Placer Employment Opportunities

Animal Control Officer - I

Recruitment #2023-16701-01

Introduction

Since building a new and state of the art animal care facility in 2016, Placer County Animal Services has expanded lifesaving programs and community services, resulting in a live release rate of 94% in 2022.  Placer County Animal Services cares for nearly 3,200 animals per year and responds to almost 9,000 calls for services.  Animal Control Officers play an integral role in delivering critical services to the Placer County community using education, outreach and enforcement aimed at assisting both pets and their owners.  If you are interested in contributing to the success of an animal welfare organization with progressive goals, this might be the perfect fit!

POSITION INFORMATION

The minimum qualifications for the classification of Animal Control Officer - I were updated as of July 10, 2023.

The Department of Health and Human Services – Animal Services Division is currently hiring for the permanent position of Animal Control Officer - I. The current position is located in Auburn; and the eligible list created by this recruitment may also be used to fill future permanent and/or extra-help* positions in the Auburn, South Placer and/or Tahoe areas.  Extra help appointments made from this eligible list may be eligible for transition to permanent status.

*Temporary/Extra Help assignments are limited to working 28 hours per week with a cap of 999 hours or 960 hours for CalPERS retired annuitants in a fiscal year and are not eligible for benefits.

NOTE: Applicants are encouraged to review the minimum qualifications section of this job posting prior to completing an application. Applicants should note that this position requires 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, Module A, Firearms Training, or P.O.S.T. equivalent training course within twelve months of employment. Information regarding P.O.S.T. certification can be accessed by clicking HERE.

This recruitment will remain open until filled. Applications will be screened on a bi-weekly basis.

BENEFITS

Placer County offers a comprehensive benefits package to employees, including:

  • Holidays: 14 paid holidays per year, 2 of which are floating holidays*
  • Vacation leave: 10 days/year with ability to accrue 25 days/year
  • Sick leave: 12 days/year*
  • Cafeteria plan: 6% of employee’s salary will be contributed towards employee to use towards 401(k), dependent care, medical co-insurance, or cash
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance available for employees and dependents
  • $50,000 life insurance policy at no cost to employee
  • CalPERS retirement plans
  • Retiree medical insurance
  • Deferred compensation
  • Education allowance: up to $1,200 per year
  • Bilingual incentive: incumbents may be eligible for bilingual incentive pay depending upon operational needs and certification of proficiency.

*Amounts will be prorated for part-time employees and employees hired after the first of the year.

The information above represents benefits currently available to permanent Placer County employees and may be subject to change. Applicants should inquire about the most current benefit package during hiring interviews or by contacting the Human Resources Department. For a detailed listing of benefits, please click here to view General benefits.

For more information regarding the benefits Placer County has to offer, please visit Placer County's Human Resources website.

