Animal Control Officer

JOB SUMMARY: This position is responsible for the enforcement of animal control ordinances.

MAJOR DUTIES:

· Answers calls regarding bite cases and animal related injuries; captures animals; interviews victims and witnesses.

· Meet with citizens and community groups to resolve problems and/or complaints.

· Interpret ordinances and apply to each case.

· Complete animal related notices of violation, pre- and post-seizure notices, and reports.

· Investigate complaints regarding vicious or stray dogs, injured animals, and animals suspected of having rabies; quarantines biting animals.

· Issues citations for code violations.

· Maintain files and follows up on all reported bite cases in the County.

· Investigates cases regarding animal cruelty or neglect and barking dogs, and animal bites.

· Prepares reports and records.

· Appear in court to testify and present evidence regarding violations of animal regulations.

· Patrol the County and impound stray, unlicensed, injured, sick or dead animals and delivers them to animal shelter or temporary holding facility.

· Participate in public education programs and demonstrations to explain pet owner responsibility.

· Safely operate and maintain animal control vehicles, which may include pulling or backing a trailer.

· Utilizes a variety of animal control devices and equipment including leash, muzzle, traps, catch pole, and radio.

· Captures and manages aggressive animals.

· Provides information to citizens concerning local and state animal control laws.

· Assists fellow officer and other law enforcement agencies in the removal of animals preventing the performance of their duties.

· May be on standby call and respond to emergencies on weekends, holidays, and off-duty hours.

· Performs other related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION:

· Knowledge of animal control tools, techniques, and procedures.

· Knowledge of county and departmental policies and procedures.

· Skill in the trapping and transportation of animals.

· Skill in prioritizing and organizing work.

· Skill in oral and written communication.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

· Knowledge and level of competency commonly associated with completion of specialized training in the field of work, in addition to basic skills typically associated with a high school education.

· Sufficient experience to understand the basic principles relevant to the major duties of the position, usually associated with the completion of an apprenticeship/internship or having had a similar position for one to two years.

· Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid driver's license issued by the State of South Carolina for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Work is performed in a variety of environmental conditions. Both indoors and mostly outdoors, with exposure to wide temperature variations, fumes, grease, machinery, and it’s moving parts, odors, and dust. Occasional exposure to hazardous work conditions including contact with snakes, potentially wild, dangerous, and diseased animals; work performed in streets and highways to remove stray or dead animals. Regularly lift objects up to 100 pounds. Other physical exertion including pushing, pulling, running, climbing, crawling, and kneeling is required. Incumbent must be able to see and hear in the normal range with or without correction and communicate verbally and in written form with great faculty and must be able to understand. Must be able to wear issued uniform and comply with appearance standards. Incumbent will be required to respond to emergencies after regular working hours and on weekends and must be willing to work in all climates and conditions.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 12 hour shift

Work Location: In person