Cranston - Animal Control Supervisor/Animal Shelter Manager

CITY OF CRANSTON DEPARTMENT OF PERSONNEL ANNOUNCES AN OPEN COMPETITIVE & PROMOTIONAL CIVIL SERVICE EXAMINATION FOR ANIMAL SHELTER MANAGER /ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER SUPERVISOR

Starting Salary Range: $64,476.05

Applications must be filed on or before 4:30 PM, Friday, August 29, 2025 in the office of
the Director of Personnel, Room 107, Cranston City Hall. Time and place of examination to
be announced by email. Applications available at www.cranstonri.com and submit via:
Email: personnelapplications@cranstonri.org; FAX: (401)780-3362:
Mail/In Person: Personnel Director, Cranston City Hall, Room 107, 869 Park Avenue,
Cranston RI 02910
Candidates applying through any online or trade organization website must also submit the
City of Cranston application to be considered for the position.

Duties and Responsibilities
The City of Cranston seeks a compassionate, organized and experienced professional to serve in
this position. This full-time position is responsible for managing daily shelter operations,
supervising staff, coordinating enforcement of animal-related laws and ensuring high standards of
humane care. This position reports directly to the Chief of Police or their designee and is an
integral part of the Cranston Police Department’s public safety and community services operations.
The manager is expected to lead with integrity, compassion and accountability. A major focus of the role is the care and behavioral rehabilitation of animals. particularly those with challenges, using patience, structure and collaboration with external trainers, animal non-profit rehabilitation organizations, staff and volunteers. The Cranston Animal Shelter is proud to have been recognized as a “no kill shelter” for the past several years. The manager will also be responsible for expanding the shelter’s foster and volunteer programs, as well as organizing community outreach events and fundraisers.

Key Responsibilities
Report directly to the Chief of Police or a designated police supervisor. Supervise Animal
Control Officers and shelter staff, including scheduling, performance management and payroll
documentation. Ensure compliance with city policies and departmental directives. Oversee shelter
operations and ensure a clean, safe and humane environment in compliance with RI DEM and
Department of Health standards. Prepare and submit daily and periodic reports to police
supervision. Proper documentation of all expenditures, donations and fees collected.

Animal Welfare & Behavioral Support
Provide compassionate, patient care for animals, especially those with behavioral challenges.
Implement behavior management strategies in coordination with external trainers, non-profit
animal welfare organizations, staff and volunteers. Promote adoptions and ensure animals
receive proper enrichment and medical care. Routinely inspect the facility for cleanliness, safety
and animal well-being.

Foster & Volunteer Program Development
Design a foster care program for animals needing temporary placement. Recruit and support
foster caregivers, track animal progress and facilitate placements. Create a structured volunteer
program at the shelter that is welcoming and inclusive.
Community Engagement & Fundraising
Plan and host community events and educational programs, Coordinate fundraising
initiatives to support medical care, supplies and shelter programs, Serve as the shelter’s public
representative and promote positive community relationships

Animal Control & Law Enforcement
Enforce state and local animal laws; investigate complaints of abuse, neglect or public safety
concerns in concert with members of the police department’s detective division. Issue citations
and summonses and testify in court when needed
Respond to animal emergencies, including during off-hours and holidays. Maintain complete and
accurate enforcement records and documentation

Qualifications
Minimum 1 year of recent supervisory experience
At least 2 years of experience in animal shelters, rescue, veterinary care or related fields
Proven ability to manage behavioral cases using a humane, collaborative approach.
Strong organizational, interpersonal and communication skills
Valid driver’s license
Ability to respond to after-hours animal control situations

Preferred Experience
Municipal or non-profit animal control/shelter leadership
Experience with community outreach and fundraising
Knowledge of animal behavior, shelter medicine and cruelty investigation practices

Required Certifications
Must obtain Animal Control Officer Certification (NACA or equivalent) within 6 months of hire
Advanced coursework such as Animal Cruelty Investigations, preferred.

Working Conditions
Full time Tuesday – Saturday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM (subject to change)
Physically demanding, frequent lifting (30-100 lbs) handling animals, working in outdoor/weather exposed areas
High-stress and emotionally challenging situations

Benefits
Paid holidays, vacation and sick time
Health insurance (individual or family plans available)

Examination Process
Oral examination (100% of final score, minimum passing grade 70%)
Qualified employees will have seniority points added to a passing grade.
Exam details sent by email – please monitor your inbox)

Preference
Veterans Preference
Honorably discharged active duty war veterans who have received a passing grade of 70% on
the test shall have five (5) points added to their final grade and disabled active duty war
veterans shall have ten (10) points added to their final grade.
In order to receive credit for veteran’s preference, an honorably discharged active duty was
veteran must furnish DD214 when filing application. A disabled active duty war veteran
must submit proof that he/she has been classified by the Veteran’s Administration.
Applicant must provide DD 214 with application.
Veteran dates for active-duty war veterans are as follows:
December 7, 1941 to December 31, 1946
June 27, 1950 to January 31, 1955
July 1, 1958 to January 1, 1959
August 5, 1964 to May 7, 1975
August 20, 1982 to December 31, 1987
December 20, 1989 to January 31, 1990
August 2, 1990 to July 13, 1992
September 18, 2001 – A period prescribed by law, an Act of congress of Presidential Proclamation
October 16, 2002 – A period to be prescribed by law, an Act of Congress or Presidential Proclamation
This definition shall be further defined as "any person who honorably served in the armed forces in any
conflict or undeclared war for which a campaign ribbon or expeditionary medal was earned and who was honorably discharged from the service."
The City of Cranston is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values a diverse and inclusive workforce