Animal Control Officer

The purpose of this classification is to patrol the city for animal control purposes, respond to dispatched calls involving various animal situations, pick up and transport animals, handle a variety of animals, and ensure compliance with animal control laws/ordinances.

Enforces the provisions of all applicable animal control codes, ordinances, laws, and regulations; initiates any actions necessary to correct deviations or violations.

Patrols city roads to locate and pick up stray animals or reptiles; assists animals in problem situations; captures domestic, wild, dangerous, or aggressive animals/reptiles; sets animal traps; loads animals into cages; transports animals to animal shelter, veterinarian offices, or other locations; relocates displaced wildlife; removes dead animals from roads.

Responds to incoming calls concerning various animal issues, such as animal bites/attacks, potential animal cruelty/abuse, animals in distress, stray/nuisance animals, barking dogs, wild/dangerous animals, sick/injured animals, loose livestock, or other complaints; investigates complaints, mediates disputes, and initiates problem resolution; assists in locating lost animals.

Handles, lifts, and carries animals, restraining as appropriate; handles frightened, fractious, and injured animals; checks animals for signs of rabies, disease, or other illnesses; cares for injured animals; disposes of dead animals.

Operates various machinery, equipment, and tools associated with animal control activities, which may include a utility truck, animal restraint equipment, animal cages/traps, catch poles, nets, dart gun, snake tongs, pitchfork, electric drill, mechanical tools, speed trailer, floor buffer, and radio communications equipment.

Follows safety procedures, utilizes safety equipment, and monitors work environment to ensure safety of employees and other individuals.

Performs general/preventive maintenance tasks necessary to keep vehicles, equipment and tools in operable condition, which may include inspecting equipment, refueling vehicles, checking/replacing fluids, greasing equipment, washing/cleaning equipment, or cleaning shop/work areas; monitors equipment operations to maintain efficiency and safety; reports faulty equipment.

Receives, reviews, prepares or maintains various forms, reports, correspondence, police reports, complaints, laws, ordinances, manuals, maps, reference materials, or other documentation; reviews, completes, processes, forwards or retains as appropriate.

Testifies in court as needed.

Provides assistance to local veterinarians, local humane society, county agencies, or other individuals/organizations as needed.

Provides training and direction to community service workers assigned to work detail in the department; maintains time records of community service workers.

Communicates with supervisor, employees, community service workers, other departments, police/emergency personnel, court personnel, humane society personnel, veterinarians, county health department, the public, outside agencies, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems.

Maintains a current knowledge and awareness of applicable laws/regulations; maintains an awareness of new methods, equipment, trends, and advances in the profession.

Performs miscellaneous tasks as assigned or as needed, which may include running various errands,picking up supplies, washing department vehicles, performing minor repairs, or performing special work details.

Performs various maintenance tasks associated with cleaning/repairing department facilities, which may include cleaning training center, cleaning/mopping floors, waxing/buffing floors, assembling furniture items, or performing minor repairs; provides assistance or support to other departments as needed, which may include transporting speed trailer used at roadsides, transporting stop signs when traffic lights are not working, assisting with setup for various City events/activities, or running various errands;

performs other related duties as required.

High school diploma or GED; supplemented by vocational/technical training in animal control or animal handling; supplemented by 5 months previous experience and/or training involving animal control or animal handling; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job. Must possess and…