Director of Animal Welfare

The Director of Animal Welfare will be tasked with creating a comprehensive plan for the development, implementation, and enforcement of animal welfare laws of the state.

Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• Planning and Policy Development:
  • Develop and execute a comprehensive plan for enhancing animal welfare laws and practices based on the 2023 Report on Unification of Animal Welfare and Related Public Safety Functions.
  • Propose and recommend amendments to statutes or rules to improve standards of care for animals.
  • Represent the Department of Public Safety in legislative and executive level policy discussions regarding animal welfare.
  • Exercise high degree of tact and diplomacy while interacting with stakeholders within and outside State government regarding the future vision for animal welfare activities statewide.
• Program Management:
  • Oversee response to complaints statewide and recommend a future scheme for consistent investigation of complaints.
  • Coordinate the enforcement of animal welfare laws with local law enforcement and municipalities.
  • Recommend best practices for investigating animal cruelty complaints.
• Strategic Planning
  • Design a roadmap for the Division that includes capability to ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations concerning animal welfare as the division grows.
  • Collaborate with other state, county, and local agencies; animal welfare stakeholders; and regional entities to develop proposals for the housing and care of seized animals, including financial planning for these services.
  • Propose and recommend amendments to statutes or rules to improve standards of care for animals.
• Financial and Resource Management:
  • Develop proposals for the housing and care of seized animals, including financial planning for these services.
  • Manage the Animal Welfare Fund, ensuring adequate funding for the division's activities.
  • Identify and engage potential sources of public and private funding to support animal welfare initiatives.
  • Work closely with the Administration and Finance Division of the Department of Public Safety to align the legislative priorities of Act 167 within the Department's budget and policy goals.
• Stakeholder Engagement:
  • Work collaboratively with other state, county, and local agencies; animal welfare stakeholders; and regional entities to promote animal welfare.
  • Consult with state agencies to assess the nature and scope of animal welfare complaints and the resources required for their resolution.
• Reporting and Compliance:
  • Prepare the comprehensive plan required by Act 167 and any other legislatively required reports.
  • Prepare reports as directed by DPS leadership.

This position, Director of Animal Welfare (Job Opening #51357), is open to all State employees and external applicants.
If you would like more information about this position, please contact Deputy Commissioner Daniel Batsie at daniel.batsie@vermont.gov.
Resumes will not be accepted via e-mail. You must apply online to be considered.

PUBLIC SAFETY BACKGROUND CHECKS: Candidates must pass any level of background investigation applicable to the position to include Motor Vehicle/Criminal Records, Personal History, Credit and any additional background check(s).

Significant pressure from deadlines is present due to the high volume of requests from various stakeholders with the expectations results are achieved. Differences of opinion and emotional reactions may be encountered and must be dealt with in a firm, objective, and helpful manner. Duties are performed largely in an office environment, but the person will be required to drive to various locations around the state. Work outside normal business hours will be required.

Seven (7) or more years of experience in policy development, law, compliance and enforcement, or related field INCLUDING experience in interpreting or knowledge of animal welfare laws and rules AND knowledge of animal welfare stakeholders in the State and regionally AND knowledge of the causes and characteristics of animal welfare and animal cruelty issues.

Bachelor's degree or higher in animal welfare, criminal justice, business or public administration, or related field.

Leadership experience in a related animal welfare or law enforcement organization.

As a State employee you are offered a great career opportunity, but it's more than a paycheck. The State's total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits that are worth about 30% of your total compensation, including:

• 80% State paid medical premium
• Dental Plan at no cost for employees and their families
• Flexible Spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts
• Two ways to save for your retirement: A State defined benefit pension plan and a deferred compensation457(b) plan
• Work/Life balance: 11 paid holidays each year and a generous leave plan; many jobs also allow for a flexible schedule
• Low cost group life insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Incentive-based Wellness Program
• Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

Want the specifics? Explore the Benefits of State Employment on our website.

The State of Vermont celebrates diversity, and is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect and meaningful inclusion that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The State does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, membership in an employee organization, family medical history or genetic information, or family or parental status. The State's employment decisions are merit-based. Retaliatory adverse employment actions by the State are forbidden.