Location: Nova Scotia SPCA – Dartmouth, Nova Scotia

Job Type: Full-time

Compensation: $27 – $32 per hour, with consideration for experience & qualifications

Start Date: As soon as possible

The Nova Scotia SPCA is seeking a Shelter Manager to oversee operations of our Dartmouth SPCA Shelter. This individual will play a critical role in creating a welcoming, positive, and supportive experience for every member of our community, including adopters, volunteers, fosters, donors, and visitors.

A Shelter Manager will provide leadership and support to shelter staff, oversee daily operations, and champion cutting-edge initiatives that advance animal welfare. The ideal candidate has strong interpersonal and operational skills with a commitment to fostering a culture of compassion, integrity, and professionalism.

Please see below for more details on the position and information on how to apply.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

- Foster effective communication between shelter staff, management, and leadership teams.
- Promote a positive team culture by supporting collaboration, conflict resolution, and staff engagement.
- Ensure a welcoming adoption experience and deliver exceptional customer service.
- Support staff in creating caring, thoughtful and compassionate service to members of the public.
- Support employee performance management, recruitment, onboarding , training, and development.
- Communicate, implement, and ensure compliance with organizational policies, procedures, and operational changes.
- Monitor shelter operations, including animal population, waitlists, length of stay, and capacity management to meet organizational goals.
- Coordinate veterinary services, medical rounds, scheduling, and the accurate maintenance of animal health records.
- Oversee shelter cleanliness, organization, safety, and facility standards.Manage animal care, medical,



pharmaceutical, and food inventories to ensure cost-effective operations
- Provide oversight of behavioural assessments, animal welfare decisions, and euthanasia processes in collaboration with the Liaison team.
- Develop and manage staff schedules to maintain appropriate staffing levels.
- Ensure accurate reporting of animal care statistics and operational data.
- Collaborate with Provincial Leadership on strategic initiatives, operational improvements, and mission-aligned opportunities
- Apply strong problem-solving and decision-making skills to support animal welfare, community needs, and organizational objectives.
- Other duties as required

Qualifications, Experience and Skills:

- 3-5 years’ work experience in an animal shelter or veterinary medicine or related industry position.
- 1-2 years’ experience working in management or a leadership role in the veterinary or healthcare setting.
- Completion of a Veterinary Technician Program or Veterinary Assistant Diploma would be considered an asset for this position.
- Strong leadership and decision-making skills, with the ability to manage complex situations
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
- Demonstrated ability to support, engage and implement organizational initiatives.
- Experience fostering relationships with community members.
- Knowledge and experience in working during stressful, emotionally charged, or high-emotion situations in a calm, compassionate and professional manner.
- Physical ability to bend and lift and carry up to 40 lbs regularly.

What We Offer:

- Dental and health benefits including Teladoc telemedicine service (after 3 months).
- RRSP matching contributions (after 1 year)
- Internal employee rewards program.
- Employee discount for veterinary services, pet food and at SPCA thrift stores.

📌 Shelter Manager – Dartmouth SPCA Shelter
🏢 Nova Scotia SPCA
📍 Dartmouth