Animal Control Officer

JOB SUMMARY

The Animal Control Officer (ACO) maintains public safety by enforcing animal licensing laws and humane care regulations while on patrol. Responsible for capturing and impounding dangerous or stray animals, investigating cases of animal cruelty, enforcing licensing laws, providing expert testimony in court cases, rescuing trapped animals, preparing incident reports, and providing humane care to animals under their supervision. Must be able to deal with the public in a professional and diplomatic manner, often under stressful conditions. This position works under limited supervision from the Enforcement Supervisor and responds to requests for animal control service in accordance with Anchorage Municipal Code Title 17.

This is a Full-Time/Regular position with a 40-hour work week.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Three (3) months of experience in code, law enforcement or security to include carrying out law(s) through investigations, interviewing witnesses, collecting evidence, writing citations and reports OR
• One year (full time employed) in a dispatch job in a public safety field, customer service representative, or animal handling in an animal related field (such as veterinary). For the purposes of meeting the minimum qualifications in this section, one year of formal education in a related field may be substituted for up to three (3) months’ experience.
• Experience (or desire to learn) in handling and care of animals.
• Current Alaska driver’s license with clean driving record.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Must have strong interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.
• Must have a valid Driver’s License and clean driving record.
• Reliable access to a smartphone capable of running apps for scheduling, timekeeping (clocking in/out), shift communications, and time-off requests.
• Must be able to pass the Company’s pre-employment screening process, including drug screen, criminal background investigation and post-offer physical/functional capacity evaluation.
• Note: A resume and cover letter must be attached to complete your online application

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Investigate cases of animal cruelty and complaints on violations of Anchorage Municipal Code Title 17.
• Apprehend and impound dangerous or stray animals while using required personal protective equipment (PPE), animal control devices/equipment, and techniques.
• Enforce licensing laws and other state/city laws and regulations that are applicable to the animal control program.
• Issue citations and warnings in accordance with Municipal Code Title 17
• Prepare cases for administrative hearings and provide expert testimony in court cases as needed.
• Rescue trapped animals.
• Remove dead, injured or dangerous animals from streets and residential premises.
• Maintain record of daily activity and prepare incident reports.
• Complete all job required paperwork and documentation accurately and timely.
• Educate the public on animal control ordinances including licensing and rabies requirements, adoption procedures and animal welfare. Promote good animal care and responsible pet ownership.
• Ensure cleanliness, maintenance, and safe operations of animal control vehicles.
• Maintain work related devices/equipment in compliance with industry standards.
• Respond to request for assistance from other agencies in accordance with established service priorities.
• Provide relief for radio dispatching.
• Handle all animals humanely, properly, and with compassion at all times, including those that may be sick, injured, or feral, regardless of situation or circumstance.
• Maintain healthy, safe, sanitary, pleasant and clean facilities for all animals housed at AACC using cleaners and disinfectants with chemical agents per MSDS guidelines.
• Follow established safety and operational procedures.
• Complete company/job required training. Must be able to acquire and maintain required ACO certification.
• Always treat animals and people with respect; contribute to effective teamwork; work cooperatively with and assist other staff and volunteers; and advance public relations beneficial to the Anchorage Animal Control Center (AACC).
• Perform other duties as required.

BENEFITS

Full-time regular employees have the opportunity to enroll in health insurance, life insurance, 401k Retirement Plan and short term disability insurance. Full-time regular employees are provided access to our employee assistance program.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

The employee will be required to work in a variety of environments including, but not limited to:

• Indoor/office: customer service and kennel area (noisy, odorous environment)
• Outdoor: subject to adverse weather conditions (heat, cold, icy roads, etc.)

PHYSICAL DEMANDS 

Animal control officers work on their feet for long periods of time. Physical effort may include frequent walking, standing, climbing, bending, stooping, kneeling, lifting, pushing/pulling, squatting, twisting, reaching, stretching, and repetitive motions. Talking, hearing, vision, depth perception, and hand-to-eye coordination are also required.  Strength, dexterity, and coordination sufficient to perform job duties. Must be able to frequently lift up to 50 pounds.

Denali Universal Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer