What are the responsibilities and job description for the Animal Protection Officer position at Goochland County?
- Patrols assigned areas for safety concerns regarding wild animals.
- Captures and impounds unlicensed, stray, and uncontrolled animals; picks-up dead animals; rescues distressed, sick, or injured animals.
- Enforces state and local animal control related laws; issues notices to appear, warnings, or summonses.
- Checks dog licenses. Issues appropriate summons and testifies in court.
- Contacts owners of domestic animals which have bitten someone, orders the quarantine of such animals, and checks the health of the animals during and following quarantine.
- Prepares suspected rabid animals for testing.
- Provides information on laws and regulations governing the treatment, licensing, care and control of animals to the public.
- Receives and investigates citizens’ complaints related to dogs and other animals. Maintains and prepares records and reports related to animal control activities.
- Performs other assigned duties.
- Knowledge of laws, ordinances, and regulations governing the control of dogs and the protection of livestock and fowl.
- Knowledge of the geography of Goochland County.
- Knowledge of the care, control, and handling of dogs and other animals.
- Knowledge of methods and procedures used to capture and dispose of such animals.
- Skill in effective communication, both verbally and in writing.
- Skill in the use of computers and software applications related to the essential functions of the job.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other personnel and the public.
- Ability to record activities clearly and accurately.
- Ability to recognize symptoms of rabies displayed in a variety of animals.
- High school diploma or equivalent;
- Prior working experience involving animal care preferred;
- Or equivalent training, education, and/or experience; and
- Valid State of Virginia Driver’s License with a driving record that meets HR Policy requirements.
- Criminal background check and drug screen required.
- Must have the ability to receive Rabies vaccinations.
- Must have the ability and willingness to obtain training in euthanasia of domestic animals as approved by the State Veterinarian.
- Successful completion of firearms training academy
- Successful completion of the Virginia Basic Animal Control Course
- Successful completion of an emergency vehicle operator certification
LICENSING, CERTIFICATIONS, and OTHER SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Must be at least 21 years old
- Successful completion of firearms training academy
- Successful completion of the Virginia Basic Animal Control Course
- Successful completion of an emergency vehicle operator certification
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Work is medium to heavy work, which requires exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Tasks may require the ability to walk or stand for prolonged periods of time. Additionally, the following physical abilities may be required: climbing, bending, reaching, handling, and grasping.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: Work is primarily performed outdoors where exposure to various weather conditions, dust, dirt, pollen, odors, wetness, humidity, temperature and noise extremes, toxic agents, disease, pathogenic substances, animal/wildlife attacks, animal/human bites, or rude/hostile citizens may be encountered during performance of regular duties.
Salary : $49,633