JOB
GENERAL DESCRIPTION The Animal Control Officer works under the general supervision of the Chief Animal Control Officer and performs operational services in the Animal Control division of the Kenai Police Department. The employee performs animal control activities in the field and administrative tasks in an office setting. The Animal Control Officer enforces animal control ordinances, patrols neighborhoods, and responds to citizen complaints. The employee must use discretion to select and apply the appropriate guidelines to individual situations in a dynamic environment that frequently requires the tactful resolution of controversial situations and citizen complaints. Physical exertion is required to restrain and control animals and work with equipment.
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
Participate in the functions of the Kenai Animal Shelter; clean and sanitize kennels, stalls, and cages; feed, water, and care for animals; vaccinate animals as necessary; show animals to potential adoptees; issue permits and licenses; collect fees; complete all necessary paperwork.Provide information, respond to public or agency inquiries, and resolve complaints in an efficient and timely manner in-person, on the telephone, and through email.Perform a variety of janitorial duties, including washing dishes, laundry, sweeping, mopping, trash disposal, and disinfecting bathrooms; sanitizing kennels, stalls, cages other areas.Capture and/or confine wild or stray animals; impound sick, injured, stray, or trapped animals; remove and dispose of dead animals from public and private properties; transport injured animals.Conduct euthanasia of animals by lethal injection. Physically control domestic and exotic animals of all sizes using approved methods, including live traps and quarantine of dangerous and/or rabid animals Assist in the investigation of animal-related complaints at the animal shelter and in the field; interview complainants, witnesses, animal owners, and neighbors; mediate situations between citizens involving their animals, sometimes in hostile and emotionally-charged situations.Enforce applicable animal control codes and licensing ordinances; issue citations for violations of applicable regulations; testify in court as necessary.Maintain a variety of files, documents, records, and databases; compile information and statistics as needed for various reports; disseminate, report, and communicate information; prepare reports, including but not limited to intake reports, adoption reports, complaint summaries, phone logs, case files, and license records.Perform purchasing duties in accordance with City policies and procedures; assist the Chief Animal Control Officer in the budget process, including obtaining quotes, preparing requisitions, and placing orders.Participate in and present educational programs for community groups; conduct outreach programs and annual rabies clinic. Operate an animal services vehicle; maintain, clean, and fuel vehicle; transport vehicle to shop for routine maintenance as necessary.Monitor and maintain inventory of tools, equipment, and supplies; stock and organize storeroom supplies. Recommend improvements to animal control program.Perform duties of Chief Animal Control Officer as assigned.Lead and train others performing animal control work/volunteer duties. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with government agencies, vendors, City employees, and the general public. Maintain strict confidentiality of privileged communications and information and comply with privacy laws and regulations. Perform job duties with minimal or no supervision.Attend Department training and other continuing education programs.Have regular, reliable, and predictable attendance at work.Perform other duties as assigned.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONSTwo (2) years experience in animal control and public interaction and/or professional and/or college education in animal control, social sciences, natural sciences, or a related field.Certification by the National Animal Control Association (NACA).Previous work or other experience demonstrating knowledge of hazards and safety precautions associated with animal control work, community licensing, and rabies control is highly desirable.Previous work or other experience demonstrating the ability to work with a wide range of people and animals and a working knowledge of local government. WORKING ENVIRONMENT The work environment exposes the employee to unpredictable environments and potentially hazardous situations (e.g., cuts, bites, scratches) and the employee must deal with unpleasant or angry people. The employee must be able to do strenuous work in all kinds of weather (e.g., high temp., winds, snow, ice, fog, direct sunlight) and on surfaces at, above, or below floor level. Duties are performed both indoors and outdoors in varied working environments, during day and night, and often in inclement weather and in extreme temperatures. The duties of this position are primarily performed in the indoors, but outdoor work is required. Any inside work is usually in buildings, adequately heated, lighted, and ventilated. The employee may be exposed to dust, irritants, and toxic/poisonous substances as well as to zoonotic diseases. The employee is required to drive a vehicle and perform work inside a vehicle, including operating radios and computer equipment. Personal protective equipment is provided and must be used in accordance with best practices, federal and state laws, and City/Department policies and operating procedures.PHYSICAL DEMANDS This position requires a high level of physical ability including vision, hearing, speaking, flexibility, and strength. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to use hands and fingers dexterously (e.g., operate computers, radios, hold and restrain animals, use leashes, fit collars, and operate other equipment and tools); is required to climb ladders and stairs; is required to perform general duties that may include, but not be limited to, walking, running, climbing, pushing, pulling, reaching, dragging, carrying, jumping, balancing, and crouching; is required to exert in excess of 100 pounds of force occasionally and/or in excess of 50 pounds of force frequently; is required to work in stressful environments and make quick decisions under stress. The employee will regularly be required to stand, walk, and sit for extended periods of time. The employee may be required to work long shifts. Specific vision requirements include close, distance, color, and peripheral vision, the ability to adjust focus, and the ability to judge distances and spatial relationships. The employee must be able to hear and talk and communicate verbally in-person as well as on a radio and telephone.MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION The City of Kenai is an equal opportunity employer. Employment is based on qualifications free of personal and political considerations, with equal opportunity for all with no discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, changes in marital status, pregnancy, parenthood, genetic information or any other basis prohibited by law.