Animal Control Officer

Works for Ingham County Animal Control and Shelter under general supervision of the Deputy Director. Responds to citizen calls for service within Ingham County regarding animal welfare and animal related public safety issues. Performs criminal investigations, dog license enforcement, captures and transports animals to the County Shelter.

1. Respond to citizen requests for service, appropriately documenting incidents when necessary.

2. Conduct initial and follow-up investigations on crimes regarding animals.

3. Prepares and executes search warrants on criminal investigations.

4. Gathers and documents evidence including photographs, video recordings and other information.

5. Captures and impounds animals related to public safety threats, law and ordinance violations.

6. Issues summons and prepares warrant requests for violations of Michigan law and County ordinance.

7. Sells dog licenses on behalf of the Ingham County Treasurer’s Office and collects fees.

8. Assists local and neighboring agencies that request assistance for animal related issues.

9. Transports animals to other animal welfare organizations as needed.

10. Possess and utilize effective written communication skills for police reports, daily activity logs, and other important documentation.

11. Attend court on and off duty when required by subpoena.

12. Attend and participate in department authorized training.

13. Work mandatory overtime when directed by a supervisor.

14. Participate in community events and community engagement.

15. Processes animals into the Shelter including administering vaccinations and medications. Documents all relevant animal information and coordinates with veterinary staff to examine sick or injured animals.

16. Trains incoming animal control officers and documents training efforts.

17. Performs euthanasia of animals as necessary.        

Other Functions:

• Performs other duties as assigned
• May be assigned to Animal Care Specialist duties in the event of staff shortage.

(The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by personnel so classified.)

Education:  Associates degree or two years college equivalent in criminal justice, law enforcement or corrections.

Experience:  Prior public safety experience preferred. Previous experience handling animals desired.

Other Requirements:

• Certification or ability to be certified as an Animal Control Officer through the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.

• Must have no prior felony convictions.

• Must possess and maintain a valid Michigan driver’s license.

• Ability to pass a background check.

Demonstrates effective communication skills by engaging, interacting and working with all individuals to ensure clarity and understanding in all interactions.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be capable of working responsibly on own and performing the required tasks.
• Requires the ability to communicate verbally and effectively by listening to people and by giving information, directions and commands in person and over law enforcement radio channels.
• Must be capable of pulling, lifting, and carrying weight up to 150 lbs.
• Pushes weights up to 200 lbs. (in controlling livestock that may weigh up to 2000 lbs).
• Bends, squats, climbs ladders, stairs, fences and walks/runs on various types of terrains for regular daily duties of the job in pursuing and capturing animals.
• Operates specialized types of equipment such as police radios, department issued firearms, chemical capture guns, and animal capture equipment.
• Must be capable of physically making an arrest as is necessary.
• Must be able to write in report form, in citation books, and completing a general court summons.  

(This job requires the ability to perform the essential functions contained in this description. These include, but are not limited to, the requirements listed above.  Reasonable accommodations will be made for otherwise qualified applicants unable to fulfill one or more of these requirements.)

Working Conditions:

• Works shift hours based on seniority to include days, evenings, weekends and on-call schedules.
• Must be capable of driving and working outdoors in all types of Michigan weather conditions.
• Exposure to unsanitary conditions within homes and buildings.
• Exposure to odors, fumes and loud noises.
• Exposure to animals that have the potential to bite and scratch.
• Exposure to livestock could cause injury during handling.
• Exposure to deceased animals and persons.

AC/LE Officer-2

September 13, 2021