Under general supervision, provides a wide variety of non-sworn support related functions for the public and Sheriff’s Office staff; these services include but are not limited to, animal control duties, report writing, vehicle and general maintenance functions, and other duties as assigned by a supervisor.

1. Investigates animal bite complaints, interviews victims and animal owners, and delivers animals to a holding facility.
2. Maintains a constant vigilance for potentially dangerous animals at large, apprehends, and delivers stray, injured, or dead animals to a holding facility.
3. Issues verbal warnings and authorizes written notices to violators of animal control laws; assists law enforcement personnel in accessing property; sets traps, uses catch poles and nets; may operate a tranquilizer gun to protect public safety.
4. Prepares and delivers specimens to the diagnostic lab.
5. Maintains weekly time records, logs, and animal control reports.
6. Advises, informs, and counsels the general public regarding animal control laws and Polk County Board of Health policies.
7. Schedules and ensures that preventive maintenance is completed on all county-owned Field Support Specialist vehicles; cleans and inventories supplies and equipment.
8. Assists stranded and stalled motorists.
9. Conducts public relation patrols of residential and business areas.
10. Assists deputies/detectives as requested.
11. Performs a variety of specialized and technical non-law enforcement duties in support of the Patrol Services Division.
12. Performs related duties as assigned.

• Thorough knowledge of the careful dealing with animals in various stages of different behavior. 
• Knowledge of laws and regulations governing the licensing, control, quarantine, and impounding of animals.
• Knowledge of departmental policies and standard operation procedures.
• Ability to effectively negotiate and communicate with persons who are in a distressed state.
• Ability to lift, move, and control large animals weighing up to 150 pounds.
• Ability to perform work requiring physical endurance and agility.
• Ability to bend, stoop, climb, crawl, and run.
• Ability to work outdoors in inclement weather, travel throughout Polk County, and walk on uneven terrains.
• Ability to effectively use tranquilizer guns.
• Ability so safely operated/maintain county-owned vehicles and all related equipment.
• Ability to keep accurate/concise records.
• Ability to work independently at all hours of the day or night.
• Ability to attend and successfully complete training. 
• Ability to work dependably with other agencies in completing tasks.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and decision-making.
• Ability to establish and maintain a satisfactory relationship with other employees, law enforcement officials, Animal Rescue League staff, and the general public.
• Ability to handle confidential information in a sensitive manner.
• Ability to analyze situations and adopt a course of action.
• Ability to remain calm in emergency situations.
• Ability to multi-task and work steady under pressure with frequent interruptions.
• Ability to organize and prioritize work assignments.
• Ability to demonstrate an awareness of cultural diversity in the community. 

• Graduation from high school or equivalent, and 
• One year of experience and/or training in animal behavior, caretaking, or a related field, or
• Any equivalent combination of training and experience that will have provided the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

• Work is subject to call out for emergencies and after hours on a 24 hour, seven days a week basis. Employee must be able to report to duty within a 30-minute time period under normal driving conditions.
• Employee may be required to take rabies shots on a periodic basis to reduce risk of rabies infection.
• Candidate must pass a post-employment physical examination and physical capacity testing to ensure candidate meets the essential physical requirements of the position.
• A criminal background check is required.
• A drug screen is required prior to final offer of employment.
• A valid State of Iowa driver’s license is required. 

Polk County is committed to providing a diverse work environment that is representative, at all levels, of the citizens we serve. Equal opportunities are available to all applicants and current employees regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, genetic information, military or veteran status, citizenship status, mental or physical disability, or any other applicable characteristics protected by law.

Polk County believes that diversity, equity, and inclusion is critical to our success in serving and empowering our community and to our continued commitment to be one of the nation's most innovative public institutions.