General Information

Work Location: Bishop Animal Shelter, 5718 21st Avenue W | Bradenton, Florida 34209
Work Hours: Monday - Friday 8 am - 5 pm with rotating on call that includes nights, weekends and holidays.
Note: Position level and salary will be dependent on qualifications (DOQ).
This classification is responsible for enforcing the laws of the State of Florida and Manatee County pertaining to animals. Employees in the classification will apprehend animals that do not comply with established animal laws and regulations and will issue civil citations to violators of animal control laws.
Working Conditions:
Indoor/outdoor environment. High noise environment while performing certain responsibilities. Lifting animals and equipment up to 50 lbs. alone; up to 100 lbs. with assistance. Work may require time outdoors for extended periods in a variety of weather conditions and high noise environments. May encounter sick, injured and/or vicious animals while performing certain responsibilities and be required to safely handle those animals. Regularly required to drive county vehicles as part of the duties of the job and regularly required to work other than normal business hours including an after-hours on-call rotation.

Job Description

Essential Functions
These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position.
All Levels:
Performs tasks related to the enforcement of animal control laws; issues verbal and written courtesy notices of complaint to violators; issues civil citations to violators of animal control laws.
Responds to complaints and patrols specified areas to capture and impound stray animals including animals in violation of the animal control laws.
Makes dispositions of complaints or other calls relative to injured or deceased animals, unlicensed, stray animals, and nuisance animals.
Prepares animal bite reports and related records, complete incident/impound reports, cruelty investigations, and probable cause affidavits.
Responds to emergency animal complaints during and after normal work hours.
Inspects vehicles and equipment to ensure proper and safe working order.
Animal Services Officer II:
May be required to serve on a rotating basis as the Animal Welfare Supervisor during the supervisor's absence.
May be required to serve as the training officer as needed.
As a senior officer, may have seniority authority when working with, or overseeing cases with an Animal Welfare Officer 1.
Must attend advanced investigation and/or certification training as deemed necessary by management including but not limited to, court room preparation, animal cruelty training, dangerous dog declaration, and the FEMA ICS series 100, 200, 700 and 800.
Applies working knowledge of the County Animal Ordinances, and State Statutes related to the enforcement of animal control laws; issues verbal and written courtesy notices of complaint to violators; issues civil citations to violators of animal control laws.
Works with the public to encourage and facilitate voluntary compliance of violations and fosters positive relationships with the public to best promote humane animal welfare programs and reinforce citizen responsibility, care and assistance for those citizens and animals in need.
Leads community follow up protocols for the retention and return of owned animals including license/tag reviews, micro-chip tracing and interfacing with the community through the use of social and other media platforms, phone calls and face to face contact.
Provides testimony in County Civil Court at hearings and trials and maintains clear and open communication with the County Attorney’s Office and the State Attorney’s Office on all pertinent investigative matters.
Participates in outreach activities and programs to educate the public, county staff and other partnering agencies and attends civic neighborhood and community meetings during and outside of regular working hours.
Strictly adheres to safety protocols to protect self, co-workers, the public, and the animals in their care.
Attends job specific training classes, conferences and seminars as assigned by supervisor.

Minimum Qualifications

All Levels:

More

Prior experience in animal handling and/or law enforcement desired.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge of, or ability to quickly learn, Manatee County roads and street addresses.
Knowledge of, or ability to quickly learn, State of Florida and Manatee County laws, rules and regulations pertaining to animals.
Knowledge of practices/procedures in the safe handling of all types of animals under varying conditions.
Ability to maintain courteous and effective relationships with co-workers and the public.
Ability to prepare and maintain all reports and records relative to the position.
Ability to pick up and handle animals, alive and deceased, up to and over 100 pounds, with assistance when needed.
Ability to capture and control vicious and dangerous animals.
Ability to handle and restrain large and small animals.
Ability to write clear, concise, and detailed reports including courtesy notices and civil citations.
Ability to keep a neat and clean appearance to maintain a professional public image.
Ability to appear and testify in court for violations of the Manatee County Ordinance and Florida State Statutes.
Ability to work indoors and outdoors in all conditions.
Ability to investigate all animal related complaints and follow up complaints as necessary.
Ability to receive and follow work assignments both orally and in writing.
Skill to effectively use all animal capture equipment issued including, but not limited to, Ketch-All pole, Snappy Snare, and live animal traps.
Skill in the safe and efficient operation of assigned Animal Services vehicles, including those with animal carriers attached to the rear.
Animal Services Officer II:
Ability to comprehend and follow oral and written instructions, to organize own work and to complete routine tasks within the assigned guidelines.
Ability to independently resolve routine situations and problems.
General knowledge and understanding of computer applications and software programs required to perform job duties.
Good written and verbal communication skills and the interpersonal skills necessary to interact professionally and effectively with co-workers, management, and the public, and the ability to explain facts, policies and practices using tact and diplomacy in situations that may involve angry or frustrated citizens.
May be assigned other divisional duties including but not limited to shelter care and assistance, medical and administration.
The safe and efficient operation of assigned Animal Services vehicles, including the care of any animals in transport at any time.

• ComPsych– offers all employees and their family members with emotional, financial, legal, and work/life balance support.
• LAMP counselors available for personal support including emotional, substance abuse, marital, and financial issues.
• Five (5) free visits annually for employees and covered family members.

• Wellness/Health Coaches (5 Free per year)
• On-site Fitness Centers for you and your dependents with 24/7 access
• Personal Training (5 Free per year)
• Pharmacy Technician
• Group Fitness Classes
• Musculoskeletal Physical Therapy Management
• Diabetes Care Program
• Registered Dietician (5 Free per year)
• Massages with licensed therapist (small copay)

• Workers’ Compensation
• Training/Seminars
• Premium Pay Differentials/Career Ladders
• Government employee discounts at many retailers and attractions
• Access to Manatee County Library Services (books, digital services, tools, museum passes).

• 12 Paid Holidays including New Year's Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
• Three (3) Personal Holidays
• Personal Sick Leave
• Family Sick Leave
• Sick Leave Bank (Donated Hours)
• Professional Medical Appointment Leave
• Bereavement Leave
• Military Leave
• Military Training Leave
• FMLA

• Award-winning Health Plan with deductibles as low as $0.
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Prescription Insurance
• Life Insurance (6 times salary at low cost)
• Long-term and Short-term Disability Insurance

• Florida Retirement System (FRS) with Pension Plan and Investment Plan options.
• 457b Tax Deferred and ROTH account options through Voya.
• FRS Webinars
• Free financial guidance with licensed, non-commissioned financial planner

• Professional Leadership Programs
• Instructor-Led and eLearning Training
• Premium Pay Differentials/Career Ladders
• Career Counseling
• Toastmasters
• Networking Membership (Manatee Chamber of Commerce, Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance)
• Employee Recognition Programs with monetary and time-off awards

• Tuition Reimbursement eligible after six (6) months of service, including GED reimbursement.
• Continuing Education support through Training/Seminars and Premium Pay Differentials/Career Ladder.
• Public Safety Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

• Options for Health Care and Dependent Care Spending Accounts providing pre-tax savings.