Animal Control Officer

Under general supervision, enforces the County’s animal control ordinance; responds to calls for service; patrols designated areas to identify possible violations; captures stray animals and transports them to the shelter; investigates complaints and charges of animal cruelty; issues citations and prepares reports; provides court testimony as required.

• High School Diploma or G.E.D equivalent and experience in working with animals.
• Must be able to pass a job related physical examination.
• Must pass a background investigation.
• Valid State of New Mexico Driver’s license or able to obtain within six (6) months of employment.

• Must be prepared to handle all types of animals, both domestic and wild, when required. Must be able to destroy sick, injured, or dangerous animals.
  • Work involves handling and moving often resistant animals, including frequent lifting and pulling of animals by weight, on the average monthly basis.

• 4 x 100+ lbs.
• 10 x 100 lbs.
• 10 x 70 lbs.
• 40 x 50 lbs.
• 40 x 30 lbs.

• Work is performed in internal and external environments with exposure to inclement weather, and varying temperatures; may be subject to physical harm such as vehicles, firearms, and animal attacks.
• Full-time work hours for this position consist of rotating shift work, nights and weekend shifts and overtime. Rotating shifts is a requirement for the operations of this facility.
• Work schedule for this position may include working on religious holidays.
• Utilize, process, and navigate the County’s electronic ERP system as necessary and appropriate based on the needs and requirements of this position.

The list that follows is not intended as a comprehensive list; it is intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed, and may be required to perform additional, position‑specific tasks.

Responds to complaints and calls for service; observes areas of alleged violations and interviews available witnesses to determine if laws are being violated.
• Informs persons perpetrating inhumane acts of laws and penalties for violations.
• Issues citations to individuals that do not comply with ordinances.
• Reports violators to deputies or requests deputies to arrest violators.
• Aids animals in distress by feeding starving animals and freeing trapped animals.
• Removes animals from inhumane conditions and drives vehicle to transport animals to shelter for treatment and care.
• Inspects establishments housing or exhibiting animals to ascertain compliance with humane laws.
• Provides animal traps to residents; instructs residents in the use of these traps; logs and maintains records of the location of traps; retrieves traps and relocates captured animals.
• Writes reports of activities.
• Euthanizes animals as necessary.
• Attends and presents at informal meetings with civic groups; coordinates with animal rescue groups to help place animals in homes.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.