Animal Control Officer Trainee / Animal Control Officer

General Description

This employee performs duties in the capture, admission, and care of animals as well as community outreach and the enforcement of City ordinances governing animals in the City of Rochester. Supervision is received from higher-level Animal Services personnel and the Assistant Director for Animal Control. Related duties are performed as required. *Most of the work involves dogs but also includes other domestic animals and wildlife*

Under the NY HELPS Program, the Civil Service Exam for this title has been waived. For additional information regarding the NY HELPS Program, please visit: https://www.cs.ny.gov/help/faq.cfm

Typical Work Activities

• Responds to calls for service involving stray, injured, or threatening animals (mostly canines but includes other domestic animals and wildlife);
• Captures and transports animals to the animal shelter for care and treatment;
• Safely operates a vehicle to transport animals, pick up and deliver supplies, and conduct community outreach;
• Assists the public with animal-related concerns;
• Issues citations and warnings to animal owners in violation of City ordinances;
• Investigates constituent complaints of animal-related incidents and activity;
• Refers suspected animal cruelty or neglect situations to appropriate personnel;
• Shares information with pet owners to support the appropriate care and maintenance of their pets;
• Writes routine reports and completes written and electronic forms, working within the records management database;
• Administers vaccines and treatments upon intake;
• Assists with euthanasia of animals, as needed;
• Patrols city neighborhoods to enforce City animal ordinances and perform proactive outreach and pet owner assistance;
• Collaborates with sworn City personnel when requested;
• Assists in the development of new Animal Control Officers;
• Maintains interior and exterior of the facility for the safety of employees and the public as requested by supervisory personnel;
• Attends training deemed necessary by management;
• Testifies in court, as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Animal Control Officer Trainee:
High School Diploma or Equivalent, PLUS six (6) months of work experience (full-time or part-time equivalent) which involved the care, treatment, handling, or transport of animals.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Possession of a valid New York State Class D driver’s license at the time of appointment;
• Possession of a valid National Animal Control Association I (NACA I) certification within one (1) year of appointment;
• Possession of a valid Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator permit, issued by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, within one (1) year of appointment;
• All licenses and certificates must be maintained throughout employment in this position.

• Possession of a valid New York State Class D driver’s license at the time of appointment;
• Possession of a valid National Animal Control Association I (NACA I) certification at the time of appointment;
• Possession of a valid National Animal Control Association II (NACA II) certification within two (2) years of appointment;
• Possession of a valid Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator permit, issued by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, within six (6) months of appointment;
• All licenses and certificates must be maintained throughout employment in this position.

For full-time employees:
The City of Rochester offers a complete benefits package to full-time employees including health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave.

For less-than full-time employees:
The City of Rochester offers numerous growth opportunities to include the potential to transition into full-time, permanent employment.