Animal Control-Community Outreach Kennel Officer

Job Summary

This position develops and implements programs to increase adoptions and further the mission of the animal control department through community engagement and outreach, public relations, and coordinating rescue and foster networks while maintaining records and providing humane care for the animals.

Job Duties

• Builds and maintains relationships with local businesses, rescue groups, and community organizations.

• Oversees placement of pets with rescue groups and adoption by new owners.

• Creates promotional materials, manages social media posts (including animal bios and photos), and acts as liaison with the Public Information Officer.

• Hosts videos of animals on social media and other media to assist in adopting animals.

• Acts as the public spokesperson on local TV and other media outlets to fulfill the mission of the animal control department.

• Creates content for social media, websites, newsletters, and other promotional materials.

• Maintains excellent public relations, being helpful and courteous, while enforcing laws and ordinances.

• Educates the public and rescue groups about County and State ordinances and regulations, responsible pet ownership, and shelter services.

• Performs administrative tasks such as promptly responding to emails, phone messages, and concerns or complaints from the community and rescue groups.

• Assists the public and rescue groups in viewing and selecting adoptable animals. Assists and completes necessary paperwork for adopting and reclaiming animals, licensing of animals.

• Cleans and disinfects animal kennels, cages, and laundry of towels and bedding as deemed necessary.

• Responds promptly and courteously to inquiries from rescue groups, and others regarding licensing, impounding, adopting, rescuing, reclaiming, and disposal of animals.

• Performs euthanasia on sick, injured, or non-adoptive animals as needed using proper and lawful methods as outlined in the euthanasia protocols recognized by the state.

• Actively participates in a variety of animal contact duties including performing animal care and feeding duties and socializing and grooming animals to increase adoptability.

• Assists with maintaining complete and accurate records of adoptions, impoundments, euthanasia, animal intake, and animal outcomes, maintaining complete and accurate files.

• Assists with preparing receipts and collecting fees for impoundments and adoptions.

• Recruit, train, schedule, and supervise volunteers for animal socialization and daily shelter tasks.

• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required.

• More than two years of related experience required, with preference given to customer service and program coordinator experience.

• Experience working with domesticated animals.

• Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid driver’s license for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.

• Ability to be certified in crematory operations within the first year.

• Possession of or the ability to obtain a euthanasia certification within 90 days of hire.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Skilled at public speaking in front of live audiences or cameras to promote the mission of the organization.

• Knowledge of Federal, State, standard operating procedures, and county ordinances.

• Knowledge of Georgia Rabies manual and guidelines.

• Knowledge of state regulations and guidelines concerning euthanasia.

• Knowledge of cleaning and disinfecting the kennel area and which chemicals to use.

• Knowledge of Animal Control, Animal Services, and humane care of animals.

• Knowledge of video cameras, graphic design software, social media platforms, computers, job related programs, and equipment.

• Skill in interpersonal relations, including oral and written communication.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

• Strong organizational, multitasking, and problem-solving abilities.

PLEASE NOTE:

• All inquiries and applications should be obtained from the Reception Area, Catoosa County Governmental Building located at 800 LaFayette Street, Ringgold, GA or online at www.catoosa.com.

• Current employees wishing to apply for a transfer are expected to complete an application and will be notified if chosen for an interview.

• Post-offer negative drug test required.

• Equal Opportunity Employer.

Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Benefits:

• Bereavement leave
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person