Position Objectives

Performs specialized work for the County in the administration and enforcement of ordinances and statutes related to the
control of animals.

An employee in this class is responsible for:
 directing the activities of the animal control program and the supervision and training of animal control staff
 sharing responsibilities for reception and kennel work, as needed
 receiving and responding to citizen requests for service, which includes capturing and/or confining diseased,
bothersome, unlicensed or apparently dangerous animals
 assisting in the maintenance of an online animal database of currently impounded animals
 escorting visitors through the kennel and helping potential adopters find a good match within the kennel
population
 implementing and administering educational programs, low-cost spay/neuter programs, and fundraising
programs.
Work is performed in accordance with related County and State laws. Employee is subject to the common risks of
animal control enforcement and care. Work is performed under the general supervisor of the Animal Services Director
and is evaluated in terms of program effectiveness. Will be placed on an after-hours on-call schedule with other
employees.

Duties & Responsibilities

Responds to citizen requests for services and captures stray, diseased, and bothersome animals.
 Investigates cases of reported animal bites and cruelty to animals.
 Trains, supervises and directs Animal Control Officers and staff in the animal services operation
 Teaches humane animal collection, care and disposal methods.
 Picks up injured animals and assures proper care.
 Maintains records of locations where animals were picked up.
 Issues citations for violations of State/County ordinances.
 Testifies in court against owners who disregard ordinance violations.
 Takes injured animals or animals in violation of applicable regulations to the Animal Services facility.
 Explains County and State laws and ordinances to the general public.
 Conducts tours of the Animal Services facility.
 Participates in public educational programs.
 Informs the Animal Services Director of needed supplies.
 Prepares and maintains accurate records and reports.
 Assists with the preparation and monitoring of the budget.
 Sets schedules for Animal Control Officers to ensure adequate coverage.
 Maintains cleaning/disinfection, vaccination and deworming protocols.

 Operates County vehicles in carrying out enforcement duties.
 Schedules animals for low-cost spay/neuter program
 Educates the public on the importance of spay/neuter and pet overpopulation.
 Escorts visitors through cattery and kennel.
 Monitors work and reports of Animal Control Officers under their supervision.
 Maintains communication with Animal Services Director.
 Works in cooperation with rescue organizations.

Minimum Requirements

RECRUITMENT AND SELECTION GUIDELINES

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
o Tact and courtesy in explaining animal control regulations to animal owners and the general public
o Independent judgment and initiative in application of the law
o Working knowledge of laws and ordinances related to animal control
o Working knowledge of laws of animal collection, care, and disposal
o Working knowledge of, or the ability to learn, the geography of McDowell County
o Adequate knowledge of safety practices concerning the handling of animals
o Ability to use the equipment and physical means necessary for the purpose of capturing and caring for
animals
o Ability to maintain accurate records concerning daily activities, calls and investigations
o Ability to explain and enforces State and local regulations pertaining to animal control operations
o Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written forms
o Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers and the public
o Ability to lead/supervise and train Animal Control Officers.

DESIRABLE EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Graduation from high school and four (4 ) experience in the animal control field, including one (1 ) year of
supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Ideal candidate will reside
within 20 minutes of McDowell County.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
 Physically able to operate a variety of machinery and equipment including two-way radios, hand tools, animal
traps, etc.
 Able to operator a motor vehicle.
 Able to exert up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or a small
amount of force constantly to lift, carry, push/pull or otherwise move objects. Work may involve walking,
standing, running, and physical confrontations. Physical demands are those for heavy work.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
 Possess and maintain a valid driver’s license, and
 Certified Rabies Vaccinator certification, and
 Certified Euthanasia Technician, and
 Completion of course(s) related of basic animal control functions.

Or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Benefits

Benefited after 90 days

Medical, dental, and life insurance
Sick, vacation, and holiday pay
Membership in the Local Government Retirement System

Supplemental retirement 401k/457

How to

PRE-EMPLOYMENT DRUG SCREENING AND BACKGROUND CHECK IS REQUIRED

APPLICANTS WILL BE GIVEN CREDIT ONLY FOR INFORMATION PROVIDED IN RESPONSE TO THIS ANNOUNCEMENT. No additional information will be solicited by McDowell County; therefore, persons who submit incomplete applications may not receive full credit for their education, training and experience.

McDowell County is an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy of the County to recruit, hire, train and promote individuals without regard to age, sex, race, color, religion, political affiliation or national origin. The County will interactively work with disabled applicants and employees to identify reasonable accommodations that will allow the individual to perform essential job functions.

McDowell County participates in E-Verify.

Applications are available:

www.mcdowellhrportal.org- under “Job Opportunities”

• McDowell County Administration Building:

25 W Fort Street Marion, NC 28752

Applications can be submitted:

• Online at www.mcdowellhrportal.org

• In person at the County Administration building:

25 W Fort Street Marion, NC 28752

• Mail:

McDowell County Human Resources

25 W Fort Street Marion, NC 28752

• Email:

employment@mcdowellgov.com