Do you enjoy leading a team, solving problems, and making a real difference for animals and the people who care about them? If so, we may have the perfect opportunity for you!
At the Humane Society of Oakville, Milton & Halton, no two days are ever quite the same - and that's one of the things we love most about it. As our Manager, Animal Services, you'll play an important role in helping keep animals safe, supporting our community, and leading a dedicated team of Animal Service Officers who are passionate about the work they do.
Working closely with the Director of Operations, you'll provide day-to-day leadership, mentorship, and support to the Animal Services team. One moment you might be coaching an officer through a challenging situation, and the next you could be helping navigate a community concern or supporting a response to an unexpected wildlife call. If you enjoy variety, teamwork, and the occasional surprise, you'll fit right in.
This role is about more than managing operations - it's about building relationships. You'll work directly with members of the public, helping answer questions, address concerns, and guide people through animal-related issues with empathy, professionalism, and practical solutions. You'll also help create an environment where team members feel supported, empowered, and set up for success.
We're looking for someone who leads with both confidence and compassion. Someone who can make decisions when needed, roll up their sleeves to help the team, and bring positivity, humour, and perspective to the challenges that come with the work. Above all, we're looking for a leader who cares deeply about people, animals, and community.
If you're passionate about animal welfare, love supporting and developing others, and are excited by the opportunity to make a meaningful impact every single day, we'd love to hear from you!
Send us your resume along with a cover letter introducing yourself. We can't wait to learn more about you, your experience, and the unique skills and perspective you'll bring to the role.
Reporting Structure: Director, Operations
Position Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Vacancy Type: Existing Position
Annual Salary: $60,000 - $75,000
What You'll Be Doing:
- Provide leadership, guidance, and coaching to Animal Service Officers and department staff to ensure high performance, professionalism, and adherence to animal welfare and by-law enforcement standards.
- Recruit, onboard, train, and evaluate Animal Services staff in collaboration with the Director of Operations.
- Conduct regular performance coaching and evaluations, addressing performance or conduct concerns in a fair and constructive manner.
- Support the Director of Operations in achieving departmental goals, strategic initiatives, and performance metrics.
- Assist with departmental planning, budgeting, and resource management, including scheduling, payroll coordination, and operational oversight.
- Serve as the on-call manager for Animal Services and provide support during emergency or complex animal welfare situations.
- Assist officers with investigations, high-profile cases, and by-law enforcement activities, including proceedings under the Provincial Offences Act.
- Review officer reports, documentation, and evidence to ensure accuracy, legal compliance, and high-quality case management.
- Respond to public inquiries, complaints, and concerns related to animal control, by-laws, and officer conduct while promoting responsible pet ownership.
- Develop and implement departmental policies, procedures, and training programs related to animal handling, enforcement, investigations, and public safety.
- Coordinate emergency response efforts involving animals and collaborate with emergency management partners when required.
- Oversee administrative functions of the department, including accounts payable/receivable, licensing coordination, cremation services, and record keeping.
- Support community outreach initiatives and educational programs related to animal welfare and by-law awareness.
- Prepare reports and performance summaries for the Director of Operations, the Board of Directors, and the Town of Oakville.
- Provide operational coverage and support for field activities when required, including assisting officers in the field and supporting shelter operations.
What You'll Bring:
- High school diploma or equivalent required; post-secondary education in animal sciences, veterinary technology, criminal justice, animal welfare, or leadership is considered an asset.
- Demonstrated supervisory or leadership experience with the ability to coach, mentor, and manage team performance.
- Previous experience in animal control, animal welfare, law enforcement, or a related field is strongly preferred.
- Hands-on experience handling a variety of animals, including knowledge of safe restraint techniques, animal behaviour, and basic veterinary care.
- Valid non-probationary Ontario Class G driver’s licence in good standing.
- Ability to work 12-hour rotating shifts, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and overtime as required.
- Knowledge of animal control by-laws, relevant legislation, and enforcement procedures.
- Understanding of animal behaviour, health considerations, zoonotic risks, and humane handling practices.
- Strong investigative and documentation skills, including evidence collection, report writing, and case preparation.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and conflict resolution skills, with the ability to interact professionally with the public and stakeholders.
- Strong organizational, decision-making, and problem-solving abilities in a fast-paced environment.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
- Ability to complete all required organizational and regulatory training within established timelines.
Disclosure Statements:
HSOMH is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to fostering a work environment that supports, inspires, and respects all individuals. Our processes are grounded in merit and are implemented without discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, age, disability, national or ethnic origin, or any other protected characteristic. Please note that we will only be contacting candidates who meet our professional eligibility criteria.
Physical Requirements: This role involves working in physically demanding environments and requires the ability to safely handle and transport animals of varying sizes and species. The position includes frequent physical activity related to animal handling and husbandry, including lifting and carrying animals or equipment, bending, squatting, kneeling, climbing, and repetitive use of hands for grasping, pushing, pulling, and fine manipulation. Employees must be able to alternate between sitting, standing, and walking during 12-hour shifts (days and nights), drive various vehicles in a range of weather and field conditions, and occasionally lift, carry, or move heavier animals or objects over short distances. Work may also involve outdoor activity in varied terrain and weather conditions.
Animal Exposure: This position entails working in an animal shelter environment, where you will have regular exposure to a variety of species and sizes of domestic and wild animals. Candidates should be comfortable and prepared to work with and in close proximity to them and handle them.
Pay: $60,000.00-$75,000.00 per year
Application question(s):
- We’d love to learn more about your background! How many years of leadership experience do you have?
- What experience do you have interpreting and enforcing municipal animal by-laws?
- Have you included a cover letter in your application? This is one of the best ways for us to get know more about you! If you haven't please indicate why you have chosen not to.
Work Location: In person
