Animal Welfare Officer; IN, South Bend

SALARY: $40,000- $45,000 annually

POSITION SUMMARY:
The Animal Welfare Officer will perform animal care and control work for the City of South Bend. This is a municipal animal law enforcement position and will have the capability of writing citations for violations of Chapter 5 of the South Bend Municipal Code. The work involves patrolling assigned areas of the City and investigating complaints to enforce animal control ordinances and related laws, rules, and regulations.

Animal Welfare Officers complete thorough and accurate reports to document animal and property conditions, and violations. The employee is expected to carry out daily assignments, including responding to complaints / reports, following up on and investigating active cases, issuing warnings and citations, handling animals in the field and at the shelter, and assisting with animal care at the shelter.

An Animal Welfare Officer uses independent judgment and training when taking appropriate actions in dealing with situations occurring in the field. This field position works in a combination of environments including in the field, in the shelter facility, and in an office. They work extensively with the public and while may handle animals less than other positions, there is regular interaction with animals in the field as well as in the shelter.

The employee will be expected to investigate and document complaints and at times may appear in court as a witness to animal welfare crimes. Euthanasia is required of this position.

As a leader and employee of the City of South Bend, you are called upon to serve in a manner that supports Our Core Values:
Excellence, Accountability, Innovation, Inclusion, and Empowerment as you carry out our primary employee expectations:
Champion Values & Organizational Pride, Champion Operational Excellence, Make Sound Decisions, Embrace Coaching and Accountability, Communicate with Excellence, Value Diverse People and Perspectives, Embrace Personal Development, Exhibit a Positive Attitude and Own Your Health, Wellness & Safety.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:
Not applicable.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Respond to and answers complaints regarding nuisance, abandoned, and neglected animals, wild and domestic.
• Pick up confined, injured, unwanted, and deceased animals; captures stray, wild, and domestic animals.
• Conduct general investigations in cases of animal care and control complaints and/or identified concerns.
• Initiate the set-up procedures for animals brought into the shelter.
• Enforce city, state, and federal laws regarding animal control and care.
• Utilize electronic devices, including iPads, to document violations and conditions, take pictures, complete inspection/investigation reports, and track citation history.
• Complete required reports and keep accurate records and files.
• Represent the Department professionally and interact with constituents courteously and knowledgeably.
• Analyze issues and propose solutions to chronic problems.
• Communicate concerns and critical issues to co-workers and supervisors.
• Educate community members about animal care and welfare issues and violations.
• Testify at Animal Welfare Hearings and court when needed.
• Be accessible by handheld radio, phone, and email throughout the workday.
• Use safety equipment and wear uniform per departmental policy.
• Maintain clean and sanitary equipment, vehicles, work area, and building.
• Feed, water, and clean up after the animals in the shelter.
• Serve as a backup when needed in the office to clean kennels or attend to animals daily.
• Other duties as assigned.

NON-ESSENTIAL/MARGINAL FUNCTIONS:

• Answer phones, assist customers, and perform other duties and assume other responsibilities as apparent or as assigned.

EDUCATION / QUALIFICATIONS:
To perform this position successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty in a satisfactory manner. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• High School diploma or GED.
• Minimum three years’ experience in animal handling and care.
• Or any…