DEFINITION

To explain and enforce laws and ordinances pertaining to the humane treatment and control of animals; provide for and promote public safety in the prevention of rabies and other communicable diseases that can be transferred from animals to humans; conduct public education and outreach regarding the humane treatment of animals and animal control laws; and respond to animal related emergencies.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is the entry level class in the Animal Control Officer series.  This class is distinguished from the journey level by the performance of the more routine tasks and duties assigned to positions within this series.  Employees at this level are not expected to perform with the same independence of direction and judgment on matters allocated to the journey level.  Since this class is typically used as a training class, employees may have only limited or no directly related work experience.  Employees work under immediate supervision while learning job tasks.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives immediate supervision from a Supervising Animal Control Officer and technical and functional supervision from an Animal Control Officer II and a Senior Animal Control Officer.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
  • Patrol a designated geographical area of the County and enforce animal regulations, laws, and ordinances; contact dog owners by house-to-house canvass to locate unlicensed or unvaccinated dogs; receive and investigate complaints and reports from the public and other agencies regarding stray, dangerous, unwanted, or improperly controlled animals; tactfully handle complaints, trying to remedy the problem; consult supervisors by radio in the handling of unusual and/or difficult situations.
  • Issue violation notices and court citations; collect evidence and appear in court as a witness, as necessary; carry out law enforcement procedures including warrants, arrests, search and seizures, issuing warnings, dangerous animal statements, and citations; work cooperatively with other law enforcement groups when joint action is required.
  • Use tranquilizer guns, shotguns, rifles, and other related equipment to control or destroy dangerous and/or injured animals, as a last alternative.
  • Answer emergency calls concerning persons bitten by animals; quarantine potentially rabid animals; check potentially rabid animals at intervals as directed and release animals from quarantine at the end of a safe time period, as directed; issue citations for violation of the quarantine.
  • Assist in arranging for and setting up immunization clinics; may assist veterinarian with vaccinations and animal inspections.
  • Administer first aid or minor treatments to animals; pick up and transport sick, injured, or dead animals; impound animals and release impounded animals to owners; may segregate, isolate, destroy, and dispose of animals.
  • Perform euthanasia procedures to ensure safe and humane treatment, perform chemical restraint procedures as necessary.
  • Prepare food and feed animals; clean kennels and related areas; may participate in front office and kennel operations.
  • Assist the public in claiming impounded animals; assist customers in pet selection; answer questions concerning age, breed, characteristics, care, and treatment of animals; advise public of legal rights; explain and interpret animal control laws, regulations, procedures, and policies.
  • Interact with the public in a professional and knowledgeable manner to maintain public confidence and safety; speak at schools and to other community groups concerning animal control services.
  • Assist public with obtaining licensing information by directing them to online resources; sell licenses and turn in collected fees.
  • Prepare reports, keep records, and fill out forms concerning animal control violations and transactions.
  • May assist with the training of new Animal Control staff.
  • Operate and perform minor maintenance on all equipment used in the field and the kennels including vehicles, weapons, traps, catch-poles, and cages.
  • Clean and disinfect shelter facilities, vehicles, and equipment as necessary.
  • Perform related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

It is the responsibility of applicants to identify in their application materials how they meet the minimum qualifications listed below.  A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience: No experience is required.  Experience in the care and handling of domestic, farm and/or ranch animals is preferred.

Training: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade.

Required License or Certificate:

  • 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 within twelve months of employment.
  • 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.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

  • Feeding and care of animals.
  • Basic mathematical calculations.
  • English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation.

Ability to:

  • 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; understand, recall, interpret, and explain animal control policies, procedures, laws, and regulations; handle multiple tasks at once and work with frequent interruptions; and maintain awareness of safety at all times.
  • On an intermittent basis, sit at desk or in vehicle; walk and stand during field activities; bend, squat, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, reach, balance, climb, or twist while working in field or kennel operations; perform simple and power grasping, pushing, pulling and fine manipulation; speak, use telephone, write, and use a keyboard to communicate; see, hear, and smell with sufficient acuity to examine and assess animals and safety conditions; lift very heavy weight.
  • Learn to care for and control animals in a safe manner, including livestock, to avoid injury to persons and animals.
  • Learn the provisions of state and County laws and regulations relating to animal control and licensing; assist other Animal Control Officers in their enforcement activities.
  • Learn to recognize symptoms of rabies and animal diseases; learn the techniques involved in restraining and isolating animals suspected of having bitten individuals or of having rabies.
  • Learn the methods involved in feeding and caring for impounded animals.
  • Learn to safely operate firearms.
  • Properly measure drugs into hypodermic syringes for chemical restraint and euthanasia; perform euthanasia in the most humane manner possible.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
  • Exercise tact and good judgment; work effectively in stressful situations; make sound decisions under a variety of conditions.
  • Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
  • Read and comprehend the laws and regulations pertaining to animal control.
  • Use modern office equipment and computers.
  • Prepare and maintain accurate records and forms.
  • Work shifts, standby, weekends, and holidays on a rotating basis.
  • Work with various cultural and ethnic groups in a tactful and effective manner.

SELECTION PROCEDURE

Training & Experience Rating (100%)

Based upon responses to the supplemental questionnaire, the applicant’s education, training, and experience will be evaluated using a pre-determined formula. Scores from this evaluation will determine applicant ranking and placement on the eligible list.

CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT

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.

EMPLOYEES OF OTHER PUBLIC AGENCIES

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.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

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 (including traits historically associated with race, including, but not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists), color, ancestry, religion (including creed and belief), national origin, citizenship, physical disability (including HIV and AIDS), mental disability, medical condition (including cancer or genetic characteristics/information), age (40 or over),  marital status, military and/or veteran status, sex (including parental status, pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and related medical conditions), political orientation, 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.



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