Animal Control Officer

SUMMARY OF JOB PURPOSEUnder general supervision, enforces animal control ordinances and laws.   Responds to complaints about animals and patrol jurisdiction to control the number of strays, unlicensed, mistreated, or dangerous animals.  Impounds animals as necessary.   ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONSDuties may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Enforces state statutes and local ordinances regulating the control, conduct, and keeping of various animals; issues citations for violations of ordinances and laws.  Patrols jurisdiction in a public vehicle to control the number of unlicensed, stray, and/or feral animals.
• Investigates complaints from the public, local law enforcement officers, and other agencies regarding nuisance, stray, uncontrolled, dangerous, or diseased animals.  Assists other agencies regarding impounded vehicles containing animals, and also evictions or law enforcement actions where animals may be involved.
• Conducts initial investigation of complaints regarding animal cruelty and investigates bites, arranging for appropriate identification and quarantine.
• Collect charges and fees related to the issuance of licenses for the pounding and keeping of any animal.
• Explains local laws, ordinances, and codes relating to the control and care of animals and to the filing of complainants.   Testifies in court regarding citations, disposition of complaints, etc.  
• Operates humane traps, mobile radios, and related animal control tools and equipment, ensuring equipment is properly maintained.
• Destroy any animal lawfully impounded which is determined to be by reason of injury or disease or other cause unfit for further use or which is determined to be dangerous or inimical to human life or public safety.
• Seizes, impounds, and safely keeps domestic animals that are unlicensed or found running at large or being harbored in violation of applicable laws and ordinances; transports injured animals to the animal shelter or other care facilities; removes dead animals from public and private properties.
• Destroy in a humane manner or otherwise dispose of, at the owner’s expense, any animal whose owner requests destruction or disposal.
• Enforce the provisions of Title 7, Chapter 2, of the Elko County Code, as necessary.
• Comply with Elko County Policies and Department Procedures.
• Accurately complete work assignments in a timely manner.
• Advise supervisor of project/work status.
• Communicates tactfully, both orally and in writing, with co-workers and the general public.
• Listens carefully and responds appropriately.

 

• High school diploma or equivalent
• 1-year experience in the care and handling of animals or 9 months of formal training as a veterinary technician/assistant; 6 months experience working with extensive public contact
• Must maintain a valid Nevada drivers license

An employee in this position must have the following knowledge, skills, and abilities upon application: Knowledge

• Concepts, principles, and practices of animal control. 
• Materials, equipment, and tools used in the care and shelter of animals. 
• Relevant laws, ordinances, codes, and policies related to animal control, treatment, licensing, and disposal.
• Basic methods of subduing animals and protecting onlookers.
• Basic care and handling of various types of animals.
• Safety precautions and hazards arising out of the handling of sick and/or aggressive animals.
• Basic first aid. 

 Skills 

• Demonstrating excellent interpersonal skills especially in dealing with the public.
• Managing time effectively.

 Abilities

• Assess situations and take action expeditiously.
• Keep accurate records of all animals impounded.
• Communicate and interact courteously and effectively with the general public, other law enforcement personnel, and animal care providers. 
• Assess animal behavior and make effective decisions regarding the handling and capturing of animals.
• Operate County vehicles, radios, and other animal control tools and equipment.
• Read maps and follow directions.
• Handle and account for money.
• Maintain all reports received involving animals, including all reports of animal bites and the time of the report, person making the report, and the disposition of each such case.
• Prepare and serve written citations of persons accused of violating the provisions of this chapter and the provisions of the animal control ordinance of the County.
• Appear in court and testify as may be required in regard to the performance of the duties of Animal Control Officer.

An employee in this position must meet the following physical requirements upon application:

• Strength and stamina to drive and walk for long distances; stamina and flexibility to bend, squat, twist, reach, walk, and run on irregular surfaces; strength and stamina to regularly chase, control, lift, and carry live and dead animals; strength, stamina, and dexterity to climb to heights; ability to carry or move cages, food, and equipment; ability to work in confined spaces.
• Hearing to perceive spoken communications in noisy environments; coordination and dexterity to perform several tasks simultaneously when handling animals.
• Manual dexterity, motor skills, and cognitive ability to write reports and complete forms either by hand or via computer; periodic moving or lifting of objects weighing up to 50 pounds and occasional moving of objects weighing up to 100 pounds.
• Frequently exposed to disagreeable weather conditions such as extremes of cold, heat, dampness, wind, dust, and fumes.  Noise levels may be high due to confined animals.   
• The position is exposed to dead, injured, and diseased animals and animal waste products.  Euthanasia or the destruction of animals may be considered extremely disagreeable. 

Elko County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and EmployerIn compliance with applicable laws, reasonable accommodations may be provided for qualified individuals with a disability who require and request such accommodations.