Manager, Kennel Assistants
- City, State: Asheville, North Carolina
- Job Type: Regular
- Schedule: Full time
- Posted Date: 8/2/2022
- Req. Number: 2022-376
Please make sure to attach your resume to complete your application.
Summary:
ASPCA Spay/Neuter Alliance (ASNA) is the premiere training center for high-quality, high-volume companion animal sterilization. Altering 25,000 shelter, rescue, and publicly owned companion animals annually, ASNA has trained more than 6000 veterinary professionals and fourth year veterinary student externs at our campus in Asheville, NC since 2005. ASNA is proud to set the bar for the standard of care in HQHVSN and provide world-class spay and neuter surgical instruction to veterinary professionals and students.
The Manager, Kennel Assistants (MKA) is responsible for overseeing and supporting the performance of a team of ASNA Kennel Assistants. The primary goal is to create and maintain a team of kennel assistants that excels in providing the excellent patient care and facilities support required to operate a state-of-the-art HQHVSN surgical and training facility. This position requires a person with diplomatic and outstanding communication skills, an insatiable desire to impart knowledge, an innate ability to foster teamwork, and an unrelenting determination to elevate each individual team member to be high functioning and perform their duties consistent with best practices. Fundamental expectations for this role are maintaining a consistent presence and involvement in daily kennel operations, participating enthusiastically on the Leadership Team, and possessing a sincere commitment to the success of this team of veterinary kennel professionals to support the mission of ASNA and the ASPCA. This position reports to the Director, Medical Support Operations (DMSO) and is based in Asheville, North Carolina.
Responsibilities:
Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:
Leadership (50%)
Ability and commitment to operate in alignment with our Core Values of Commitment, Ownership, Team, Elevate, and Impact!
Supervise and support the Kennel Assistants in creating and maintaining a team of high functioning veterinary kennel professionals that excels in the duties required to support the kennel assistant operations of a state-of-the-art HQHVSN surgery and training facility
Serve on the Leadership Team
Provide regular feedback to direct reports utilizing routine management techniques, and ensure that all team members have the tools and support needed to be successful and high performing
Lead direct reports through annual performance management processes including performance reviews, merit process, and goal setting
Under the supervision of the DMSO, and in respect to kennel operations, ensure:
Smooth and efficient operation of ASNA surgical, medical, and training programs
Program policies and strategies are enforced to support ASNA’s high standards of quality and best practices
All aspects of operations are enforced with campus wide consistency and adhere to all federal, state, and local regulations
A positive learning environment across campus supportive of ASNA culture
Participate in assigned ASNA department and program specific projects, cross-departmental working groups, and any other assigned commitments to support ASPCA 2030 goals
Engage in all necessary activities of the kennel assistant team lifecycle including but not limited to interviewing, hiring, training, performance coaching, succession planning, salary changes, promotions, and terminations.
Operational Support (50%)
Participate in relationships and communications with private sector veterinarians, professional associations, professional advisors, vendors, transport partners, public clients, mentees, and internal ASPCA departments and professionals
Enforce all policies related to operational and environmental safety of patients, staff, and visitors related directly to kennel assistant operations
Provide regular patient care and facilities support and successfully fulfill every duty of the Kennel Assistant
Serve in any kennel assistant or kennel training role as needed and support all daily operational processes to complete the day’s surgeries and training program goals successfully and safely
Serve in any role qualified for as needed
Provide regular support for delegated tasks and back up support in the absence of their manager
Fully engage and participate in the self-performance management process including annual reviews, regular feedback sessions, required compliance training, and goal setting
Actively seek individual development opportunities in relation to job function
Perform all other duties as assigned by the DMSO or the ASNA Senior Leadership Team
Provide a safe and compassionate environment for animals in our care, our staff, and for our clients by using low-stress handling techniques
Instill the guiding principle that everyone can—and should—actively support the animals’ behavioral and mental health in everything they do.
Ensure that all team members have received training and mastered the skills to handle in a low stress manner, and that they implement these handling techniques consistently in all their interactions with animals.
