Animal Protection Officer

DO YOU LOVE WORKING WITH ANIMALS? HAVE YOUR FRIENDS RFERRED TO YOU AS THE DOG WHISPERER? WE WANT TO SPEAK WITH YOU!!

THIS POSITON REQUIRED ANIMAL HANDLING EXPERIENCE.

SUMMARY: The Animal Protection Officer (APO), will drive a vehicle to patrol streets, respond to requests for service concerning animals and perform routine and complex public safety work in the enforcement of animal control and licensing ordinances. The APO will provide compassionate and attentive care for animals at all times; follow policy and procedure relating to vehicle and equipment inspection and maintenance; provide daily, monthly and annual reports to document activities and other animal care and control duties as necessary.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES

• Drive a vehicle to patrol streets, respond to requests for service based on ACCT Philly’s contractual obligations to perform animal care and control for the City of Philadelphia;
• Obtain accurate information when responding to requests for service including, but not limited to: bite case reports, owner surrender information, medical history, location, breeds, etc.
• Maintain constant communication with the Animal Control Dispatcher on duty by radio or telephone for consultation on a variety of incidents;
• Use appropriate judgment in deciding course of action to handle difficult and emergency situations without assistance;
• Rescue animals in dangerous situations including, but not limited to: cats in trees, animals on a roof or window ledge, animal stuck in sewer, etc.;
• Investigate violations of animal control ordinances and issues warnings or citations as required; appear in court or administrative hearings as necessary to testify regarding animal control cases;
• Maintain accurate records and logs; compile a variety of data regarding animal control; prepare daily, monthly and annual reports of activities and other reports as requested.
• Impound animals transported to shelter and properly restrain the animal for initial medical examination;
• Inform veterinary services staff of any health problems or conditions noted in a sheltered or impounded animal;
• Fill out appropriate kennel information for impounded animal;
• Data entry using the shelter software;
• Provide transportation for animals;

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative and level of the types of duties and responsibilities that will be required of positions given this title and shall not be construed as a declaration of the total of the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS
High School Diploma or equivalent. Valid and Clear Driver’s License is required at time of appointment and as a condition of continued employment.

EXPERIENCE, ABILITIES AND QUALITIES REQUIRED

• Ability to exemplify ACCT Philly’s Core Values of Transparency, Respect, Innovation, Commitment, Empathy and Professionalism.
• A valid driver’s license, free of any minor or major violations is required as a condition of continued employment.
• A clean driving record free of moving violations, points, suspensions and revocations.
• Ability to communicate effectively, in English orally and in writing.
• Knowledge of physical and behavioral characteristics of common breeds of dogs and cats; common disease symptoms in domestic animals; animal licensing and regulatory ordinances; various equipment used in animal control; working knowledge of animal restraint and care techniques;
• Skill and ability to safely and effectively use the following tools and equipment: patrol vehicle, animal capture equipment; police radio; first aid equipment; personal computer using basic word processing, spreadsheet and database programs;
• Ability to learn applicable laws, ordinances and department rules and regulations; communicate effectively orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships; exercise sound judgment in evaluating situations and making decisions; follow verbal and written instructions; learn the City’s geography; recognize normal and abnormal behavior; care for and safely handle domestic animals; operate two-way radios;
• While performing duties of this job, the employee routinely works in outside weather conditions and is exposed to wet and/or humid conditions. Requires heavy lifting and/or moving more than 50 pounds.
• Requires running almost on a daily basis. The employee occasionally works in high, precarious places;
• Affection for animals, concern for their welfare, and a willingness to accommodate animals in the workplace;
• Strong interpersonal, written and verbal skills, including the ability to communicate skillfully and effectively with a culturally diverse staff, volunteers and community in a professional, pleasant, respectful, courteous and tactful manner at all times; the ability to remain pleasant and calm even in stressful situations.
• Maturity, good judgment and a professional personal appearance.
• Strong problem solving skills – focusing on finding solutions to problems and challenges.
• The ability to ask appropriate questions to gather information along with the ability to feel and show empathy for others.
• Flexibility, ability to manage multiple tasks.
• Ability and initiative, work with minimal supervision and direction.
• Comfort and ability in working with animals of unknown disposition and those who may exhibit medical and other problems, as well as aggressive tendencies.
• Ability to accommodate varied work assignments and schedules including dispatching and working the overnight shift.
• Must have a sincere interest in the work, programs and mission of ACCT Philly.
• Must obtain ACCT Philly euthanasia technician certification within one year of hire

Work Remotely

• No

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $17.25 - $19.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Holidays
• Monday to Friday
• Night shift
• Overtime
• Weekends as needed

Experience:

• animal control: 1 year (Required)
• animal handeling: 1 year (Required)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License and no violations (Required)

Work Location: On the road

Salary : $17 - $19