ANIMAL CONTROL DIRECTOR

Description

General Statement of Duties

Performs supervisory work and participates in the control of animals and protection of people and animals.

Distinguishing Features of the Class

An employee in this class captures and confines stray and rabid animals and enforces regulations concerning vaccinations, licensing, and control of animals. Work also includes supervisory functions of planning daily work schedule, problem solving in difficult situations, reviewing employee performance and handling discipline. Independent judgment and initiative are required in determining appropriate actions for injured and vicious animals. Tact, courtesy, and firmness are necessary in dealing with the public. Some risk is involved in handling rabid or vicious animals. The employee is subject to hazards including indoor and outdoor environmental conditions, vibrations, loud noise, scaffolding and high places, close quarters or crawl spaces that may cause claustrophobia, and atmospheric conditions such as carbon monoxide or dusts. Work is in the animal control field is also subject to the final standards of OSHA on blood borne standards. Work is performed under general supervision of the County Manager and is evaluated by observations and review of records.

Requirements

 Duties and Responsibilities

• Works closely with the Animal Shelter Manager to ensure the daily operations of the Animal Control Department function properly.

• Plans subordinate daily work schedule.

• Investigates complaints about stray or rabid animals, euthanizes stray and rabid animals.

• Enforces policies regarding vaccination of dogs and cats.

• Cares for wounded animals; transports sick, injured animals.

• Patrols in county-owned vehicle to locate unvaccinated or troublesome stray animals, uses suitable techniques for capturing and confining animals.

• Destroys diseased, vicious, and unclaimed animals in the prescribed manner.

• Assists in the preparation of an annual budget recommendation and its supporting information.

• Receives emergency calls at night, on weekends or on holidays as necessary.

• Assists in maintaining cleanliness of the shelter feeds and cares for impounded animals.

• Trains and supervises less experienced employees, reviews performance of subordinate.

• Utilizes firearms, including rifles, only when necessary for the humane euthanasia of animals or to address an immediate threat to public safety, in accordance with applicable laws, County policies, and established safety procedures.

• Keeps daily records of activities.

• Performs related tasks as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Considerable knowledge of the Animal Control Ordinance and related state regulations.

• Considerable knowledge of methods of capturing and handling animals.

• Working knowledge of the care of animals.

• Working knowledge of the signs of rabies.

• Ability to prepare routine records and reports.

• Ability to deal tactfully, courteously, and firmly with the public.

• Ability to train and instruct other employees.

• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with other employees.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to perform basic life functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions.

• Must be able to perform heavy work exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

• Must have visual acuity for capturing animals and caring for wounded animals.

Desirable Education and Experience

Graduation from high school and experience in animal control; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Special Requirements

Must be able to obtain certification in animal euthanasia techniques. Possession of a valid N.C. driver's license.