Shelter Operations Manager

The Portsmouth Humane Society (PHS) is a private, non-profit organization that is contracted by the City of Portsmouth to provide animal sheltering services. Annually, we intake around 3,000 animals, most of which are cats/kittens or dogs/puppies.

Our mission is to create a safe, compassionate, inclusive community for people and animals through education and resource programs that elevate animal welfare standards and champion the human-animal bond. PHS daily operations are supported by a small staff of animal welfare professionals. Additionally, we rely on the support of our Board of Directors, volunteers, foster caregivers, sponsors, donors, and the community.

Shelter Operations Manager

The Shelter Operations Manager oversees daily shelter operations and provides leadership, direction, and support to the Animal Care Team to ensure the highest standards of animal welfare, safety, and operational efficiency. This position is responsible for evaluating and improving animal care routines, developing and implementing effective procedures, and fostering a collaborative environment focused on continuous improvement.

Working closely with shelter leadership, volunteers, and other departments, the Shelter Operations Manager ensures that animal care practices support the physical and behavioral well-being of every animal while advancing the organization’s mission.

Key Responsibilities

• Animal Care Team Leadership: Supervise, train, and support the Animal Care Team, establishing clear expectations, promoting accountability, and ensuring consistent, high-quality animal care.
• Animal Care Standards and Improvement: Regularly evaluate animal care routines, protocols, and workflows to identify opportunities for improvement. Develop and implement practices that enhance animal welfare, reduce stress, promote enrichment, and improve the overall shelter experience for animals.
• Daily Shelter Operations: Oversee daily operations, including animal housing, feeding, cleaning, sanitation, enrichment, exercise, and facility maintenance, ensuring a safe, clean, and organized environment.
• Animal Health and Behavior: Work collaboratively with veterinary staff and other appropriate personnel to monitor animal health and behavior, identify concerns, and support timely intervention and appropriate care plans.
• Volunteer Collaboration: Partner with volunteer leadership and volunteers to strengthen animal care and enrichment programs, improve communication, and ensure volunteers are effectively integrated into shelter operations.
• Leadership Collaboration: Work closely with the organization’s leadership team to establish priorities, address operational challenges, develop new initiatives, and implement organization-wide improvements to animal care and welfare.
• Policies and Procedures: Develop, review, and maintain standard operating procedures related to animal care, handling, sanitation, safety, and daily operations. Ensure staff and volunteers understand and follow established protocols.
• Staff Development and Accountability: Provide ongoing coaching, training, and performance feedback to promote professional development, teamwork, and consistent adherence to organizational standards and values.
• Compliance and Recordkeeping: Provide support to administrative team to ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and organizational policies. Maintain accurate animal care records, operational documentation, and reports.
• Communication and Problem-Solving: Promote clear communication and cooperation among animal care staff, veterinary personnel, volunteers, administrative staff, and leadership. Address concerns promptly and identify practical solutions to improve daily operations.
• Continuous Improvement: Use staff feedback, operational observations, animal outcomes, and established welfare practices to assess the effectiveness of current procedures and guide ongoing improvements.

Qualifications

• Experience in animal shelter operations, animal welfare, veterinary support, or a related field.
• Willingness to become certified in humane euthanasia
• Previous supervisory or leadership experience, preferably in an animal care environment.
• Strong understanding of animal handling, husbandry, enrichment, stress reduction, and humane care practices.
• Demonstrated ability to evaluate existing procedures and implement meaningful operational improvements.
• Excellent communication, organizational, problem-solving, and team-building skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with staff, volunteers, veterinary professionals, and organizational leadership.
• Commitment to maintaining high standards of animal welfare, staff safety, and compassionate care.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and respond appropriately to changing priorities and challenging situations.
• Must be 18 years or older
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Ability to stand, bend, stoop, and walk for an 8-hour+ workday
• Ability to work around pet dander, dust, and other allergens
• Must be comfortable handling dogs, cats, and other small animals of varying sizes and temperaments
• Ability to deal with difficult and stressful situations involving animals and guests
• Must show compassion towards both people and animals
• Willingness to work in an environment with loud noises and some strong smells
• Willingness to work both indoors and outdoors year round

Job Type

• Full-time/40-hours a week, which will include weekend days, as well as holidays
• Hourly/Non-exempt

Benefits

• Earned Paid time off

Pay

• $19.00 per hour

Additional Information

The Portsmouth Humane Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

Benefit Conditions:

• Waiting period may apply

COVID-19 Precaution(s):

• Sanitizing, disinfecting, or cleaning procedures in place

Work Remotely

• No

This Job Is Ideal for Someone Who Is:

• Adaptable/flexible -- enjoys doing work that requires frequent shifts in direction
• High stress tolerance -- thrives in a high-pressure environment
• Dependable -- more reliable than spontaneous

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $19.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Employee discount
• Paid time off

Application Question(s):

• The anticipated weekly schedule for this position will include 5 days a week (with at least one weekend day), from 8am-5:30pm. What is your availability?

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Required)

Experience:

• leadership/management: 3 years (Preferred)
• professional animal care: 3 years (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Shift availability:

• Day Shift (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Portsmouth, VA 23701 (Required)

Work Location: In person