Animal Care and Control Director

ABOUT THE ROLE The Animal Care & Control Director provides executive level leadership and strategic direction for all programs and operations within Charlotte Mecklenburg Animal Care & Control. Under administrative direction, this role ensures the welfare and humane treatment of animals in the City’s care while advancing public health and safety. The Director oversees animal control enforcement, shelter operations, veterinary clinical services, community outreach, and public education, leading a diverse team of professionals. General direction is provided by the General Services Director and Deputy Director. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Provide strategic leadership and administrative oversight for all functions, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local laws and city policies. - Develop and implement strategies to promote responsible pet ownership, control stray animal populations, and increase live-release rates. - Develop, manage, and recommend the division budget, authorize expenditures, and approve budgets of direct reports. - Serve as Administrative Hearing Officer for appeals regarding dangerous dog declarations, nuisance declarations, written enforcement orders, and civil citations. - Serve as the Mecklenburg County Dog Warden in cooperation with the Mecklenburg County Health Department. - Plan and direct work procedures for the enforcement of state and local laws in Mecklenburg County and the City of Charlotte. - Oversee humane shelter operations and animal care practices, ensuring proper protocols for handling, housing, and euthanasia. - Direct and maintain all necessary licenses for the operation of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Animal Services Clinic. - Maintain professional affiliations and stay current with the latest trends in the animal service field. - Establish and maintain effective working relationships with city executives, City Council, client departments, business and community leaders, and the public. - Provide leadership and mentorship to subordinate managers and staff, encouraging professional development and a high-performance culture. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - Bachelor's Degree with major course work in zoology, animal husbandry, veterinary science, or a related field (preferred). - A minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in a municipal, public sector, or nonprofit animal welfare environment. - A minimum of five (5) years of experience in a supervisory or management capacity. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS - Valid North Carolina or South Carolina Driver's License. - Certification requirements for chemical Immobilization. - Completion of course requirements as required by the State for Cruelty Investigators. - Preferred: Master's Degree with major course work in zoology, animal husbandry, veterinary science, or a related field. - Preferred: Certified Animal Welfare Administrator (CAWA). - Working conditions involve disagreeable elements such as continuous exposure to noise, intermittent standing and walking, and occasional pushing, carrying, or lifting. SELECTION PROCESS - Candidates must pass a comprehensive background check, which may include reference checks, social security verification, education verification, criminal conviction record check, credit history check, sex offender registry, and motor vehicle records check. - Final candidates must pass a pre-employment drug-screening test and physical examination. - Candidates may be asked to take a skills test or participate in other assessments during the selection process. - The City of Charlotte is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, national origin, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, political affiliation, or gender identity/expression. HOW TO APPLY 1. Apply online through the official City of Charlotte employment portal. 2. Self-service application kiosks are available at the Human Resources Department lobby, 700 East 4th Street, Suite 200, Charlotte, NC 28202 (Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. EST, excluding official City holidays). 3. For questions about the application or hiring process, email Careers@ci.charlotte.nc.us. 4. To request reasonable accommodations, fill out the Innovation & Technology ADA request form or call 704.336.4120. EMPLOYMENT DETAILS - Location: Animal Control, Charlotte, NC - Job Type: Full time - Job Requisition ID: JR104197 - Department: General Services Department - Opening Date: Tuesday, July 21, 2026 12:00 AM - Closing Date: Tuesday, August 11, 2026 12:00 AM - Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees. The City of Charlotte is a drug and alcohol-free workplace.