Director of Recreation and Civic Engagement

Public relations oriented work requiring the ability to communicate tactfully and courteously with the public. The majority of the work occurs in the field, in the enforcement of County ordinances and State statutes relating to animals.

Job responsibilities are broken down as follows: 30 percent dealing with the public, 30 percent paperwork, 15 percent dealing with animals, 15 percent spent traveling, and 10 percent spent on other duties.

• Investigates citizen complaints regarding animals.
• Captures, transports, and quarantines animals.
• Advise citizens on the responsibilities of animal ownership by explaining animal control regulations.
• Investigates both reported and witnessed violations.
• Takes appropriate measures to correct witnessed violations. These measures include interviewing involved persons, taking statements, gathering evidence, confronting violators, issuing warnings and court citations, and capturing animals humanely.
• Requires court appearances regarding the same.
• Humanely and safely operates animal transport vehicle and various field capture equipment.
• Performs after‑hours emergency service for high priority animal complaints.
• Prepares written reports regarding all investigations.
• Assists with investigations of reported animal bite cases and apprehends, confines, and places stray animals in quarantine.
• Assists the public at the Animal Control Center; assists in the office and in the kennels as required.
• Performs related work as required.

• Must be able to physically control highly active/aggressive animals, potentially weighing in excess of 80 pounds, using available equipment.
• Ability to sit, stoop, squat, walk, and stand frequently.

• Graduation from high school or possession of an acceptable equivalency diploma.
• Two (2) years experience working with the public, enforcing regulations/ordinances, or related experience.
• Experience in the field of animal control, law enforcement, veterinary medicine, or public health preferred.
• Experience handling animals in a job‑related capacity preferred.
• Knowledge of use of CRT preferred.
• A comparable amount of directly related experience may be substituted for the minimum educational requirements.

• Must possess a valid driver’s license.
• Must qualify for commission as a notary public.
• Current certification as Animal Control Officer, euthanasia technician, or chemical capture preferred.

• Must have a home telephone within 30 days after employment date, as employee is subject to call.
• Must attend and satisfactorily complete State certification as an Animal Control Officer within one year of employment date.

• Ability to write legibly and cognitively and demonstrate good oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to read for comprehension.
• Ability to learn quickly and retain information concerning the animal control ordinances, procedures, and policies.
• Ability to enforce the laws with firmness and impartiality.
• Ability to produce and maintain accurate and legible reports and documents.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective, professional working relationships with the public and fellow employees.
• Ability to work independently and make mature judgments regarding field activities.
• Ability to operate assorted animal capture equipment.
• Requires advanced knowledge of the road network in Pasco County.
• Ability to perform basic custodial duties.
• Knowledge of disinfecting, animal handling, euthanasia procedures, disease recognition, and nutritional needs of animals.
• Ability to accept instruction and perform tasks independently and without close supervision.
• Ability to comprehend and utilize legal and court procedures.

A qualified employee or applicant with a disability may be afforded a reasonable accommodation to perform the essential job functions of a position in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.