Animal Control Officer

Working under the direction of the Animal Shelter Director and Assistant Director, the Animal Control Officer is responsible for the daily animal control field work and associated records along with animal care within the shelter as needed. 

"*" denotes an essential function of the job

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. *Performs all activities of Animal Control fieldwork.
2. *Investigates citizen's complaints according to departmental policies and procedures as directed.
3. *Responsible for the capture and impoundment of animals.
4. *Coordinates and safeguards the procedures for animal bite quarantines, head removal and shipping for rabies testing when necessary.
5. *Ability to communicate and coordinate between law enforcement and the shelter.
6. *Responsible for the care, maintenance of animal control vehicle, sanitary condition of all assigned equipment.
7. *Communicates effectively both orally and in writing.
8. *Handles animals in a humane manner as trained.
9. *Maintains valid Driver's License.
10. *Maintains a positive image with the public in the course of educating them on responsible pet ownership.
11. *Stays current with national trends in animal shelter issues and travels to training as needed.
12. *Testifies in court regarding investigations conducted.
13. *Enforces City Ordinances and state laws as required for animal control.
14. *Responsible for the intake and set up of animals brought into the shelter by animal control and public.
15. *Safeguards the procedures in entering data into the computer system correctly.
16. *Assists shelter staff as needed with cleaning and daily duties of the shelter.
17. *Conducts investigations regarding animal control related problems.
18. *Takes an "on call" status rotationally.
19. *Completes required reports and keeps accurate records.
20. *Picks up and removes dead animals as necessary.
21. *Assists in treatment and euthanasia of shelter animals.
22. *Performs other duties as assigned.

STANDARDS OF PERFORMANCE

1. Ability to understand and apply a full range of generally accepted principles and theories related to animal control.
2. Ability to communicate effectively.
3. Must be able to work with administrators and provide service to the public.
4. Ability to obtain Police Commission.
5. Ability to extensively study new areas of animal control to find methods and programs that have a significant positive impact on the success of the Animal Shelter's goals.
6. Ability to make rapid analysis and decisions, communicating with the public and taking action. Independent analysis and plan development is expected without specific instructions from the supervisor.
7. Maintain initiative to preserve the flow of work.
8. Work under stress and with commitment to deadlines.
9. Sustain interpersonal relationships which encourage openness, candor and trust, both internally and with the general public.
10. Complete projects and/or reports in accurate and timely manner
11. Maintain City information in a confidential manner.

MENTAL AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

1. Ability to work as a team member.
2. Display professional appearance, warm demeanor and positive attitude.
3. Be a motivated self-starter.
4. Work independently and to be accurate, efficient and organized.
5. Manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
6. Work under pressure with time constraints in a changing environment.

WORKING ENVIORNMENT AND CONDITIONS

1. Consistently exposed to animal related hazards when handling animals while assisting staff or the public.
2. May be exposed to extremes in weather conditions.
3. Frequent bending and lifting and the ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
4. This position involves being on 24 hour call on a rotating basis.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND TRAINING

1. Associate's Degree in Criminal Justice, Animal Science or related field; OR at least two years of experience at an Animal Control agency or similar organization; or related profession.
2. Specialized knowledge of the principles and objectives of animal control and of law enforcement activities.
3. Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in written form.
4. A pleasant, friendly, and outgoing demeanor.
5. Willingness to take on additional tasks as assigned.