Come be part of the City of Fresno's new, ground-breaking Animal Center facility!  The new Assistant Director of Animal Health Care will be part of the collective and strategic planning in staffing the new center and developing the program, while embodying the goals, innovation, and animal care compassion that the City Manager envisions for the program and the community.  

The Assistant Director should be a dynamic and customer service-oriented leader, who is committed to practicing the highest standard of medicine and upholding the veterinary code of ethics.  Furthermore, the incumbent should have a highly collaborative leadership style to ensure that a culture of customer service and care will be at the forefront of the center. With many key objectives to fulfill, it is imperative that the Assistant Director be a flexible, strategic thought leader, who can identify needs and provide sound recommendations to City leadership.

Reporting to a Director, the Assistant Director will plan, organize and direct the activities of the daily operations of the center and manage licensed, professional, and support staff.  The incumbent will develop and implement policies and procedures; supervise; respond to public inquiries including those from government officials and advisory bodies; design and implement public information campaigns about the new center; direct and administer the licensing and enforcement programs; and provide medical care and treatment of animals. In addition, the Assistant Director will forecast, prepare, and administer the department budget, prepare cost estimates for budget recommendations, and monitor and control expenditures; oversee preparation of and presenting agenda items to City Council when designated by the Director; and will be expected to communicate and collaborate with internal departments and external stakeholders, vendors, external agencies, regulatory officials, the general public, elected/appointed officials and/or other interested parties to coordinate department activities and resolve issues.

The new Assistant Director will come on board during an exciting time as the City begins to launch, staff and equip the new center with a focus on accomplishing four objectives: (a) protect public health and safety, (b) foster and promote responsible pet ownership, and (c) provide a high quality of care for homeless animals received at the Animal Center, and (d) maximize opportunities for safe placement of unclaimed pets. 

The ideal candidate should possess thorough knowledge in veterinary, treatment, prevention, control and care of a wide range of animals; knowledge of California state, federal, and municipal animal health laws and regulations governing the impounding, releasing and euthanasia of animals; and the ability to develop and implement goals, objectives, policies, procedures and work standards of staff.  In addition to the above, qualified candidates must possess: a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Veterinary Medicine or degree field as deemed acceptable by the Director of Personnel Services and the appointing authority, and five (5) years of directly related management experience in the diagnosis and treatment of animals in a clinical setting, private practice or shelter environment, including the performance of surgery; Or, nine (9) years of directly related experience including five (5) years at a management level.  A master's degree is preferred.  Possession and continued maintenance of a valid California license to practice veterinary medicine is required.  Possession of a valid driver's license is required at time of appointment.

This is an unclassified position in which the incumbent serves at the will of the Director.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

As required by Emergency Order 2021-02, section 7.8, newly hired City employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 regardless of the employee’s duty location or work arrangement (e.g., telework, remote work, etc.), subject to such exceptions as required by law. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before appointment or onboarding with the City. The City will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request of the agency a legally required exception from this requirement.

Pay,Benefits, & Work Schedule

The City of Fresno offers an attractive and competitive salary and benefits package. The salary range for this position is between $115,056-$161,520. The employee benefits package, as noted below, is subject to change and includes:

- Retirement: Fresno City Retirement System; reciprocity with other public California systems. The City's pension funds are among the best-funded public systems in California. The City does not participate in Social Security.

- Health Insurance: City contributes toward the current monthly premium for medical, dental, and vision for employee and dependents.

- Flexible Spending Account: IRS 125 Plan for health/dependent care.

- Deferred Compensation: 457 plan available.

- Management Leave: 60 hours per fiscal year with cash out provision

- Annual Leave: 23 days per year of annual leave with cash out provision.

- Supplemental Sick: 40 hours per fiscal year.

- Holidays: Ten (10) City-observed holidays annually, plus birthday and one (1) personal day per year.

- Life Insurance: Equal to annual salary; premium paid by City.

- Long-Term Disability: City pays premium for 66.66% of monthly salary up to $7,500 per month after 30 days.

Selection Process

To pursue this phenomenal career opportunity, please visit our website at www.fresno.gov/jobs.  To apply, please complete an employment application and upload your letter of interest, resume, and five work-related references.

The final filing date for this recruitment is January 28, 2022.  After the final filing date, completed applications will be reviewed and a select group of candidates will be invited to interview.  Applicants deemed to have the most relevant qualifications will be referred for further consideration.

If you have any questions regarding this position, please feel free to contact Sandra Chavez Martin, HR Manager at 559-621-6988 or by email: Sandra.chavezmartin@fresno.gov.

The Community

The City of Fresno is the largest city in the San Joaquin Valley and the fifth largest city in California, with a population of more than 545,000 residents. Fresno is the financial core of the San Joaquin Valley, and its economy relies on its large-scale agricultural production. Revitalization of Downtown Fresno's core and the construction of High Speed Rail are two of many exciting projects that continue to successfully support Fresno's growing economy.

Located in the geographical center of California, Fresno offers many sights. From fertile agricultural fields, an abundance of lakes, and the snowy Sierra Nevada mountain range, the scenic variety in Fresno is large. Fresno also features a diverse selection of dining, shopping, farmers markets, vibrant arts and culture, wineries, as well as a variety of attractions. With 300 days of sunshine a year, the climate in Fresno is the source of its agricultural productivity, and allows year-round recreational activities including sailing, snow and water skiing, fishing, backpacking, and golfing.

Los Angeles is approximately four hours south and the San Francisco Bay Area is approximately three hours north. Fresno is located in proximity to three sites of natural beauty: Yosemite National Park, Kings Canyon National Park, and Sequoia National Park. Residents and visitors alike enjoy these scenes and others, including the Sierra Nevada Mountains and the Pacific Ocean.

Another advantage to living in Fresno is the exceptional housing that is available at lower price levels than California's other large metropolitan areas. The current median home price in Fresno is approximately $340,000. There are four large school districts in the Fresno area: Fresno Unified, Central Unified, Sanger Unified and Clovis Unified. Fresno is the home of California State University, Fresno, as well as a number of other colleges and universities.

The people of Fresno enjoy a wide variety of social, cultural, athletic, educational and recreational activities in an affordable and clean living environment.

City Government

Fresno is a full-service charter city operating under a strong mayor form of government. There are seven Council Members. The Council appoints the City Attorney and the City Clerk. The Mayor is elected at- large and does not serve on the Council, but has veto power over certain actions taken by the City Council. The City Manager, who is appointed by the Mayor, is responsible for appointing all other department heads in the City.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The City of Fresno is an Equal Opportunity Employer.