Sevier County Animal Shelter Executive Director
Sevier, County of (TN), Sevierville, TN, United States
The Executive Director of the Sevier County Animal Shelter is responsible for the overall leadership, administration, and management of the Sevier County Animal Shelter. The primary areas of responsibility include directing shelter operations, supervising staff, administering the department budget, developing and implementing policies and procedures, and ensuring compliance with applicable laws, ordinances, and standards related to animal care and control. The shelter works in partnership with Sevier County Government and the municipal governments of Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and Pittman Center to provide animal sheltering and related services. Additional duties involve overseeing animal intake, care, and disposition, coordinating with the Sevier County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control Division and other public safety partners, responding to public concerns, and collaborating with veterinarians, community organizations, and local governments.
Responsibilities
Plans, organizes, and directs the overall operations of the Sevier County Animal Shelter to ensure efficient, humane, and compliant animal care and sheltering services for Sevier County and the municipal governments of Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and Pittman Center.
Develops and implements departmental policies, procedures, and operational standards in coordination with the Board of Directors and partnering local governments.
Provides leadership and oversight to the Shelter Director and all shelter personnel, including supervision, training, scheduling, performance management, and disciplinary actions.
Develops and administers the departmental budget; monitors expenditures, purchasing, and inventory to ensure fiscal responsibility and operational efficiency.
Plans, develops, and implements fundraising initiatives, donor engagement strategies, and community partnerships to support shelter operations, programs, and capital needs, including coordination of fundraising events, sponsorships, and charitable contributions.
Prepares operational reports and presents updates to the Board of Directors and partner government representatives regarding shelter activities and performance.
Ensures compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, regulations, and professional standards related to animal care, shelter operations, and animal control coordination.
Coordinates animal shelter services and operational planning with Sevier County Government and the municipal governments of Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and Pittman to ensure consistent service delivery across participating jurisdictions.
Works with the Sevier County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control Division and municipal animal control officers regarding enforcement of applicable animal control ordinances and investigations involving animal bites, neglect, or abuse.
Oversees the intake, care, and disposition of animals within the shelter, including supervision of animal handling, vaccinations, medical care, euthanasia procedures, and incident reporting in accordance with humane standards and applicable regulations.
Coordinates with veterinarians, laboratories, and veterinary clinics regarding rabies tags, disease testing, and required record‑keeping.
Maintains accurate financial and operational records, including oversight of departmental revenues and documentation related to shelter activities.
Communicates and coordinates with county officials, municipal leaders, law enforcement agencies, veterinarians, animal welfare organizations, community groups, and the public regarding animal shelter operations and community animal welfare issues.
Provides public education and outreach regarding animal control ordinances, responsible pet ownership, and humane animal care practices.
Researches and administers grant opportunities to support shelter programs and initiatives.
Ensures workplace safety and oversees the proper use and maintenance of shelter vehicles, equipment, and animal handling tools.
Coordinates shelter support during emergencies, disasters, or large‑scale animal incidents in collaboration with county and municipal emergency response agencies.
Maintains awareness of changes in laws, regulations, and best practices that may affect animal shelter operations.
Provides operational support during high‑demand periods or emergencies.
Performs other incidental and related duties as required and assigned.
Required
Associate’s degree in Business Administration, Animal Science, Public Administration, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in animal control, animal shelter operations, or related management experience.
Possession of or ability to obtain a valid Tennessee driver’s license and to be insured at standard vehicle liability rates.
Valid euthanasia certification, or ability to obtain and maintain certification as required for the position.
Ability to pass a physical and drug screen administered through a licensed physician.
SUPERVISORY REQUIREMENTS This position directly supervises the Shelter Director and provides oversight for staff through the established chain of command.
COMPETENCIES
Considerable knowledge of animal handling practices, animal shelter operations, and applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations governing animal control, animal welfare, and shelter management.
Knowledge of public administration principles including budgeting, personnel management, program oversight, and operational planning within a governmental or multi‑jurisdictional environment.
Knowledge of humane animal‑care standards, disease prevention practices, vaccination protocols, and safe animal‑handling procedures used in shelter environments.
Knowledge of modern office practices, procedures, systems, and equipment including computers, software, and electronic record‑keeping systems.
Ability to oversee shelter operations, evaluate operational needs, and implement policies and procedures that promote effective and humane animal shelter management.
