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ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER I (#AC5 )

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$25.06-$30.18 hourly / $4,344.00-$5,231.00 monthly / $52,124.80-$62,774.40 yearly
ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER II (#AC7 )

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$29.14-$35.07 hourly / $5,051.00-$6,079.00 monthly / $60,611.20-$72,945.60 yearly


Definition

Under the direction of the Supervising Animal Services Field Manager, the position is responsible for the apprehending and caring of animals, determining the disposition of animals, enforcing various related State and local laws and ordinances, responding to complaints concerning unwanted, escaped or other nuisance animals, and other tasks as assigned.

Distinguishing Characteristics

Animal Control Officer I is the entry-level class in which incumbents receive orientation and training to perform a full range of animal control duties. Incumbents are expected to progress to the journey level, Animal Control Officer II, within a reasonable length of time, and to function at a higher level of independence, self-direction, judgment, and interaction with the public.

Typical Tasks

Patrols assigned area in an animal control vehicle to search for stray, sick, injured, or dead animals and responds to calls for service as dispatched via two way radio, law enforcement agencies, or other Animal Control Officers concerning injured, stray, sick or dangerous animals and violations of animal regulatory ordinances. Impound animals in accordance with State and local law, rescue distressed, injured, or ill animals, enforces state and local animal control related laws, such as leash laws, licensing, vaccinations, spay/neuter, quarantine, dangerous dog, animal noise and nuisance ordinances by issuing of notices to appear, warnings, or warrant service as required; picks up and transports animals to the shelter for disposal, impounding, or rabies investigation, or to a veterinarian as appropriate. May perform emergency euthanasia according to approved procedures, upon completion of appropriate training; provides information to the public on State and local laws related to animal control, general animal care information; investigates animal bite or attack complaints and prepares reports as required; removes dead animals from public and private property in accordance with Animal Services protocols; participates in the maintenance of the animal custody area by cleaning and disinfecting kennels, cages, equipment, and animal handling areas; provides emergency animal first aid; maintains and prepares written reports and records as required.

Collects license, redemption and adoption fees and fees for other services rendered to the public, as required, inspects commercial pet shops, kennels, and other animal related businesses for compliance; assists with front office duties as may be required, such as receiving animals from the public or releasing impounded animals to the public; performs animal care duties such as feeding animals, monitoring sick and dangerous animals; segregating and isolating animals when necessary; detects disease or injury in animals and performs minor medical treatments as necessary; may assist animal health technicians and veterinarians with the inspection of animals.

Uses Authority issued equipment to capture or perform euthanasia of animals in the field; assists with euthanasia of animals at the shelter, if required; coordinates with local law enforcement agencies to provide for the humane dispatch of animals in the field.

Conducts special investigations in response to public or law enforcement complaints of violations of animal regulatory ordinances, and appears in court to testify and present evidence regarding violations of animal regulatory ordinances; participates in school and community group presentations.

Employment Standards

Animal Control Officer I

Knowledge of: Techniques for communicating effectively orally, and through written expression, experience providing information, such as explaining rules and regulations to the public, preferably in the handling, care and control of animals.

Ability to: Read, understand, and explain applicable State and local laws, regulations, and ordinances; obtain cooperation and compliance from members of the public by working tactfully and effectively; analyze a situation and adopt a course of action; exercise tact and independent judgement in dealing with the public; speak to a wide range of people; prepare clear and concise reports; present a positive public image; develop and maintain working relationships with co-workers, agencies and organizations; handle sick, injured, dangerous, or dead animals and decomposing animal carcasses in a safe and humane manner; learn the physical and behavior characteristics of animals; learn breed identification; learn and recognize symptoms of rabies and other common animals diseases; learn the safe and accurate handling of animal control equipment; euthanize dangerous, sick, or unwanted animals; make simple arithmetic calculations; understand and follow oral and written instructions; safely drive a vehicle; perform other tasks as assigned; and work independently.

Animal Control Officer II

Knowledge of: applicable State and local laws, regulations and ordinances; the proper care and handling of animals; the physical and behavioral characteristics of animals; breed identification; the symptoms of rabies and other common animal diseases; the safe and accurate handling of animal control equipment; the various techniques of safe and humane euthanasia of animals.

Ability to: Explain applicable State and local laws, regulations, and ordinances; obtain cooperation and compliance from members of the public; analyze a situation and adopt a course of action; exercise tact and independent judgment in dealing with the public; speak to a wide range of people; prepare clear and concise reports; present a positive public image; develop and maintain working relationships with co-workers, agencies and organizations; handle sick, injured, dangerous, or dead animals and decomposing animal carcasses in a safe and humane manner; euthanize dangerous, sick, or unwanted animals; make simple arithmetic calculations; understand and follow oral and written instructions; safely drive a vehicle; perform other tasks as assigned; and work independently.

Education and Experience: Any combination of education and work experience which would provide an opportunity to acquire the knowledge and abilities listed is qualifying, unless otherwise specified. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Animal Control Officer I

One year of experience providing information, such as explaining rules and regulations to the public preferably in the handling and care and control of animals or an equivalent combination of training, education, and experience that would provide the required knowledge and abilities.

Animal Control Officer II

One year of experience performing duties equivalent to Animal Control Officer I with the Santa Cruz County Animal Services Authority, or an equivalent combination of training, education, and experience that would provide the required knowledge and abilities.

Special Requirements, Conditions (Animal Control Officer I and II):

Training: Incumbent must attend and pass the euthanasia certification course as provided for by State law prior to the completion of the probationary period for this class; completion of POST course work and certification in the use of firearms and exercising the power of arrest required by Penal Code 830.9 is required prior to the completion of a probationary period for this class. Incumbent must attend and pass the Public Officer training course.

License: Incumbent must possess or have the ability to obtain a California Class C driver's license. Possession of an Animal Health Technician Certificate is highly desirable.

Background Investigation: Departmental background investigation and fingerprints are required. Employment in these classes requires successful completion of a criminal background investigation.

Hours: Availability to work a flexible schedule including nights, weekends and/or holidays, and rotational stand-by duty as required.

Lifting: Incumbent must be able to lift, push/pull or carry up to 50 lbs unassisted.

Special Working Conditions: Exposure to animals who may be hostile or dangerous. Incumbents are expected to work in the field a majority of the time, and will spend an equal amount of time, standing, walking and sitting. Incumbents will wear a uniform.

Miscellaneous

Bargaining Unit:  41
Workers Comp Code: 1073
EEOC Code: 04
Occ Unit Group: 91
Analyst: ES

CLASS: AC5; EST: 6/1/2002;
CLASS: AC7; EST: 6/1/2002;