Animal Services Director

Nassau County is seeking an accomplished Communications Manager to lead and elevate the County’s public-facing and internal communications strategy.  This highly visible leadership role is responsible for shaping and executing a comprehensive communications agenda that enhances transparency, builds public trust, and advances the County’s strategic priorities under the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC).  The ideal candidate is a visionary communicator with a proven track record in strategic public relations, executive communication, and media relations.  They will serve as a key advisor to County leadership, a trusted spokesperson to the public and media, and a collaborative force internally, bringing clarity, consistency, and creativity to all messaging.

Nassau County is 726 square miles of natural beauty located in the northeast corner of Florida along the Atlantic Ocean and Interstate 95. With 13 miles of pristine beaches, hundreds of miles of rivers, historic downtown Fernandina Beach, and an expanding economy. The combination of rich history, rural charm, natural resources, quality-of-life, and proximity to strategic installations provides Nassau County with unparalleled potential. Part of the Jacksonville Metropolitan Area, Nassau County has a population of 101,501 and a regional population of 1.6 million, the Florida Bureau of Economic and Business Research (BEBR) estimates that Nassau County grew by 4.92% last year ranking as the 4th fastest-growing county, by percent growth, in Florida [2nd among counties with a population of at least 80,000]. BEBR predicts Nassau County will be the sixth fastest-growing county in the State of Florida over the next 10 years with a projected population expansion of 33% resulting in over 121,600 people calling Nassau County home.

To view the position description or submit your application for consideration, visit: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/nassaucountyfl/

This position provides strategic leadership and oversight of all sheltering and animal control functions within Nassau County. This role ensures the highest standards of public safety, animal care, and customer service while advancing innovative, compassionate solutions to community animal issues. Serves as lead in the design and development of a new, modern shelter facility, a forward-thinking environment that prioritizes animal wellbeing, staff efficiency, and community engagement.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Ensures community health and safety by planning, directing and coordinating countywide animal services operations, including animal control and enforcement, and sheltering and adoption programs.

Establishes long-rage strategies, policies, and performance measures that drive departmental excellence and align with county goals.

Oversees and manages budgets, Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) requests, procurement, and financial reporting.

Recommends ordinances and policy changes to improve service delivery and compliance.

Leads the planning, design, and execution of a new animal shelter, incorporating best practices in animal welfare, sustainability, and customer-centered design.

Works closely with architects, engineers, animal welfare experts, and County leadership to create a new facility that is safe, functional and welcoming. 

Engages stakeholders, including staff, volunteers, adopters, and the broader community to ensure the new shelter reflects both community values and future growth. 

Provides direct supervision to department staff, including recruitment, training, evaluation, promotions, and discipline.

Develops a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and professional development, ensuring staff are equipped to meet evolving animal welfare standards.

Serves as a mentor and leader, setting clear expectations while fostering collaboration across divisions.

Oversees all aspects of animal care, intake, adoptions, foster programs, and euthanasia in alignment with national best practices.

Ensures accurate recordkeeping of animal health, intake, outcomes, and veterinary care.

Develops and implements outreach initiatives to promote adoptions, foster care, volunteerism and public education.

Represents Animal Services at public meetings, Board of County Commissioners sessions, civic organizations, and regional conferences.

Builds strong relationships with law enforcement, public health, veterinarians, nonprofits, and emergency management agencies.

Pursues grant funding, sponsorships, and fundraising opportunities to support shelter operations and the capital build-out of the new facility.

Consults regularly with County management and provides status updates and performance measures.

Reviews County ordinances as they pertain to the Department; makes recommendations for changes to same as needed.

Interprets and enforces local ordinances and state laws with fairness and consistency.

Analyzes facts and evidence, recommends civil/criminal penalties and prepares and issues citations of violation. 

Prepares and maintains the departmental/project budgets. Coordinates year end closing procedures and processes reimbursements.

Responsible for the security of euthanasia agent and related materials; provides agent to employees as required, determines animals to be euthanized, reviews and approves daily euthanasia records, maintains accurate related logs, responsible for all aspects of the apprehension, impounding, euthanizing and disposal of diseased, unwanted, unhealthy, problem and vicious animals in compliance with approved county ordinances, policies and procedures; responsible for the registration of pharmaceutical and drug enforcement administration licenses to ensure expiration dates are not exceeded and the license is valid.

Provides follow-up on all departmental actions, and ensures accurate records are maintained on animal intake, adoptions and veterinary treatments to ensure resolution of all cases.

Responds to urgent animal-related incidents and emergencies as needed.

Coordinates with law enforcement on complex animal enforcement cases.

Receives, reviews, prepares, processes and/or submits various documents, including daily logs, violation notices, maintenance reports, memos, correspondence, accident/incident reports, budget documents, animal activity reports, schedules, payroll documents, invoices, purchase requisitions, performance appraisals, work orders/reports, inventory reports bid request/evaluated bids received and various other reports.

Serves as Emergency Support Officer; plans and coordinates disaster plans for the Department to include methods of evacuation and sheltering for pets, etc. coordinates with Emergency Management during events; maintains standard operating policy of ESF 17 and recommends revisions as needed; coordinates general field and shelter operations with law enforcement, health department, City and County agencies, volunteer groups, veterinarians. Must work during severe weather events.

Maintains all departmental equipment and vehicles in a timely manner.

Operates a vehicle and a variety of equipment, which includes a computer, typewriter, fax machine, copier, recording equipment, telephone, calculator, etc.

Attends and remains at work regularly and adheres to policies and procedures regarding absenteeism and tardiness.  Provides adequate notice to higher management with respect to vacation time and leave request.

Performs related duties as required.

(These essential functions are not a complete statement of all duties required of the job. Employees will be required to perform such other related job duties as may be assigned or required.)

Requires a Bachelor’s degree in Management, Public Health, Animal Science, Law Enforcement, or related field, and five (5) years of experience in animal sheltering, three (3) years of which was in a supervisory capacity or any equivalent combination of training, education or work experience which demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position.   Extensive relevant experience may substitute for formal education requirements.  Must obtain Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) IS-10.A – Animals in Disasters: Awareness and Preparedness, IS-11.A – Animals in Disasters: Community Planning and IS-111.A – Livestock in Disasters certifications within one (1) year of hire. Must possess a valid State Driver’s License.

The range for this position is $93,864.72 – $142,826.76. The County provides a comprehensive benefits program and participates in the Florida Retirement System (FRS) and has a 3% employee contribution requirement. Voluntary supplemental 457 deferred compensation retirement is also available. For additional benefit information, visit: https://www.nassaucountyfl.com/243/Employee-Benefits.

Nassau County is a Drug Free Workplace & Equal Opportunity Employer; Nassau County values the service veterans and their family members have given to our country and that the County supports the hiring of returning service members, military spouses, and their family members as such this position is eligible for Veterans’ Preference in accordance with applicable laws.