Animal Services Officer - Non-Merit

Regular Schedule: 39 hours per week

A Non-Merit vacancy exists in the Department of Health and Human Services. Bureau of Animal Services, Communicable Disease and Environmental Services.

Non-Merit positions are not classified within the Baltimore County Government Classification and Compensation Plan.

A list of eligible applicants will be established based on the examination as outlined below.

Current and future vacancies occurring in any Office or Department of Baltimore County General Government may be filled from the list of eligible applicants.

All interested candidates must apply at this time.

List all promotions and changes in job duties due to reclassification as separate work experiences on your application. Applicants must include the dates of the promotions and reclassifications.

Note: Failure to complete all fields of the "Work Experience" section of the application will result in your application not being considered. A resume will not be considered in determining your qualifications for a position. Applicants selected for an interview may provide a resume at that time.

You can attach your transcript(s) or license(s) to your application.

Failure to submit proof of Licenses, Certifications and Education will result in your application not being considered. Proof of licenses, certifications, and/or education must be submitted with each application.

Examples of Duties

Under general supervision, investigates complaints, inspects facilities, and enforces laws, codes, and regulations pertaining to animal protection. Performs duties in the receipt, care, custody, and disposition of animals, and the operation and maintenance of animal shelter facilities.

• Operates an animal services vehicle.
• Impounds stray animals and transports them to shelter facilities.
• Assists with aggressive, sick, injured or dead domestic pets and wildlife.
• Impounds and returns community cats as part of the Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program.
• Enforces animal laws and issues citations.
• Receives, responds to, and investigates complaints and inquiries regarding animal services.
• Responds to emergency calls during scheduled on-call shifts.
• Investigates reports of animal cruelty, animal bites, nuisance and/or dangerous animals and other suspected violations of animal laws including the removal of dangerous animals or those who are victims of animal neglect/cruelty.
• Testifies in court and at hearings.
• Inspects kennels, grooming parlors, pet shops and other animal care facilities.
• Provides general information, instruction, education, and assistance to the public regarding animal programs, services, and operations.
• Completes thorough inspection reports and enters data into computer.
• Maintains vehicles and assigned equipment.
• Assists veterinarians in the examination and treatment of animals.
• Administers minor medical treatments to animals.
• Euthanizes animals.
• Prepares and delivers rabies lab specimens.
• Keeps records of adoptions, redemptions, impoundments and euthanasia.
• Enters data into computer.
• Collects fees.
• Provides information to the public about adoption, animal laws and licensing.
• Informs pet owners about available low-cost veterinary services including rabies vaccination, microchipping and spay/neuter.
• Shares with citizens the details and importance of Animal Services' programs including foster, volunteer, TNR and rabies prevention at off-site events and for community outreach.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications
Possession of a high school diploma or an appropriate equivalent
plus
two years in an investigation and enforcement capacity or animal care and handling in a shelter, veterinary hospital or other equivalent animal care/control organization.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (Entry Level)

• Ability to learn and enforce laws, codes, and regulations pertaining to animal protection and care.
• Ability to acquire knowledge of the principles and practices of humane animal care.
• Ability to learn how to investigate and resolve complaints.
• Possess and maintain certification for Euthanasia by Injection (EBI) or obtain certification within six months of hire
• Ability to work on-call nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Successfully complete Animal Control Officers training program within the first year of hire.
• Ability to testify in civil and criminal court proceedings.
• Ability to use problem solving skills, sound judgment, and common sense in working through unusual and sometimes highly emotional situations.

• Skill in the care and treatment of animals.
• Skill in handling and transporting of animals.
• Skill in the use of computers and application software.
• Ability to read and understand maps, operate GPS equipment and portable radios.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers and the public.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to complete and maintain files, records, and forms.

