Animal Control Officer

$61,984.00 - $69,076.80 Annually 

• Starting Salary: $61,984.00
• After Six Months of Successful Employment: $65,832.00
• After One Year of Successful Employment: $67,163.20
• Maximum salary is achieved after three successful years of employment.

NOTE: Annual salary adjustments may also occur, based on collective bargaining agreements.

• Responds to requests for service and complaints about issues such as animals at large, abandoned animals, vicious animals, barking dogs, animal bites, cruelty complaints, sick or injured animals, public nuisances, etc. 
• Enforces City ordinance and State law as it relates to animal control and public health
• Issues citations, prepares reports, conducts investigations, testifies in court, and impounds animals, as required
• Patrols neighborhoods, businesses, and school yards for animal-related concerns
• Conducts inspections of kennels, pet stores, and dangerous dog locations under City ordinance 6.01.430, and issues required licenses. 
• Professionally handles and secures sick, injured, diseased, or aggressive animals across species, including domestic pets, livestock, wildlife, exotics, and reptiles.
• Utilizes work management software to maintain records related to the operation of the section
• Promotes positive community relationships and may be asked to participate in outreach activities and public events
• Completes special projects or assignments, as required
• Various related duties, as assigned

1. Be a citizen of the United States or resident alien with the right to work in the United States; and
2. Have a high school diploma or valid equivalency certificate; and
3. Have a bachelor's degree, or higher, with emphasis in Animal Behavior, Animal Studies, Animal Science, Criminal Justice, Public Safety, Animal Law, or closely related field preferred; and
4. Possess and maintain a valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record; and
5. Must be able to pursue, restrain, and lift animals up to 80 lbs.; and
6. Have or be able to meet the State of Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Animal Control Officer requirements, and training in Michigan within 180 days of hire; and
7. Must be able to successfully complete, and maintain, humane euthanasia, and animal field sedation certification within 180 days of hire; and
8. Have experience in one, or more, of the following areas: 
   • Work as an Animal Control Officer for a township, municipality, or county
   • Regulatory inspection of animal care facilities;
   • Veterinary or shelter medicine; 
   • Direct responsibility for the care and upkeep of animals;
   • Professional animal handling or training through an accredited organization; and
9. Have or be able to receive the rabies vaccination.

• Law enforcement principles, procedures, techniques, and equipment
• Animal restraint and care techniques

• Operating the following tools and equipment:  patrol vehicle, animal capture equipment, police radio, side handle baton, handcuffs, pager, first aid equipment, and personal computer

• Learn the applicable laws, ordinances, and department rules and regulations
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with subordinates, peers, supervisors, and the public
• Exercise sound judgment in evaluating situations and in making decisions
• Follow verbal and written instructions
• Learn the City's geography

NOTE:  At the time of appointment, applicants are required to pass a pre-employment medical examination conducted by a physician authorized by the City of Livonia.

PURPOSE:  The purpose of this examination is to establish an eligible list to fill current, future, regular, and/or temporary vacancies.

HOW TO APPLY:  Applications can be completed anytime online at www.governmentjobs.com/careers/livonia. If work experience and/or specific skills are listed as qualifications, it will be the responsibility of the applicant to describe their experience and/or skills sufficiently in the Education and Work Experience sections of the application so that it may be determined if they meet the stated qualifications. Applicants who do not comply will be disqualified from further consideration. Attachments or resumes are not accepted in place of completing the information requested on the official application. Applicants will be notified by e-mail of the next steps in the examination process.

PROBATIONARY PERIOD:  Appointees must satisfactorily complete a six-month probationary period before the appointment will be considered regular.