Ability to prepare clear, accurate, and professional reports, present information to governing boards and partner agencies, and communicate effectively with elected officials, law enforcement, veterinarians, community organizations, and the public.
Demonstrated professionalism, integrity, and strong work ethic, maintaining composure under pressure and upholding ethical standards in all responsibilities.
Strong organizational and decision‑making skills to ensure the timely and accurate completion of assignments and effective coordination of shelter operations.
Ability to communicate clearly and professionally in both oral and written formats, including preparing reports, responding to inquiries, and presenting information to governing boards, partner agencies, and the public.
Ability to analyze complex operational situations, interpret policies and regulatory requirements, and apply sound judgment in problem‑solving.
Demonstration of a strong work ethic and positive attitude while maintaining an atmosphere of honesty, accountability, and integrity.
Effectiveness in working collaboratively with staff, county departments, municipal governments, law enforcement agencies, and community partners to promote the achievement of organizational and community goals.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
This position involves a combination of administrative and operational duties and may require the exertion of up to 50 pounds occasionally, up to 25 pounds frequently, and up to 10 pounds regularly while assisting with shelter operations.
Work may require periods of walking, standing, reaching, bending, stooping, kneeling, pushing, pulling, lifting, and occasional periods of sitting while performing administrative tasks.
Work requires the ability to access and navigate various areas of the Sevier County Animal Shelter, including kennels, animal intake areas, office spaces, and outdoor grounds.
May require the ability to safely handle, lift, or restrain animals and assist with operational tasks during high‑demand periods or emergency situations.
Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken word with employees, government officials, community partners, and members of the public.
Hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels and to respond to animal sounds or operational activity within the shelter environment.
Visual acuity sufficient to read documents, operate computer equipment, analyze reports and data, observe animal behavior, and determine the accuracy and thoroughness of assigned work, with or without correction.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Operates in a variety of environments including office settings, animal shelter facilities, veterinary clinics, law enforcement agencies, and outdoor locations with exposure to varying weather conditions.
Work involves regular exposure to animals, including those that may be aggressive, injured, or diseased, as well as exposure to animal waste, cleaning chemicals, medical supplies, and unpleasant odors associated with animal shelter operations.
Duties may involve responding to emotionally sensitive or stressful situations involving injured animals, animal cruelty investigations, or interactions with distressed members of the public.
General hours may vary and include evenings, weekends, and holidays as required to meet operational needs or respond to emergencies, disasters, or large‑scale animal incidents.
Travel within the county and to partnering municipalities may be required to coordinate services, attend meetings, or respond to operational needs; reliable transportation is necessary.
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Responsibilities
Plans, organizes, and directs the overall operations of the Sevier County Animal Shelter to ensure efficient, humane, and compliant animal care and sheltering services for Sevier County and the municipal governments of Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and Pittman Center.
Develops and implements departmental policies, procedures, and operational standards in coordination with the Board of Directors and partnering local governments.
Provides leadership and oversight to the Shelter Director and all shelter personnel, including supervision, training, scheduling, performance management, and disciplinary actions.
Develops and administers the departmental budget; monitors expenditures, purchasing, and inventory to ensure fiscal responsibility and operational efficiency.
Plans, develops, and implements fundraising initiatives, donor engagement strategies, and community partnerships to support shelter operations, programs, and capital needs, including coordination of fundraising events, sponsorships, and charitable contributions.
Prepares operational reports and presents updates to the Board of Directors and partner government representatives regarding shelter activities and performance.
Ensures compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, regulations, and professional standards related to animal care, shelter operations, and animal control coordination.
Coordinates animal shelter services and operational planning with Sevier County Government and the municipal governments of Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and Pittman to ensure consistent service delivery across participating jurisdictions.
Works with the Sevier County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control Division and municipal animal control officers regarding enforcement of applicable animal control ordinances and investigations involving animal bites, neglect, or abuse.
Oversees the intake, care, and disposition of animals within the shelter, including supervision of animal handling, vaccinations, medical care, euthanasia procedures, and incident reporting in accordance with humane standards and applicable regulations.
Coordinates with veterinarians, laboratories, and veterinary clinics regarding rabies tags, disease testing, and required record‑keeping.
Maintains accurate financial and operational records, including oversight of departmental revenues and documentation related to shelter activities.
Communicates and coordinates with county officials, municipal leaders, law enforcement agencies, veterinarians, animal welfare organizations, community groups, and the public regarding animal shelter operations and community animal welfare issues.
