Civilian Animal Control Officer

An employee in this class is responsible for promoting compliance with City ordinances regarding the care, custody, and control of animals within the city limits. Duties include, but are not limited to, answering calls for service, patrolling city limits, investigating cases involving animals, setting and retrieving traps, capturing animals running at large, responding to calls for sick, injured, and possibly rabid animals, writing reports and maintaining accurate documents, maintaining vehicle and equipment in good working order, assisting Police Officers and other department staff, and other duties as assigned. This is a non-sworn position with limited authority to issue citations. 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS 

• Patrols assigned areas, driving a vehicle capable of transporting animals securely, to enforce laws pertaining to animals. 

• Responds to and investigates complaints of animal bites, dangerous animals, animal cruelty, and animal nuisance and determines if there is a violation; takes appropriate actions to comply with ordinances. 

• Picks up and impounds stray or animals running at large; aids animals in distress by feeding malnourished animals and freeing trapped animals. 

• Removes animals from deplorable conditions and transports animals to shelter for treatment and care. 

• Prepares investigative reports, issues warning notices or citations, and takes sworn statements that may result in court action. 

• Conducts preliminary investigations and files reports on cruelty and animal neglect complaints. 

• Works closely with other humane and law enforcement agencies on incidents involving animals. 

• Provides care and maintenance of assigned vehicles, equipment, and facilities. 

• Performs on-call work as needed.  

• Performs other related job duties as assigned. 

QUALIFICATIONS 

Education and Experience: 

High school diploma or equivalent; and one (1) year of experience in the area of animal control, veterinary medicine, public health, or law enforcement; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.   

Special Qualifications: 

• Possession of a valid driver’s license to operate a motor vehicle.  Requirement exists at the time of hire and as a condition of continued employment. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of the care, humane treatment, and safe handling of animals, symptoms of rabies in dogs and cats. 

• Knowledge of the geographic area of the city to include important buildings and other facilities. 

• Skill in the apprehension of animals in the field, including aggressive or dangerous animals as well as the use special industry tools (e.g., catch pole). 

• Skill in verbal and written communication. 

• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with associates and the public. 

• Ability to deal effectively with the public and animal owners in stressful situations. 

• Ability to work alone in the field, investigate complaints of stray or wild animals, communicate effectively both orally and in writing. 

• Ability to multitask while maintaining efficient time management skills. 

• Ability to possess good physical agility and endurance. 

• Ability to listen and understand directions, information and ideas presented verbally or in writing. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS 

Work in this class is defined as heavy and involves a considerable degree or risk to personal safety. Work is heavy work requiring the exertion of 100 pounds of force occasionally, up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects; work requires climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, running, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, and repetitive motions; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word, and conveying detailed or important instructions to others accurately, loudly, or quickly. Hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels, and to receive detailed information through oral communications and/or to make fine distinctions in sound. Visual acuity is required for depth perception, color perception, night vision, peripheral vision, preparing and analyzing written or computer data, visual inspection involving small defects and or small parts, use of measuring devices, assembly, or fabrication of parts at or within arm’s length, operation of machines, operation of motor vehicles or equipment, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities. The worker is subject to inside and outside environmental conditions, noise, hazards, and atmospheric conditions. The worker may be exposed to blood borne pathogens and may be required to wear specialized personal protective equipment.