Animal Control Officer

 Job Summary:

Apprehends and retains stray dogs, cats and other animals to protect the public by enforcing applicable Animal Control ordinances of the State, County and local municipalities.   

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

Provide assistance as needed in the field to other officers/agencies.

Investigates complaints concerning stray, vicious, sick or injured animals and reports of cruelty to animals. Verifies compliance with state and local licensing requirements for breeders, boarding facilities etc. 

Issues citations to owners in violation of animal control regulations; prepares reports needed for legal action; maintains all records.

Responds to removal orders as required; explains reasons for removal of animals from owners who are not allowed to keep the animal.

Vaccinates and/or tranquilizes animals; may assist in euthanasia.

Prepares animal traps and assists in animal apprehension; participates in unloading tagging and identifying impounded animals; quarantines animals as required.

Maintains equipment used in capturing and securing animals, including County vehicle.

Regular and predictable attendance is required.

Performs other related duties as required. 

Minimum Qualifications Required:

Education and Experience:

High School Diploma or G.E.D.

No experience required.

Licenses and Certifications:

Valid Class I Driver's license and a satisfactory Motor Vehicle Record (MVR).

Euthanasia certification or the ability to obtain within 3 months

Rabies vaccinations or the ability to obtain and maintain within 3 months.

Ability to gain post certification. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of the safe handling and general welfare of large and small animals.

Knowledge of pertinent animal control laws, regulations and ordinances.

Knowledge of work hazards.

Ability to care for animals.

Ability to become certified in euthanasia.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships public officials and employees and to deal with the public in a courteous and pleasant manner.

Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. 

ADA Minimum Requirements:

Physical Ability: Essential functions continuously require the ability to maintain body equilibrium to prevent failing when walking, standing, crouching or navigating narrow, slippery or erratically moving surfaces; repetitively use hands/arms/legs; and grasp items. Incumbents constantly must think analytically; handle stress and emotion, concentrate on tasks, remember names and other details; examine and observe details; make decisions, and adjust to change. Essential functions continuously require incumbents to be on call; work irregular hours (nights and/or weekends); meet deadlines; operate equipment; and stay organized. 

Essential functions frequently require the ability to remain in a stationary position (sitting/standing); move oneself about the work site by walking; push or pull items; and move/transport items weighing up to 25lbs. Essential functions frequently require incumbents to attend work related meetings and trainings; direct others; handle confidential information; use a keyboard/type; and maintain stamina during workday.

Essential functions occasionally require the ability to bend body downward and forward by bending spine and legs, twisting at the waist, hips or knees; move oneself by crawling on hands and knees; ascend and descend ladders, stairs, and ramps; reach overhead; position oneself by crouching/kneeling; and move/transport items weighing between 26lbs and 100lbs. Essential functions occasionally require incumbents to use math/calculations. 

Sensory Ability: Essential Functions require the ability to use effective verbal and written communication; and use of hand/eye coordination and fine manipulation to use tools and equipment.

Environmental Factors: Essential functions are continuously performed with exposure to dirt/mud and wet, slippery floors and surfaces. Incumbents continuously must be able to work with others. 

Essential functions are frequently performed with exposure to adverse environmental conditions, including inclement weather or dry environments; extreme hot or cold temperatures; risk of bodily injury from hazards including biological, chemical, sharp objects/tools, and traffic; constricted spaces; fumes, gasses, odors, and dust; and extreme noise. Incumbents frequently must be able to work alone. 

Essential functions are occasionally performed with exposure to risk of bodily injury from hazards of heavy machinery; moving mechanical parts; and hot temperature devices such as burners.

Incumbents regularly must be able to work around equipment/machinery; drive county vehicles and other equipment; and walk on uneven ground. 

This class specification should not be interpreted as all-inclusive.  It is intended to identify the major responsibilities and requirements of this job.   The incumbents may be requested to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification.