Animal Control Officer

The Coeur d'Alene Police Department is actively hiring a full-time Animal Control Officer.

The Animal Control Officer patrols city parks and neighborhoods, usually in a vehicle, within the City limits and enforces compliance with city and state laws governing the control, safety, welfare, licensing, and impoundment of animals. Work requires the exercise of considerable discretion with guidance from procedural manuals, ordinances and licensing conditions; good communication skills; a calm demeanor; and the ability to explain code requirements to sometimes difficult people. Minimum qualifications include a high school diploma or GED; and preferred experience working with domestic animals. Animal Control Officers do not supervise, but may be required to train new employees in the same or similar job. The work is performed in a general office, and field environment that can expose the employee to inclement weather, dangerous animals, and angry people.

• Conducts routine patrols throughout city parks and areas within the City limits;
• Enforces City animal licensing and enforces city animal control ordinances;
• Responds to complaints and service requests including but not limited to animal noise, abuse, strays, dangerous animals, lost animals, and welfare reports, bite reports, nuisance and related incidents;
• Confines stray and/or unlicensed dogs at large in a humane manner, and coordinates with shelters for impoundment;
• Writes citations for violations of state and City ordinances related to animals;
• Coordinates with law enforcement and other local and state agencies on complaints and incidents;
• Patrols for stray, injured and dead animals; obtains veterinary care for injured or sick animals;
• Maintains animal care equipment including but not limited to trucks, cages and crates, traps, catch and snare equipment;
• Produces and maintains case files, work records, forms, and reports including accounts of investigative findings and other information;
• Prepares detailed investigative summaries for presentation in court. Coordinates with prosecuting attorneys and witnesses for court testimony as deemed necessary;
• Provides information on laws and regulations governing the treatment, licensing, care and control of animals to the public in the field; educates the public about animal issues and responsible pet ownership, and promotes a humane and caring attitude towards animals;
• Addresses groups and organizations on animal control-related public safety and health issues.
• Responds to management's, supervisor's, co-workers' and citizens' questions and comments in a courteous, thorough and timely manner;
• Performs time management and scheduling functions, meets deadlines, and sets project priorities;
• Maintains strict confidentiality of all matters;
• Assists other department and City employees as needed or requested.
• Performs all work duties and activities in accordance with City policies, procedures, and safety practices.

• Being available after hours for on-call;
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• High school diploma or GED;
• Preferred experience working with domestic animals;
• Valid Driver's License; or equivalent
• An equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities to successfully perform the essential functions of the position may be considered.

• Methods used in the safe, effective and humane handling and restraint of a variety of animals, including those that are sick, injured, aggressive and/or difficult to control;
• Standard safety precautions and equipment used in animal care, control and shelters;
• Physical and behavioral characteristics of different species and breeds of animals;
• Methods and techniques of documentation;
• City codes and ordinances;
• Effective communication techniques to explain city codes;
• Conflict resolution techniques;
• Evidence gathering techniques such a photography, video, audio, etc.
• Operation of modern office equipment;

• Enforce animal control and licensing ordinances to assure the safety and health of citizens and animals in the City;
• Interpret and apply codes, laws and regulations, policies and procedures of animal collection, impoundment, quarantine and disposal;
• Understand and maintain health and safety regulations;
• Capture, care and handle domestic animals;
• Remain calm and composed when confronted by angry citizens;
• Deal tactfully, courteously and firmly with the public;
• Assess and interpret applicable City codes and explain them in a clear, concise manner;
• Gather, assemble, analyze and evaluate facts and evidence and draw logical conclusions and make proper recommendations;
• Prepare clear, concise and comprehensive written reports;
• Proficiently operate computers, software programs, such as Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, or similar office software to create documents and other materials, maintain information, and generate reports;
• Use English and speak clearly for understanding;
• Listen carefully to, understand, and effectively communicate through verbal, written, and electronic communication channels;
• Perform duties to supervisor's expectations;
• Follow verbal and written instructions;
• Work independently and exercise initiative, with general guidance and supervision;
• Maintain a professional demeanor at all times;
• Perform a wide variety of duties and responsibilities with accuracy and speed under the pressure of time-sensitive deadlines;
• Demonstrate integrity and ingenuity the performance of assigned tasks and solving problems;
• Perform all duties in accordance with City policies and procedures with regard for personal safety and that of other employees and the public.

Physical Demands & Work Environment: 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this classification. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of a job, on a case-by-case basis. 

Salary : $25 - $26