Animal Shelter Manager

The NWT SPCA is seeking a dedicated and experienced Shelter Manager to oversee the day-to-day operations of our animal shelter and ensure the health, safety, and well-being of the animals in our care.

This is a hands-on leadership position for someone who is comfortable working in a busy animal shelter environment, supervising staff, managing animal care and intake, and responding to changing operational needs.

Key Responsibilities

Animal Care & Shelter Operations

- Oversee the daily care, health, safety, and welfare of all animals in the shelter.
- Ensure animal housing areas are clean, sanitary, and properly maintained.
- Oversee feeding, bedding, exercise, enrichment, and animal-handling practices.
- Ensure staff and volunteers are trained in animal care, handling, safety, and shelter procedures.
- Provide coaching and corrective action when procedures are not followed.
- Monitor shelter capacity and manage animal intake based on available space and resources.
- Work closely with the Medical Manager to ensure newly admitted animals receive appropriate assessment and medical care.
- Ensure ongoing dog-handling and safety training for staff.
- Manage the NWT SPCA Pet Food Pantry Program.

Staff Leadership & Administration

- Supervise, support, train, and mentor shelter staff.
- Prepare staff schedules at least 3–4 weeks in advance and ensure adequate coverage.
- Approve vacation requests and coordinate staffing changes.
- Assist with kennel shifts when operational needs require.
- Work with the Executive Director on payroll administration.
- Address workplace conflicts and performance concerns through appropriate coaching, documentation, and corrective action.
- Ensure daily shelter operations and assigned tasks are completed efficiently.
- Maintain accurate animal and shelter records and ensure the shelter management software is kept current.
- Work closely with the Executive Director to ensure shelter operations support the NWT SPCA's mission and strategic goals.

Animal Intake & Transfers





- Manage Municipal Enforcement Division (MED) impounds in accordance with the City of Yellowknife contract.
- Monitor and respond to animal intake requests, emails, and messages.
- Assess shelter capacity and coordinate admissions.
- Identify animals appropriate for transfer to partner rescue organizations.
- Coordinate with rescue organizations, trainers, behaviourists, and transport teams.
- Ensure complete medical and behavioural information is provided for animals being transferred.
- Assist with transportation and logistical planning.

Facility & Equipment

- Conduct regular inspections of the shelter, grounds, and outdoor kennels.
- Identify and address safety hazards, waste, and maintenance concerns.
- Report facility and repair needs to the Executive Director.
- Assist with facility maintenance schedules and checklists.
- Ensure shelter vehicles are maintained, fueled, and ready for use.
- Serve as an emergency contact for shelter alarms and facility emergencies.
- Participate in after-hours response for MED impounds and animal emergencies, including during extreme weather.

What We're Looking ForRequired

- Experience working with animals, preferably in an animal shelter, veterinary, rescue, or animal welfare environment.
- Knowledge of animal behaviour, safe handling, and animal welfare practices.
- Strong leadership and supervisory abilities.
- Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
- Strong communication and conflict-resolution skills.
- Ability to make sound decisions in a busy and sometimes unpredictable environment.
- Ability to adapt, take initiative, and solve problems.
- Valid Class 5 driver's licence.




- Current Standard First Aid certification.
- Current rabies vaccination, or willingness to obtain one after hiring.

Assets

- Previous management or supervisory experience.
- Experience working with volunteers and community partners.
- Experience working with shelter management software.
- Experience with dog handling, behaviour, and training.

Additional Requirements

The successful candidate will be required to complete the Fear Free Online Certification Course within the first 30 days of employment.

Physical & Working Environment

This is a hands-on position in a busy animal shelter. The successful candidate must be comfortable:

- Lifting and carrying up to 50 lbs.
- Safely handling and restraining large animals.
- Standing, walking, bending, and performing physical work for extended periods.
- Working indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.
- Working around animal waste, noise, odours, scratches, bites, and other animal-related hazards.
- Working with sick, injured, neglected, or distressed animals.
- Responding calmly and effectively to emergencies and changing priorities.

Appropriate clothing and footwear must be worn while working in the shelter.

Why Work With the NWT SPCA?

The NWT SPCA is committed to improving the lives of animals across the Northwest Territories. The Shelter Manager plays an important role in ensuring animals receive compassionate care while supporting a safe, organized, and positive environment for staff, volunteers, adopters, and the community.

Job Type: Full-time
Location: Yellowknife, NT
Position: Shelter Manager

If you are an experienced animal-care individual who enjoys leadership, hands-on work, and making a difference in the lives of animals, we would like to hear from you.

Must live in Yellowknife

Pay: $60,000.00 per year

Benefits:

- Casual dress
- Versatile schedule
- On-site parking
- Paid time off

Language:

- English (required)

Work Location: In person

📌 Animal Shelter Manager (Yellowknife)
🏢 NWT SPCA
📍 Yellowknife