Animal Control Officer - Senior

This promotional recruitment is open to permanent Placer County employees only.

The current Animal Control Officer - Senior vacancy is in the Truckee Animal Shelter, serving Eastern Placer County.  This position requires the ability to work shifts, standby, weekends and holidays on a rotating basis.

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

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.

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.

• 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.

• 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.

It is the responsibility of applicants to identify in their application materials how they meet the minimum qualifications listed below.

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.

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 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.

Oral Examination (100%)

The oral examination will be conducted by a panel of raters who will assess and rate the degree to which each applicant demonstrates the knowledge and abilities required for this classification. Applicants’ responses to a series of job related questions, as well as their education and experience, will be rated in relation to the requirements for this classification.

NOTE: The oral examination is tentatively scheduled for Thursday, February 21, 2019.  Candidates that meet the minimum qualifications will receive a notice via email regarding the date, time and location of the exam once the recruitment closes.

Prior to the date of hire, applicants must undergo a fingerprint test by the Department of Justice, pass a medical examination (which may include a drug screening and possibly a psychological evaluation), sign a constitutional oath and submit proof of U.S. citizenship or legal right to remain and work in the U.S.  For some positions, applicants may also be required to submit proof of age, undergo a background investigation (which may include a voice stress analysis and/or a polygraph) and/or be bonded. Additionally, positions in law enforcement classifications, and those supporting law enforcement functions will be required to complete a conviction history questionnaire prior to or during the interview process. Applicants for positions with access to Medi-Cal billing software or who are licensed providers must clear the Federal Exclusion List, credentialing, and social security verification. Failure to clear these requirements may result in an employment offer being withdrawn.

The eligible list(s) resulting from this recruitment may be certified as a substitute list for a substantially similar classification.  For this purpose, a substantially similar classification is one at a lower level in the same classification (example: entry level vs. journey) and/or a similar classification (similar work performed, similar training and experience qualifications required). If you are contacted for an interview by a County department, you will be informed of the classification and other relevant information. If you choose not to interview for a substantially similar classification, you will remain on the eligible list for which you originally applied.

Placer County offers an expedited process for qualifying certain applicants for interviews. Candidates currently employed, or employed within the last year, by a public agency operating under a personnel civil service or merit system may be eligible to be placed on a Public Agency Eligible List and certified as eligible for appointment to a similar job assignment without going through the examination process. For more information on the Public Agency Eligible List, to download forms, or to apply, please click here.

Thank you for your interest in employment with Placer County. Placer County is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to an active nondiscrimination program. It is the stated policy of Placer County that harassment, discrimination and retaliation are prohibited and that all employees, applicants, agents, contractors, and interns/volunteers shall receive equal consideration and treatment. All terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, transfer and promotion will be based on the qualifications of the individual for the positions being filled regardless of gender (including gender identity and expression), sexual orientation, race, color, ancestry, religion, national origin, physical disability (Including HIV and AIDS), mental disability, medical condition (cancer or genetic characteristics/information), age (40 or over), marital status, military and/or veteran status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions), or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law. Please contact the Human Resources Department at least 5 working days before a scheduled examination if you require accommodation in the examination process. Medical disability verification may be required prior to accommodation.

The following information represents benefits currently available to permanent Placer County employees and may be subject to change.  It is advisable that applicants inquire as to the most current benefit package during hiring interviews or by contacting the Human Resources Department.

Click here to view benefits for General bargaining unit