Provides public education and outreach regarding animal control ordinances, responsible pet ownership, and humane animal care practices.
Researches and administers grant opportunities to support shelter programs and initiatives.
Ensures workplace safety and oversees the proper use and maintenance of shelter vehicles, equipment, and animal handling tools.
Coordinates shelter support during emergencies, disasters, or large‑scale animal incidents in collaboration with county and municipal emergency response agencies.
Maintains awareness of changes in laws, regulations, and best practices that may affect animal shelter operations.
Provides operational support during high‑demand periods or emergencies.
Performs other incidental and related duties as required and assigned.
Required
Associate’s degree in Business Administration, Animal Science, Public Administration, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in animal control, animal shelter operations, or related management experience.
Possession of or ability to obtain a valid Tennessee driver’s license and to be insured at standard vehicle liability rates.
Valid euthanasia certification, or ability to obtain and maintain certification as required for the position.
Ability to pass a physical and drug screen administered through a licensed physician.
SUPERVISORY REQUIREMENTS This position directly supervises the Shelter Director and provides oversight for staff through the established chain of command.
COMPETENCIES
Considerable knowledge of animal handling practices, animal shelter operations, and applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations governing animal control, animal welfare, and shelter management.
Knowledge of public administration principles including budgeting, personnel management, program oversight, and operational planning within a governmental or multi‑jurisdictional environment.
Knowledge of humane animal‑care standards, disease prevention practices, vaccination protocols, and safe animal‑handling procedures used in shelter environments.
Knowledge of modern office practices, procedures, systems, and equipment including computers, software, and electronic record‑keeping systems.
Ability to oversee shelter operations, evaluate operational needs, and implement policies and procedures that promote effective and humane animal shelter management.
Ability to prepare clear, accurate, and professional reports, present information to governing boards and partner agencies, and communicate effectively with elected officials, law enforcement, veterinarians, community organizations, and the public.
Demonstrated professionalism, integrity, and strong work ethic, maintaining composure under pressure and upholding ethical standards in all responsibilities.
Strong organizational and decision‑making skills to ensure the timely and accurate completion of assignments and effective coordination of shelter operations.
Ability to communicate clearly and professionally in both oral and written formats, including preparing reports, responding to inquiries, and presenting information to governing boards, partner agencies, and the public.
Ability to analyze complex operational situations, interpret policies and regulatory requirements, and apply sound judgment in problem‑solving.
Demonstration of a strong work ethic and positive attitude while maintaining an atmosphere of honesty, accountability, and integrity.
Effectiveness in working collaboratively with staff, county departments, municipal governments, law enforcement agencies, and community partners to promote the achievement of organizational and community goals.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
This position involves a combination of administrative and operational duties and may require the exertion of up to 50 pounds occasionally, up to 25 pounds frequently, and up to 10 pounds regularly while assisting with shelter operations.
Work may require periods of walking, standing, reaching, bending, stooping, kneeling, pushing, pulling, lifting, and occasional periods of sitting while performing administrative tasks.
Work requires the ability to access and navigate various areas of the Sevier County Animal Shelter, including kennels, animal intake areas, office spaces, and outdoor grounds.
May require the ability to safely handle, lift, or restrain animals and assist with operational tasks during high‑demand periods or emergency situations.
Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken word with employees, government officials, community partners, and members of the public.
Hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels and to respond to animal sounds or operational activity within the shelter environment.
Visual acuity sufficient to read documents, operate computer equipment, analyze reports and data, observe animal behavior, and determine the accuracy and thoroughness of assigned work, with or without correction.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Operates in a variety of environments including office settings, animal shelter facilities, veterinary clinics, law enforcement agencies, and outdoor locations with exposure to varying weather conditions.
Work involves regular exposure to animals, including those that may be aggressive, injured, or diseased, as well as exposure to animal waste, cleaning chemicals, medical supplies, and unpleasant odors associated with animal shelter operations.
Duties may involve responding to emotionally sensitive or stressful situations involving injured animals, animal cruelty investigations, or interactions with distressed members of the public.
General hours may vary and include evenings, weekends, and holidays as required to meet operational needs or respond to emergencies, disasters, or large‑scale animal incidents.
Travel within the county and to partnering municipalities may be required to coordinate services, attend meetings, or respond to operational needs; reliable transportation is necessary.
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