Animal Control Officer

Description

Due to an internal promotion, the City of Liberty is seeking a compassionate, responsible, and community-minded Animal Control Officer to join our team. This position is ideal for someone who has strong problem-solving skills, good judgement, the ability to work well with citizens, has a genuine concern for animal welfare and would enjoy contributing to a community that values safety, kindness and high-quality service.

As an Animal Control Officer, you’ll respond to calls for service, ensure the humane treatment and safe handling of animals, enforce local ordinances, and help educate the public on responsible pet ownership. You'll also support daily operations at the animal shelter, including maintaining cleanliness and care standards for all animals. As a member of our team, you get to travel throughout the city, experience something new every day and know you're making a meaningful difference!

Schedule & Benefits

• Full-time
• Day-shift schedule
  • Sunday -Thursday / 8am - 5pm
    • Following initial training, employees may choose to work (4) 10 hour shifts.
    • Sunday shifts are required with 8 or 10 hour schedule.
  • Hours & schedule may be subject to change, as dictated by business demands
  • Overtime, as required, to cover shelter business hours, holidays and after-hours emergencies
• Generous paid time off (including vacation time, sick time, comp time and 11 paid holidays per year)
• FREE medical, dental and vision insurance
• FREE retirement plan benefits
• See 'Benefits' tab above for more information

Essential Functions

• Ensure the safety and health of our community by Impounding stray and lost animals as appropriate.
• Provide basic treatment to injured animals and animal guests staying at our facility.
• Transport animal guests to veterinarian for treatment and care.
• Calm anxiety issues of the animal guests utilizing vet approved methods.
• Humanely disposing of animal guests when other possibilities regarding the animal guest’s circumstances are exhausted.
• Assist veterinarian with euthanizing unclaimed, wounded or sick animals; dispose of ashes; clean and maintain incinerator.
• Investigate reports or complaints of animals creating nuisances; take appropriate action; investigate reports of animal abuse; follow up on reports of animal bites; prepare and monitor live animal traps as needed.
• Prepare and maintain a variety of daily records and reports.
• Patrol the City to search for animals running at large; investigate animal cruelty complaints; respond to calls and complaints regarding vicious, dead, stray or diseased animals.
• Interpret and explain to the public our city ordinances relating to the care and keep of animals; and issue citations for violations of said ordinances.
• Respond to public inquiries regarding domestic and wild animals.
• Provide educational speeches regarding animal treatment and behavior to the public; respond to citizen inquiries and request for services.
• Maintain cleanliness of shelter facility, shelter equipment and city vehicles.
• Research, order and supply quality products for the animal guests at the shelter to ensure basic needs are met.
• Performs other duties as needed to ensure quality municipal services for our citizens.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Pertinent laws that affect assigned division and department.
• Humane animal collection methods and practices, including the use of traps.
• Animal diseases and sanitation practices.
• Various breeds of dogs, cats and other domestic animals.
• Behavioral characteristics of both domestic and wild animals.
• Geographic features and streets within the City.
• Procedures and practices related to animal spay/neuter (sterilization).
• Principles and practices of record keeping.
• Work independently in the absence of supervision.
• Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of essential duties including operating and maintaining assigned equipment.
• Maintain mental capacity which permits satisfactory performance of essential functions including decision-making, communication, teamwork and positive customer/citizen interactions and experiences.
• Enforce animal regulations.
• Control loose, injured or vicious animals.
• Learn and utilize proper handling, muzzling and tranquilizing techniques.
• Properly euthanize animals in accordance with animal control best practices.
• Effectively deal with personal danger, which may include exposure to dangerous animals.

Experience, Education & Training

• 1-2 years of experience working with animals in a shelter or vet clinic.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid driver’s license.
• Veterinary Technician training/certification preferred.
• National Animal Control Association training preferred.

The City of Liberty adheres to a drug-free workplace as defined by federal law.