Salary : $108,325.44 - $162,488.16 Annually
Location : Seattle Animal Shelter, 15th Avenue West, WA
Job Type: Classified Civil Service, Regular, Full-Time
Job Number:
Department: Finance and Administrative Services
Opening Date: 07/28/2026
Closing Date: 8/18/2026 4:00 PM Pacific

Position Description
The City of Seattle is seeking a Field Services Manager to lead the animal control team for the Seattle Animal Shelter.
The Field Services Manager plays a pivotal role in overseeing the City's animal control services and ensuring responsive, community-centered enforcement of animal control ordinances and related laws and regulations. The position leads a cohesive team of 16 animal control officers and a supervisor who supports public safety, responsible pet ownership and humane and ethical treatment of animals in Seattle.
The ideal candidate isa strategic and collaborative leader with extensive experience in animal services within multifaceted government agencies or jurisdictions. They are committed to animal welfare and equitable, community-centered practices.
Job Responsibilities
Oversee the field services unit; providing leadership and technical expertise. Ensure effective coverage and response to community calls and concerns, compliance with relevant laws and effective coordination with both internal and external partners.

• Ensure unit staff receive appropriate training and certifications as needed.
• Ensure unit staff are transporting and handling animals in a humane and safe manner.
• Responsible for overall enforcement of animal control laws and ordinances, including investigations, issuing citations, documenting evidence and working with prosecution attorneys.
• Coordinate with local law enforcement, regulatory boards, and other external partners to ensure effective and appropriate enforcement of animal related laws.
• Coordinate with veterinary, animal care and other internal units as needed to ensure effective and efficient coordination and collaboration of duties.
• Ensure unit related equipment including vehicles meet safety, legal and other established standards.
• Maintain accurate records of intakes, case management, and other unit relevant information.
• Maintain budgets, supplies, and inventory for unit operations.
• Lead community outreach and education programs related to unit operations.
• Respond to public inquiries, complaints and other requests for information.
• Maintain unit statistics and prepare analysis, reports and updates as scheduled and/or requested.
• Promote a caring attitude toward all animals and treat animals humanely and with compassion at all times, regardless of circumstances, including those that are sick, injured, feral, or aggressive.
• Promote compassionate, fair, and non-judgmental enforcement and investigation practices, ensuring all individuals are treated with dignity and respect throughout the process.
• Support and participate in departmental response to disaster and emergency events.

Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in animal science, animal behavior, or related field (or equivalent experience, 2 years' experience is equivalent to bachelor's degree), AND
• Five (5) years' experience in animal control, AND

• Two (2) years' experience in a supervisory or lead role, preferably in animal control.

(Or a combination of education and/or training and/or experience which provides an equivalent background required to perform the work of the class.)
License, Certification and Other Requirements

• Valid Washington State driver's license and ability to operate shelter vehicles.

The most successful candidates will possess the following:

• Previous experience managing a field services team
• Experience using PetPoint and proficiency with MS 360 programs
• Experience working at a municipal shelter
• Experience managing represented staff

• Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills

• Extensive knowledge of state and local animal control laws and regulations
• Bilingual abilities to help support a diverse, multi-lingual customer base

Work Environment
This position requires onsite work.

Work Environment/Physical Demands

This position works five days per week, Monday through Friday, and is onsite at the Seattle Animal Shelter. The office space is shared with the Field Services Supervisor. Evening, weekend and holiday work may be required depending on business needs.

Additional Information
This position is classified as a Manager 1, General Government. The full salary range for this job classification is $51.88 - $77.82 per hour. This position is FLSA exempt (not eligible for overtime) and is Civil Service represented.

Application Process
Applications are reviewed after the posting closes. You must submit the following items to be considered for this position no later than 4:00pm Pacific Time on the scheduled closed date.

1. Completed NEOGOV online application.
2. Cover letter describing how your skills and experience align with the stated job responsibilities and qualifications.
3. Current resume indicating relevant experience, knowledge, skills, and education.

Your application may be rejected as incomplete if you do not include the relevant information in the application. Cover letters and/or resumes are not accepted in lieu of a completed application. Applications and/or Supplemental Questionnaires that state "see my resume" or "see my personnel file" are considered incomplete and will not be accepted.

PLEASE NOTE: This job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Pre-Employment Physical: Successful candidates will be required to pass a pre-employment physical exam.

Driving Record: A current, "FULL" driving abstract from the Department of Licensing is required to be submitted upon offer of employment. Candidates with driving history that does not meet our current safety standards will be disqualified from consideration. Current City of Seattle Employees in a driving position may be required to submit an updated abstract.

Special Commission Eligibility

Employment is contingent on completing and passing the ESoph electronic background investigation process administered by the Seattle Police Department (SPD). Animal Control staff are granted a Special Police Commission if they are determined to meet minimum SPD standards and must maintain the commission through an annual review process. For more information on SPD background eligibility requirements go to:

Please note that the SPD background check requires completing an extensive personal questionnaire and involves detailed review of work history and legal and financial records. It may also include interviews with former and current coworkers, friends and family members and the candidate. Inability to pass the SPD background check and obtain a Special Police Commission will result in withdrawal of offer or termination, if already employed. SPD background results are not subject to the Fair Credit Reporting Act and candidates will not be given insight as to what disqualified them from consideration.

01

Please describe how you meet the minimum qualifications of the position.
02

Do you have experience working in an animal shelter?

• Yes
• No

03

If you answered "yes" to #2, please describe.
04

Which of the following best describes your years of experience supervising staff?

• No experience
• Less than 2 years
• More than 2 years but less than 5 years
• 5 years or more

05

Which of the following best describes your years of professional experience working in the field of Animal Control, including investigation and report writing and participating in the court process as an Animal Control Officer?

• No experience
• Less than 2 years
• More than 2 years but less than 5 years
• More than 5 years but less than 7 years
• 7 years or more

06

After reading the information about obtaining a Special Police Commission I feel I will be able to acquire and maintain the commission.

• Yes
• No

07

Do you currently have, or will you be able to obtain by the time of hire, a valid WA State Driver's License?

• Yes, I currently have a valid WA State Driver's License.
• No, but I will be able to obtain one by the time of hire.
• No, I don't have one and I will not be able to obtain one by the time of hire.

08

Do you speak any additional languages? Please write "N/A" if not. If yes, please describe.
Required Question