Volunteer Program Supervisor - Animal Care and Control

Date Opened: Friday, January 16, 2026 12:00 AM

Close Date: Friday, January 30, 2026 12:00 AM

Department: General Services Department

Salary: $51,082.00 - $63,852.00 Commensurate with Experience

Welcome to the City of Charlotte

Charlotte is America’s Queen City, opening her arms to a diverse and inclusive community of residents, businesses and visitors alike. Here you will find a safe, family-oriented city where people work together to help everyone thrive. The mission of the City of Charlotte is to deliver quality public services and promote the safety, health, and quality of life for all residents.

Our guiding principles include:

• Attracting and retaining a skilled and diverse workforce

• Valuing teamwork, openness, accountability, productivity, and employee development

• Providing all customers with courteous, responsive, accessible, and seamless quality services

• Taking initiative to identify, analyze, and solve problems

• Collaborating with stakeholders to make informed decisions

SUMMARY

The Volunteer Supervisor manages the Volunteer Program in a manner that enriches the lives of people and animals while maximizing their potential, by recruiting, training, supervising, and retaining dependable volunteers. This individual works cooperatively with other staff members to connect shelter needs with volunteers by coordinating volunteer roles for the shelter locations, events, and projects throughout the year. We are seeking a candidate with a deep commitment to the mission of the animal shelter, with the ability to foster a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop policy and procedure materials

• Conduct orientations and recruitment sessions

• Train volunteers

• Provide ongoing supervision of volunteers including additional training as needed, coaching, and motivating

• Develop retention and recognition programs

• Work with the Media/Marketing staff to provide volunteer coverage for off-site events as needed

• Maintain a database of volunteer information

• Track volunteer hours

• Coordinate opportunities for volunteer groups

• Make decisions during emergency situations

• Educate guests about shelter programs

• Utilize the functions of Better Impact volunteer management software program

• Other functions as determined by Leadership

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• 1-4 years of experience in managing, recruiting, or training volunteers in a fast-paced environment.

• Knowledge of animal behavior, safe handling techniques for dogs/cats, and experience with shelter sanitation or medical protocols.

• Proficient in computer software (e.g., MS Office, scheduling tools, and database systems like Chameleon.

• Ability to plan, organize, and implement volunteer programs, including onboarding and training. 

• Ability to work with diverse groups of people and handle, with patience and tact, various personality types.

• Strong verbal and written skills, including the ability to provide clear, constructive, and compassionate communication.

• Ability to address volunteer complaints, handle, and mediate disputes.

• Ability to manage multiple, often competing, demands in a high-stress environment. 

• A deep commitment to the mission of the animal shelter.

• A patient, optimistic, and encouraging demeanor that fosters a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere.

• Reliable and self-motivated, with a strong work ethic. 

• Actively searching for new volunteers and implementing strategies to keep current volunteers engaged and appreciated.

• Developing, updating, and conducting volunteer orientations and training sessions, often in conjunction with staff.

• Ensuring all volunteers understand and follow animal handling and safety protocols. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• One to four years of experience in managing, recruiting, or training volunteers in a fast-paced environment.

• Knowledge of animal behavior, safe handling techniques for dogs/cats, and experience with shelter sanitation or medical protocols.

Minimum Qualifications:

High School Diploma or GED with prior volunteer program management experience.

Other Requirements:

• This role entails frequent interaction with and handling of animals of various species, including those with diverse temperaments and behavioral needs.

• Ability to operate in an environment with frequent interruptions from people and or noises, which in return could result in some level of stress, fatigue, or strain.

Working Conditions:

Indoor/Outdoor environment: Work in a variety of environmental and weather conditions in indoor and outdoor settings; regular exposure to fumes or airborne particles, animal transmitted diseases, exposure to fractious, frightened, dangerous animals; mental and emotional stress from euthanasia; contact with irate/emotional pet owners and victims; frequent exposure to wet and/or humid conditions and vibration; potential for contact with toxic or caustic chemicals; the noise level in the work environment is usually loud.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

The City’s Background Check Policy requires background checks to be conducted on final internal or external candidate(s) applying for any position with the City of Charlotte. The type of information that will be collected as part of a background check includes, but is not limited to: reference checks, social security verification, education verification, criminal conviction record check, and, if applicable, a credit history check, sex offender registry and motor vehicle records check.

Background checks must be in compliance with all federal and state statutes, such as the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). The checks must be consistent with the guidelines set forth by these laws requiring organizations to obtain a candidate’s written authorization before obtaining a criminal background report, motor vehicle records check or credit report; and to properly store and dispose of information derived from such reports.

Final candidates must pass a pre-employment drug-screening test and physical examination. During the selection process, candidates may be asked to take a skills test, and/or participate in other assessments.

The City of Charlotte is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, national origin, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, political affiliation or on the basis of actual or perceived gender as expressed through dress, appearance, or behavior.

Our culture is to serve the community honorably.

HOW TO APPLY

Apply online.

Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job.

You are welcome to visit the City of Charlotte Human Resources Department lobby, where self-service application kiosks are available. They are located in our office at 700 East 4th Street, Suite 200, Charlotte, NC 28202. We are open Monday through Friday, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (EST), excluding official City holidays.

For questions about your application or the hiring process, please email [email protected].

The City of Charlotte is committed to making our services and programs accessible to all. Upon request, auxiliary aids, written materials in alternate formats, language access, and other reasonable accommodations or modifications will be provided. To make a request, please fill out the Innovation & Technology ADA request form or call 704.336.4120.

BENEFITS

The City of Charlotte provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees.

Click here to learn more about the City of Charlotte’s benefits.

The City of Charlotte is a drug and alcohol-free workplace.