Job Details

Animal Control Officer

The Animal Control Officer performs routine and complex public safety work in the enforcement of City and State animal control ordinances and laws.

Essential Job Functions An employee in this position may be called upon to do any or all of the following essential duties:

1. Patrol city limits and receive and respond to animal complaints, including animals at large, stray, vicious, abandoned, nuisance or abused.
2. Apprehend stray or at large animals for impoundment.
3. Monitor violations of animal control city ordinances and state laws.
4. Clean and sanitize the shelter kennels, cages, and dishes; provide maintenance and upkeep of the Animal Control Facility.
5. Care for shelter animals.
6. Facilitate the adoption of shelter animals.
7. Apprehend diseased or injured animals.
8. Determine ownership of animals at large.
9. Handle vicious animals or displeased citizens while utilizing officer safety.
10. Offer suggestions to animal owners to aid in compliance with laws and ordinances.
11. Investigate incidences of animal cruelty, dog bites, and dog attacks.
12. Compile a variety of data regarding animal control activities; prepare reports on activities.
13. Maintain records and files of the Animal Control Facility and the animals housed there; log all incidents concerning animal control operations.
14. Testify in court regarding animal control cases if needed.
15. Remove dead, injured or dangerous animals from roadways and residential property.
16. Work an assigned shift using own judgment in deciding course of action; expected to handle difficult and emergency situations without assistance.
17. Maintain normal availability by two-way radio, pager, or telephone for consultation on major emergencies.
18. Maintain contact with police supervisory personnel to coordinate investigation activities, provide mutual assistance during emergency situations, and provide general information concerning department activities.
19. Maintain departmental equipment, supplies, and facilities.
20. Coordinate and/or assist in the euthanization and proper disposal of animals.
21. Issues warnings or citations as required; serve various criminal or civil notices or papers related to the enforcement of animal control ordinances.
22. Perform related tasks as required.

Essential Functions, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities for Employment An employee in this position must have the following knowledge, skills, and abilities upon application:

Knowledge Principles and practices of effective customer service. Correct English usage, including spelling, grammar, and punctuation. City ordinances and state laws regarding all aspects of animal control. Working knowledge of animal restraint and care techniques.

Skills Handle stress effectively without it interfering with performance. Organize, set priorities, and exercise sound independent judgment within areas of responsibility. Communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing. Ability to effectively deal with angry or difficult citizens. Operation animal capture equipment, two-way radio, pager, dart gun, first aid equipment, computer, telephone, fax machine, and copy machine. Must be capable of driving a motor vehicle to travel to other locations on a frequent basis.

Abilities Work outdoors, occasionally in adverse weather conditions. Establish and maintain highly effective working relationships with other employees and the public. Communicate effectively orally and in writing; Identify various animals and their behavior patterns. Exercise sound judgment in evaluating situations and in making decisions. Follow verbal and written instructions. Learn City's geography. Explain regulations to the public in a courteous and tactful manner.

Experience Required Any equivalent combination of experience and education may be considered. Minimum Education Requirements Graduation from a high school or GED equivalent