Qualifications
Exemplifies the ASPCA’s Core Values:
Has Commitment and dedication to improving the lives of animals
Demonstrates Ownership and feels responsible for outcomes
Believes in Team – that we are stronger together
Seeks to Elevate others and reimagine what is possible
Focuses on Impact, specifically making change for animals
Possess outstanding interpersonal communication skills
Ability to plan, organize, and effectively present ideas and concepts in verbal and written form, and to introduce and implement policies and procedures effectively
Ability to multitask and deal professionally with high levels of stress in an environment of changing daily operational priorities
Ability to work in both a team environment and independently
Ability to work in physically and mentally challenging conditions
Flexibility in schedule to accommodate program needs, which could include varied daily
Employ Gentle Animal Handling techniques
Must provide a valid driver’s license upon hire and pass a motor vehicle history check demonstrating a safe driving history.
Working knowledge of basic computer/technology skills including email and Microsoft Word
Ability to lift 35 lbs/16 kgs without assistance and over this weight with assistance, and the ability to consistently stand, bend, lift, and climb during the course of a regular work shift
Ability and willingness to travel up to 15% of the time as needed (Please note, travel requirements may be modified temporarily due in part to COVID-19; this remains a requirement of the position, and we expect normal travel volume to resume as the organization resumes normal operations)
Qualifications:
See above for qualifications details.
Language:
English (Required), SpanishEducation and Work Experience:
High School Diploma (Required)Fear Free certified or obtained within 60 days of employment, High school diploma or GED equivalent required, Minimum 2 years experience as a kennel assistant or veterinary assistant in a clinical setting, Preferred 1 year in a teaching, intensive coaching, or learning environment, Preferred HQHVSN kennel assistant or veterinary assistant experience
COVID Statement:
The ASPCA strives to maintain a COVID-free workplace. To that end, being fully vaccinated is a condition of employment for all ASPCA employees, including new hires, except where prohibited by applicable state or local law. The ASPCA makes reasonable accommodations for qualified applicants with disabilities or sincerely held religious beliefs that prohibit a person from being vaccinated.
Our EEO Policy:
The ASPCA is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, gender, gender identity or expression, age, marital or domestic partner status, citizenship status, sexual orientation, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances.
Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to a reasonable accommodation under the terms of the Americans with Disabilities Act and certain state or local laws. A reasonable accommodation is a change in the ASPCA’s standard application process, which will ensure an equal employment opportunity without imposing undue hardship on the ASPCA. Please inform the ASPCA’s People Team if you need an accommodation in order to complete any forms or to otherwise participate in the application process.
Individuals seeking employment are considered without regards to race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, gender, gender identity or expression, age, marital or domestic partner status, citizenship status, sexual orientation, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances.
ASPCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer (M/F/D/V).
Please don’t forget to attach your resume to complete your application.
About Us:
The ASPCA was founded in 1866 on the belief that animals are entitled to kind and respectful treatment by humans and must be protected under the law. As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation with more than two million supporters nationwide, the ASPCA is committed to preventing cruelty to dogs, cats, equines, and farm animals throughout the United States.
The ASPCA is headquartered in New York City, where we maintain a full-service animal hospital, spay/neuter clinic, mobile spay/neuter and primary pet care clinics, a rehabilitation center for canine victims of cruelty, kitten nursery, adoption center, and two community veterinary centers.
The ASPCA also operates programs and services that extend nationwide. We assist animals in need through on-the-ground disaster and cruelty interventions, behavioral rehabilitation, animal placement, legal and legislative advocacy, and the advancement of the sheltering and veterinary community through research, training, and resources.
At the ASPCA, we are committed to fostering a collaborative and compassionate culture and we welcome all voices to contribute to our lifesaving mission. Our staff represent a vast array of backgrounds and diversity dimensions, bringing with them valuable experiences and perspectives. They join the ASPCA to learn, grow, and continually do their best work on behalf of animals. We are inspired by our staff, partners, and the communities we support across the country who work to improve animal lives. We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion at the ASPCA because it elevates our organizational culture, aligns with our Core Values, and enables us to move further and faster toward the ASPCA’s vision – that all animals live good lives; valued by society, protected by its laws, and free from cruelty, pain and suffering.