Proof of Degree Equivalency
Applicants who have obtained a degree from outside the United States of America are required to submit degree equivalence documentation from World Education Services, Inc. (www.WES.org)

Mail or deliver documents to:
ATTN: Animal Services Officer - Non-Merit
Office of Human Resources
Baltimore County Government
308 Allegheny Ave.
Towson, MD 21204

You can attach your transcript(s) or license(s) to your application.

EXAMINATION PROCEDURE
Applicants will be qualified based on an evaluation of their training and experience, as stated on their application, which includes answers to the supplemental questions. Applicants must state the dates and duties of past and present experience clearly and completely for evaluation purposes.

Conditions of Employment

Physical and Environmental Conditions
The work of this classification entails the performance of heavy physical labor including bending, stooping, lifting and carrying heavy animals and objects, and the operation of vehicles and equipment. Work requires exposure to potentially hazardous conditions such as rabid animals, adverse weather, traffic, and cleaning supplies.

Medical Examination and Employment Background Investigation
Applicants selected for an appointment to a position in Baltimore County must successfully complete a physical examination and drug screen and an employment background investigation, including, but not limited to a criminal background, education, and fingerprint check.

Employment Benefits for Non-Merit or Non-Classified, Part-Time Employees

Baltimore County General Government offers the following benefits to part-time, non-merit or non-classified employees. New employees are eligible for benefits upon hire, unless noted otherwise.

Equal Opportunity Employer
Baltimore County is an equal opportunity employer and encourages minority, female and disabled applicants.

Smoke free workplace
All Baltimore County offices are smoke free.

Drug free workplace
Baltimore County provides a drug free workplace. Prospective employees are required to submit to urinalysis drug testing as part of the pre-employment physical examination.

Employee Assistance Program
Our Employee Assistance Program provides confidential and professional assessment and referral assistance for employees and eligible dependents in the household who are experiencing personal problems that may be affecting work performance, job satisfaction, or overall quality of life.

Health Insurance
In order to qualify for health insurance benefits (medical, prescription, dental and vision insurance), part-time employees must be scheduled for four (4) full work days plus two (2) hours each week.

Health Insurance benefits elected become effective the first day of the month following the date of hire if the employee has completed online enrollment prior to that date. New employees must enroll within thirty (30) calendar days of hire. Plans offered include:

Medical, Prescription, Dental and Vision insurance.

Flexible Spending Accounts
Opportunity to set aside pre-tax dollars, through payroll deduction, for eligible unreimbursed medical care expenses and/or dependent care costs.

Life Insurance
In order to qualify for life insurance benefits, part-time employees must be scheduled for four (4) full work days plus two (2) hours each week.

Employees may elect basic term life insurance for themselves equal to one time the employee's annual salary, rounded to the next higher $1,000. Employees contribute a portion of the premium through monthly payroll deductions. The County also offers an Additional/Employee paid Life Insurance plan with coverage up to $100,000.

Retirement
Employees are required to participate in the Baltimore County Employees' Retirement System, with very limited exceptions.

Paid Leave
Sick Leave - Monthly sick leave earnings prorated based on the number of hours worked per week. No maximum on accrual. Accrued balance can be applied toward service credit at retirement.

Vacation Leave - Monthly vacation leave earnings prorated based on the number of hours worked per week. Earnings increase after five, ten and fifteen years of service generally.

Holidays - Part-time 30 to 39 hour non-merit or non-classified employees will generally be paid for ten holidays per calendar year. Other part-time, non-merit or non-classified employees working 29 hours per week or less will receive two paid holidays per calendar year. These holidays are the Christmas holiday and the Independence Day holiday.

Bereavement Leave
Jury Leave
Military Leave

Baltimore County Employees Federal Credit Union
Membership in Baltimore County Employees Federal Credit Union offers a full range of savings programs, loans, checking, direct deposit, payroll deduction, savings bonds, and other financial services.

Direct Deposit
Payroll through direct deposit to the financial institution selected by employee is required.

Deferred Compensation
Nationwide Retirement Solutions offers a 457 retirement plan allowing for payroll contributions of tax deferred dollars to investment options of your choice.