Animal Control Management, Biology, Environmental Science, Business Administration, Public Administration, Law Enforcement Management, Shelter Medicine, or related field; or an equivalent combination of education and progressively responsible experience in animal care, animal shelter operations, or the enforcement of animal-services related laws and ordinances.
Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience including animal welfare, animal sheltering, animal control, or and enforcement of animal-related laws or ordinances.
Five years of supervisory experience is required.
Must possess a valid driver's license.
Must obtain Euthanasia Certification within three months and have or be able to obtain National Animal Control Association Certification, modules A and B, within one year of date of hire.
Preferred Qualifications:
Certified Animal Welfare Administrator (CAWA) or National Animal Control Association (NACA) Certification.
Experience in managing an open-admission municipal animal shelter.
Master’s Degree in related field.
Essential Duties, Responsibilities The following duties are normal for this job. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.
Strategic Leadership & Administration:
Establishes departmental policies, procedures, and service standards;
Develops and implements long-range plans and operational goals;
Evaluates program effectiveness and implements improvements; and
Remains abreast of current methods, best practices, and technologies related to animal care services.
Personnel Management:
Hires, motivates, coaches, mentors, and evaluates staff, including establishing employee goals;
Trains staff in animal care procedures, maintenance duties, and safety precautions; and
Enforces departmental policies and workplace standards; addresses performance and conduct concerns; and administers corrective and disciplinary actions in accordance with Unified Government policies and procedures.
Shelter Operations & Animal Welfare:
Oversees intake, care, population management, and disposition of animals;
Manages pathway planning meetings for animals in the shelter in collaboration with shelter supervisors and veterinary providers;
Implements medical care and disease control protocols in partnership with veterinary advice and standards for care; and
Ensures humane treatment and welfare standards for animals in the shelter’s care and serves as the liaison of the department for the Georgia Department of Agriculture.
Field Services & Enforcement:
Directs enforcement of animal-related laws and ordinances; and
Coordinates with law enforcement and public safety agencies as needed.
Community Engagement & Partnerships:
Develops and maintains effective working relationships and partnerships with volunteers, community organizations, and service providers;
Communicates with residents one-on-one to resolve complaints;
Serves as a liaison to the public and media; and
Implements public education and outreach initiatives that advance the mission of Animal Services.
Financial & Resource Management:
Develops and manages departmental budget; and
Oversees financial reporting and resource allocation.
Performance & Data Management:
Maintains departmental statics and performance measures;
Analyzes trends;
Prepares reports for leadership; and
Uses data to support operational and policy decisions.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of the principles, practices , policies, and procedures of the Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County and the operations and functions of the Animal Services Department.
Knowledge of public administration practices, capital program/budget development, project management, contract administration, and policies and procedures as necessary in the completion of daily responsibilities.
Extensive knowledge of the principles and practices as it relates to animal welfare.
Extensive knowledge of federal, state, and local regulatory requirements applicable to animal care shelter and animal control services to include animal shelter medical practices, hazardous materials and sanitation standards, and pet breed identification, traits and behavior.
Working knowledge of public relations procedures, social media, and related technology.
Ability to analyze performance data and make evidence-based decisions.
Ability to lead organizational change and improve service delivery.
Ability to build collaborative relationships with stakeholders and community partners.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County Administration officials, departments or other agencies, and the general public.
Ability to recognize or identify the existence of problems and recommend new or innovative ideas or solutions to those problems.
Ability to plan, organize, monitor, and evaluate employees' work assignments to accomplish departmental objectives.
Strong work ethic with demonstrated leadership skills.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills and a high degree of initiative and resourcefulness.
Knowledgeable and proficient with the use of computers and software packages that support data driven decision making in Animal Services.
Ability to develop and promote mission, goals, policies, long-term operating and capital program goals for the department, and guiding principles and standards of an effective public organization.
Ability to assemble information and make written reports and documents in a concise, clear and effective manner, and to prepare professional presentations for the Manager, Mayor, and Commission.
Ability to read and interpret codes, ordinances, policies, procedures, rules and regulations.
Ability to prioritize and manage work load.
Ability to use independent judgment and discretion in managing subordinates including the handling of emergency situations, determining and deciding upon procedures to be implemented, setting priorities, maintaining standards, and resolving problems.
Ability to effectively communicate and interact with management, subordinates, department directors, elected officials, members of the news media, employees, internal and external customers, and members of the general public and all other groups involved in the activities of the Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County as they relate to the Animal Services Department.
Ability to handle required mathematical calculations using statistical calculations.
Supplemental Information (ADA) MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS OR STANDARDS REQUIRED TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Must be physically able to operate a variety of office equipment such as computers, calculators, copiers, fax machines. This position requires stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motion. Must be able to exert up to 10 pounds of force occasionally. Physical demand requirements are at levels of those for sedentary work.
DATA CONCEPTION : Requires the ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable functional, structural, or compositional characteristics (whether similar to or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people, or things.
INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION : Requires the ability to speak and/or signal people to convey or exchange information. Includes giving assignments to subordinates, receiving direction from Manager, communicating with community stakeholders, law enforcement, and county officials
LANGUAGE ABILITY: Requires the ability to read a variety of records, reports, and charts (e.g., disciplinary action reports, reports from supervisors, new hire records, budget revisions, incident reports, payroll records, management literature, computer literature, ordinances, architectural literature, legal manuals, personnel books), and informational documentation, directions, instructions, and methods and procedures. Requires the ability to prepare letters, memos, reports, charts, and graphs using prescribed formats and conforming to all rules of punctuation, grammar, diction, and style. Requires the ability to speak to executives, the public, employees, vendors, and consultants with poise, voice control, and confidence.
INTELLIGENCE : Requires the ability to learn and understand complex principles and techniques; to acquire and be able to expound on knowledge of topics related to primary occupation; and to make independent judgment in the absence of management.
VERBAL APTITUDE : Requires the ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, and to follow oral and written instructions. Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently in a variety of administrative, technical, or professional languages including veterinary, legal, and two-way radio terminology.
NUMERICAL APTITUDE: Requires the ability to utilize mathematical formulas; add and subtract totals; multiply and divide; determine percentages; interpret graphs; compute discounts, interest, profit and loss, ratio, and proportions; perform calculations involving variables, formulas, square roots, and polynomials; and perform algebraic operations including fundamental concepts of theory of rings, groups, and fields.
FORM/SPATIAL APTITUDE: Requires the ability to visually inspect items for proper length, width, and shape with office equipment.
MOTOR COORDINATION: Requires the ability to coordinate hands and eyes in using office equipment.   Requires the ability to lift, bend, push, pull, and manipulate equipment/tools and objects as the position necessitates.
MANUAL DEXTERITY: Requires the ability to handle a variety of items such as office and drafting equipment. Must have the ability to use one hand for twisting or turning motion while coordinating other hand with different activities. Must have minimal levels of eye/hand/foot coordination.
COLOR DISCRIMINATION: Requires the ability to differentiate between colors and shades of color.
INTERPERSONAL TEMPERAMENT: Requires the ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions. Must be adaptable to performing under considerable stress. Must be adaptable to handling conflict and the grief associated with animal euthanasia.
PHYSICAL COMMUNICATION: Requires the ability to talk and hear:  (Talking -expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words). (Hearing - perceiving nature of sounds by ear). Must be able to communicate via telephone and/or two-way radio.
ACCGov is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. ACCGov is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, contact Leah Jagatic, HR Coordinator, Human Resources, 762-400-6370 or leah.jagatic@accgov.com.