Animal Control Officer

Under general supervision, responsible for protecting the community from dangerous and sick animals; enforcing and investigating local municipal, state, and federal animal laws; preventing the spread of zoonotic diseases; capturing and impounding a variety of animals requiring specialized equipment; euthanizing animals as deemed necessary; providing care and maintenance for animals; picking up and disposing of deceased animals; assisting in licensing; providing humane education to residents in the community and children in schools;

and performing other related duties as required.

Duties may include but are not limited to the following:

• Responds to complaints concerning animals and takes appropriate action. Captures aggressive animals
• Investigates reports of animal cruelty and neglect, dog and rooster fighting. Operates a motor vehicle in patrolling an assigned area.
• Collects license and quarantine fees and issues receipts for same.
• Explains and enforces pertinent laws relating to animal services and licensing. Issues violation notices and Court citations.
• Transports stray, sick, injured or dead animals to an animal services facility. Performs humane euthanasia on animals as necessary.
• Assists in receiving, feeding and caring for, or disposing of impounded animals.
• Assists in the cleaning and maintenance of the animal services facility, related vehicles, and equipment. Assists the public in claiming or adopting animals.
• Investigates animal-bite cases, obtains all necessary information and initiates proper quarantineor hearing procedures as required.
• Maintains records and files. Prepares reports.
• Testifies in court.
• May use tranquilizing equipment and firearms. Seeks medical attention for impounded animals. May make public presentations.
• Serves on scheduled on-call status.
• May be required to lift and load animals up to 50 lbs.

Knowledge of:

• Care and feeding of animals.
• Animal health, behavior and proper handling. Basic computer operations.
• Appropriate safety precautions and procedures. Basic math and record keeping.
• Federal, State and City laws, regulations and ordinances pertaining to animal control.

Ability to:

• Operate a personal computer and related devices using City-installed software. Interpret laws and ordinances.
• Communicate effectively with the public.
• Exercise tact and good judgment in performance of duties.
• Use discretion regarding enforcement of laws and regulations pertaining to animals. Communicate clearly and concisely orally and in writing.
• Deal patiently and effectively with frightened, fractious and injured animals. Follow orders andwork cooperatively with others.
• Work rotating shifts, holidays, weekends and on-call.
• Deal with emotional issues involving the humane care of animals.
• Control, carry and subdue animals.