Animal Control Officer #2104-331000-01

The Animal Control Officer requires basic skills to ensure the protection of citizens and property and the safe keeping of animals through the enforcement of state laws and local ordinances.  This includes the handling of animals for the purpose of investigations of mistreatment, or control of abandoned, dangerous, or unattended animals.

·        Respond to calls for service to enforce local and state animal control laws including non-emergency / emergency complex field situations.

·        Issuance of warnings or citations in connection with animal-related offenses.

·        Contact police to report violations and request arrests when necessary; referring complex cases to Senior or Lead Animal Control Officer(s).

·        Investigate reports of animal attacks or animal cruelty including interviewing violators, witnesses and victims; collecting evidence and writing reports.

·        Capture and remove stray, uncontrolled, wild, sick and injured / abused animals from undesirable conditions using nets, nooses and traps or tranquilizer darts as necessary.

·        Examine animals for injuries or malnutrition and arrange for necessary medical treatment.

·        Remove captured animals from animal-control service vehicle and place animals including rabid, unclaimed and severely injured in shelter cages or other enclosures treating all animals in humane and compassionate manner.

·        Drive standard pick-up truck or van with specially equipped body for transport of animals.

·        Supply animals with food and water, clean facilities and equipment including dog pens and animal control trucks.

·        Prepare for and potentially testify in court for nuisance declarations or other prosecutions related to animal treatment.

·        Educate public about animal welfare, animal control laws and regulations.

·        Contact animal owners to inform of pets at animal holding facilities.

·        Write reports of activities and maintain files of impoundments and dispositions of animals.

·        Examine animal licenses and inspect establishments housing animals for compliance with laws including circuses, zoos and pet stores.

·        Perform other duties as assigned.

·        Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, and agency rules to include state and local animal control laws, ordinances and municipal policy and procedures.

·        Safe handling and general welfare of small or large domestic and wild animals.

·        Knowledge of the structure and content of English language including meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar.

·        Basic computer operation, administrative and clerical procedure using systems such as: word processing, managing files and records and other office procedures and terminology.

·        Able to communicate clearly, concisely, and tactfully in a courteous manner with varying ethnicities.

·        Act with minimal supervision using independent judgement and discretion in meeting emergency situations.

ADA and Other Requirements:
Positions in this class typically require: stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, running, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, heavy lifting, fingering, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions.

Physical Work:

·        Continual contact with irate / emotional pet owners and victims.

·        May require work in precarious places and exposure to wet / humid conditions and vibrations

·        May require maintaining physical conditioning necessary for sitting, standing, and/or walking for extended periods of time.

·        Light to moderate lifting and carrying.

·        Lift up to 100 pounds.

·        Some crouching, stooping, squatting, crawling, reaching, pushing and pulling when performing tasks.

Sensory Requirements:

              ·    Concentrated and attentive use of one or more senses (visual, audio, and other sensory modalities) for proof reading, data entry, tabulating data.     

              ·    Ability to hear, understand, and distinguish speech.

Working Conditions:
Work may be performed in outside weather conditions with potential exposure to fumes or airborne particles, animal transmitted diseases, exposure to fractious, frightened and dangerous animals.  May experience mental and emotional stress from euthanasia. May require work in precarious places and exposure to wet / humid conditions and vibrations. Occasionally exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals.

·        One year of work experience.