Animal Control Officer

Under limited supervision, enforces the City of Pasco, Kennewick and Richland ordinances pertaining to complaints from the public regarding violations and problems concerning domestic and other types of animals; captures and transports animals. Research owner records and complaint records; enters and updates a variety of data as required. Applies independent judgment and discretion within set guidelines in making decisions, resolving problems, enforcing regulations and policies, and when dealing with the public.

Additional job functions may vary due to department or City needs/requirements. Assignments may include but are not limited to:

• Responds to and initiates investigation of complaints; gathers evidence, statements, and photographs; issues citations as necessary for ordinance violations and/or resolves complaints through mediation between parties involved; creates and compiles related reports and additional documentation as necessary; prepare affidavits for search warrants and may be required to appear in Municipal Court to present information or testify for the City when appropriate.
• Provides education and training for the public; explains dog safety, City dog ordinances, prevention of dog bites and citizen responsibilities as a dog owner.
• Patrols within the City limits of Pasco, Kennewick and Richland and picks up injured or dead animal; impounds strays and abandoned animals, performs a variety of animal capture techniques.
• Works closely and communicates regularly with legal department, law enforcement agencies and code enforcement officers to achieve consistent and coordinated enforcement activities.
• Provides 24-hour emergency call-out as assigned for injured and/or vicious animals and assistance to the Police Department, including securing animals involved in a police action.
• Contributes to the effectiveness of the Parks & Recreation Department by demonstrating an attitude that encourages cooperation and coordination of efforts and efficient use of resources. Provides continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and works cooperatively and jointly to consistently provide exceptional customer service to internal and external customers.
• Requires regular and reliable attendance.
• Enforces applicable laws and ordinances as a limited commissioned officer, including issuing citations, preparing legal documentation, and coordinating enforcement activities with law enforcement agencies.
• Responds to after-hours emergency call-outs, as assigned, and reports to duty or the incident location within a reasonable time frame based on operational needs.
• Perform other animal shelter related duties as assigned.

• May be required to work within the animal shelter to cover essential duties.
• May be required to be certified and perform euthanasia of animals as needed.
• Administering vaccinations and provided medical care as directed by veterinarian.
• Perform other animal shelter related duties as assigned.

The City offers a full benefits package at low employee premiums including:

• Medical coverage available at tiered monthly rates based on plan selection and coverage level. Dental coverage is available at $11.59/month and vision coverage at $6.54/month.
• Basic life insurance paid by the City and optional supplemental coverage.
• 12 days of vacation and 12 days of sick leave accrued in the first year.
• 10 holidays plus 2 floating holiday per year.
• WA State Department of Retirement Systems (DRS) pension eligibility.
• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan with 4% employer contribution
• EAP, Flexible Spending, Long-Term Disability, Aflac, and flexible schedules (with department approval).

Certain licenses and certificates, if required, may be acquired on the job as agreed upon by the City and employee. Subject to change based on operational needs.

• Must be a minimum of 18 years of age.
• Maintain a valid Driver's License with a satisfactory driving record.
• Ability to pass criminal background check, including fingerprinting.
• Ability to obtain and maintain approval from the appropriate law enforcement or commissioning authority or authorities to serve as a limited commissioned officer is a condition of employment. Failure to obtain or maintain such approval may result in removal from the position.
• Acquire Washington Animal Control Officer certification within one year of hire.
• May need successfully complete a Euthanasia Certification course within one year of hire.

May encounter angry, upset or emotionally disturbed individuals. Subject to frequent interruptions and extensive contact with the public. Susceptible to injuries inflicted by various types of animals which are impounded. Required to pick up sick or dead animals; susceptible to contamination from manure and urine, blood, open wounds and saliva when handling animals; and susceptible to common pathogens. Required to carry a cell phone and, when assigned, respond to issues and/or emergency…