Placer County

Animal Control Officer - Senior (#16705)

$26.95-$33.64 Hourly / $4,671.33-$5,830.93 Monthly / $56,056.00-$69,971.20 Yearly

Apply as a Inter-Agency Transfer/Public Agency Eligible List applicant


DEFINITION

Under general supervision, to perform the more difficult or responsible animal control functions; and to train new employees.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is the advanced journey level class in the Animal Control Officer series.  Positions at this level are distinguished from other classes within the series by the level of responsibility assumed, complexity of duties assigned, independence of action taken, by the amount of time spent performing the duties and by the nature of the public contact made.  Employees perform the most difficult and responsible types of duties assigned to classes within this series acting in a lead capacity over other Animal Control staff. Employees at this level are required to be fully trained in all procedures related to assigned area of responsibility.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general supervision from the Supervising Animal Control Officer and/or higher level supervisory or management staff.
Exercises technical and functional supervision over technical personnel.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
  • Oversee staff during routine operations of enforcement of animal regulations, laws, and ordinances.
  • In the absence of the Supervising Animal Control Officer, act as lead over field officers by assisting in the assignment and review of work and cases.
  • Assist in the training of field and kennel staff, trustee/work release individuals, community service workers and volunteers.
  • Oversee equipment and supply needs of the field operations; maintain inventory, and place supply orders with Supervising Animal Control Officer as needed.
  • Oversee the maintenance on all equipment used in the field operation including vehicles, weapons, traps, catch-poles and cages.
  • Assist the Supervising Animal Control Officer with documentation, analysis and reporting of animal impound and deposition statistics.
  • Train field staff and perform euthanasia and chemical restraint procedures to ensure the safe and humane delivery.  When necessary, perform euthanasia in the most humane manner possible.
  • Counsel public regarding animal behavior, care and restraint.
  • Conduct shelter tours for invited groups.
  • Build and maintain positive working relationships with coworkers, other County employees and the public using principles of good customer service.
  • Perform related duties as assigned.

EXAMPLES OF NON-ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
  • Make presentations at schools and to community groups on animal care and handling.
  • Assist with the maintenance of equipment and vehicles used in animal control services.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Experience and Training
Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience: Three years increasingly responsible experience in either an animal care/protection or law enforcement agency performing duties similar to an Animal Control Officer in Placer County.

Training: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade.

Required License or Certificate:

  • May need to possess a valid driver's license as required by the position.  Proof of adequate vehicle insurance and medical clearance may also be required.
  • Possession of a certificate showing successful completion of a P.O.S.T. Basic course, the P.O.S.T. training requirements for Penal Code 832, Arrest and Firearms Training or P.O.S.T. equivalent training course.
  • Possession of, or ability to obtain prior to completion of the probationary period, a certificate in euthanasia procedures.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

  • Animal control field operations including capture and restraint equipment, field euthanasia procedures and transportation of animals.
  • Euthanasia procedures including sodium pentobarbital and weapons.
  • Laws, ordinances and regulations related to the control and protection of animals.
  • Legal liabilities and responsibilities of those concerned with the enforcement of animal control regulations.
  • Characteristics and behavior of animals.
  • Common animal diseases; the causes, symptoms and required procedures for rabies.
  • Equipment and methods used in the capture and restraint of animals.
  • Use and care for firearms and other law enforcement equipment and tools.
  • Licensing, quarantine and impounding regulations.

Ability to:

  • Care for and control animals in a safe manner, including livestock, so as to avoid injury to persons and animals.
  • On a continuous basis, know and understand all aspects of animal control operations; intermittently analyze work papers, reports and special projects; continuously observe for animal violations, problem solve field situations; and explain animal control laws to public.
  • On an intermittent basis, sit at desk or in vehicle; walk and stand during field activities; bend, squat, kneel or twist while working in field; perform simple and power grasping, pushing, pulling and fine manipulation; and lift very heavy weight.
  • Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
  • Understand and follow written and oral instructions.
  • Act quickly and calmly in emergency situations.
  • Obtain information through interview and interrogation and to deal fairly and courteously with the public.
  • Analyze situations quickly and objectively to determine proper course of action.
  • Oversee and train assigned staff.
  • Work independently on assignments.
  • Testify in court.
  • Read, comprehend and interpret laws and regulations pertaining to animal control.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
  • Meet the physical requirements necessary to safely and effectively perform required duties without risk of injury to self or others.
  • Discharge firearms both safely and accurately.
  • Properly measure drugs into hypodermic syringes for chemical restraint and euthanasia; perform euthanasia in the most humane manner possible.
  • Read maps effectively.
  • Work shifts, standby, weekends and holidays on a rotating basis.
  • Establish and maintain records and logs; prepare related reports.

CLASS: 16705; EST: 9/2/1995; REV: 4/10/2017;