Alisha De Leede Smith

• Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
• Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
• Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
• Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
• Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
• Demonstrated strong organisational and time management skills while managing multiple projects.
• Collaborated effectively with multiple departments, streamlining processes and communication to appropriately manage relationships and operational consistency.
• Living and consistently demonstrating AWLNSW Core values of Impact, Compassion, Accountability, Respect, Ethics

Duties Included:

• Compliance with statutory and organisational requirements relating to animal care, welfare, and work health and safety
• Oversight of day to day operations of Shelter, vet clinic, branches, foster and maintenance departments in line with budgeting requirements and strategic plans
• Established and implemented a number of processes and policies to improve operational effectiveness, overall animal welfare and efficient resourcing
• Participating on AWL committees and provision of Board reports
• Led and supported Animal Services team, providing guidance and mentoring as well as implemented professional development initiatives
• Identified and managed risks in accordance with AWLNSW risk framework
• Managed and increased effectiveness of animal intake operations, fosters, adoptions, with a focus on delivering high-quality customer service.
• Successfully managed our first Adoption Day with a select team that produced a high-class event, increasing community engagement

All duties listed at below employment of Campbelltown Animal Care Facility applied to this role, with the addition of:

• Oversee daily operations of the animal shelter, ensuring smooth functioning and compliance with regulations.
• Recruitment and staff performance management.
• Develop and implement shelter policies and procedures to ensure the welfare of animals and safety of staff and visitors
• Coordinate animal intake, including admissions, assessments, and medical examinations
• Supervise animal care and enrichment programs, ensuring proper nutrition, exercise, and socialization for all animals
• Implementation and recording progression of Behaviour Modification Plans
• Maintain accurate records of animal intake, adoptions, medical treatments, and euthanasia
• Develop innovative ideas to promote animals for rehoming
• Collaborate with veterinary professionals to ensure the health and well-being of shelter animals
• Handle public inquiries, complaints, and concerns related to animal welfare and shelter operations
• Stay informed about animal welfare issues, industry trends, and best practices through continuing education and professional development.
• Provide support and counselling to staff with a strong emphasis on being solution focused and empathetic.

• Duties Included:
• Recruit, screen, and train potential foster caregivers for dogs in need of temporary homes
• Match dogs with appropriate foster families based on the dog's needs and the foster family's capabilities
• Coordinate the placement of dogs into foster homes, ensuring proper paperwork and agreements are completed
• Provide ongoing support and guidance to foster caregivers, including education on dog care, behaviour management, and medical needs
• Conduct regular check-ins to assess the well-being of fostered dogs and provide assistance as needed
• Coordinate veterinary care for fostered dogs, including vaccinations, medical treatments, and spaying/neutering
• Maintain accurate records of foster placements, medical history, and behaviour assessments
• Facilitate the transition of fostered dogs to permanent adoptive homes, including advertising on social media and screening potential adopters
• Collaborate with shelter staff, rescue organizations, and other stakeholders to maximize the placement and welfare of fostered dogs
• Advocate for the needs of fostered dogs within the community and raise awareness about the benefits of fostering homeless dogs

• Overview: I came into the Campbelltown Animal Care Facility January 2019. The purpose of my arrival was to reinvent the culture and reputation of the facility and bring fresh ideas in regard to animal welfare and care in a shelter environment.
• Council wanted a positive move away from a ‘pound’ and towards a ‘care facility’ including better standards for the animals in care, increased relationships with rescue groups, increasing rehoming rates and decreasing euthanasia rates to move towards a ‘low-kill’ facility.
• Duties Included:
• All duties listed at below employment of Sutherland Shire Council Animal Shelter applied in this current role, with the addition of:
• Managing a team of staff between 8-18 people, directly reporting to myself
• Appraisals & performance management of staff
• Procurement contracts
• Developing business cases for funding and projects
• Applications for grants and programs
• Monthly statistic reporting on incoming and outgoing animals
• Responding to Councillor requests
• Induction and probationary documents with new staff
• Management of an entire facility from design to asset maintenance
• Purchase orders and invoicing
• Reviewing of budgets and allocation of funds
• The creation and implementation of a Covid- safe adoption plan, including sustainably running the facility during Covid whilst maintaining safe work practises for staff and public.
• Rostering of staff and over-seeing and approving timesheets
• Liaising with local stakeholders and community groups
• Holding monthly team meetings as well as regularly one-on-ones with staff
• Conflict resolution and de-escalation amongst staff and with customers

Duties Included:

• Animal care: monitoring behaviour, health, welfare, administering medication, assisting with vet visits, quarantine procedures, and microchipping.
• Handling and transport: safe transport of animals, impounding and releasing dogs/cats, managing dangerous/restricted breeds, and collecting strays.
• Kennel operations: cleaning, feeding, ordering supplies/food/medications, and maintaining equipment.
• Administration: data entry (Companion Animal Registry, City of Sydney & Sutherland databases, CRM), record keeping, vet reports, money handling, and updating council website/social media.
• Customer service: adoptions, surrenders, lost animal reports, phone enquiries, and managing aggressive situations professionally.
• Teamwork & leadership: liaising with rangers/colleagues, supervising and training staff, managing 60 volunteers (including recruitment and inductions), leading team in absence of Team Leader, and implementing procedures.
• Compliance: applying Impounding & Companion Animals Acts, WH&S adherence, reporting maintenance issues, and educating colleagues on safety.
• General: lifting up to 20kg, cleaning, filing, office admin (emails, scanning, faxing), and radio communications.