Animal Care & Control Officer

Position Summary

Animal Care & Control Officers are responsible for protecting the community from dangerous and/or sick animals; enforcing and/or investigating Pittsburgh city ordinances; rescuing/capturing/impounding a variety of animals requiring specialized equipment; ensuring that all animals in the City of Pittsburgh are treated humanely under the law. Animal Care & Control Officers are required to euthanize rabies vector species as necessary, pick up or assist with the pick-up and disposal of deceased animals. Animal Care & Control Officers are also expected to be an accessible point of contact for the community regarding animal care and control related topics.

Department: Public Safety, Bureau of Animal Care & Control

Posting Type: Announcement/Bid

Salary: $24.85 per hour.

Union: This position is included in the Teamsters Local Union 249 bargaining unit and will be filled in accordance with the provisions of the Collective Bargaining Agreement.

• WORK EXPERIENCE: The application must clearly show three (3) months of full-time professional experience in animal handling, such as animal controller, veterinary technician, zoo keeper, professional fostering, volunteer work, etc. Euthanasia experience preferred. (Less than full-time experience will be calculated on a pro-rated basis.)
• EDUCATION/TRAINING: The application must clearly show a high school diploma or GED.
• EQUIVALENCY: Education/training may be substituted for work experience on a year for year basis if the application clearly shows the required number of years to meet the Total Qualifying Requirement for this position (based on the sum of work experience and education/training listed above) . The Total Qualifying Requirement is three (3) months. ( See NOTE under the General Application Requirements Section above regarding the verification of education/training.)

POSITION DUTIES

• Patrols area assigned and actively pursues violations of animal control ordinances.
• (Article III, Chapters 631, 633, 634, 635 and 636 of Pittsburgh City Code).
• Assists residents in removing animals from their homes and properties.
• Transports animals to shelters and veterinary hospitals as necessary.
• Initiates investigation of possible nuisance violations.
• Physically lifts and transports animals in carriers and traps.
• Assists in the removal of deceased animals as needed.
• Coordinates and refers animal related issues with/to appropriate departments and agencies (e.g. Department of Public Safety, Humane Animal Rescue, Game Commission, Coroner, Health Department).
• Alerts supervisor and/or the appropriate authorities of any suspected cases of cruelty or neglect (including, but not limited to, dog fighting).
• Assists Police, EMS, Fire or Homeland Security in the completion of their work as requested if animals are present.
• Investigates and reports complaints of animal bites.
• Quarantines animals.
• Euthanizes rabies vector species as needed in accordance with established protocols and safety procedures.
• Drives City vehicles as assigned and in accordance with established safety policies and procedures.
• Issues citations and warnings for ordinance violations.
• Completes forms and prepares accurate reports.
• Participates in education programs for various public groups regarding relevant Animal Care and Control topics.
• Answers telephones; receives and dispatches calls.
• Attends court on behalf of the bureau to testify as required.
• Attends training programs, seminars, etc.
• Works varying shifts, weekends, holidays, and on call as directed.
• Works outside in various weather conditions and terrain.
• Performs activities and functions of related personnel and other related tasks/duties as required.