What are the responsibilities and job description for the Animal Control Officer (Lexington-Fayette Animal Care and Control) position at Lexington Humane Society?
Job Skills / Requirements
Position Overview:
Functions as an expert on animal control-related issues. Must be at least 21 years of age, have a high school diploma or equivalent, have a valid driver’s license, and submit to a background and motor vehicle check. Must successfully complete National Animal Control Association training. Must have a flexible schedule and be available to work an overnight, on-call shift in rotation with other Animal Control Officers (ACOs). Must successfully complete 60-day recruit training. Requires a strong commitment to the mission and purpose of Lexington-Fayette Animal Care and Control (LFACC) and the Lexington Humane Society (LHS). This is a non-exempt position reporting to the Assistant Chief of Animal Care and Control.
Key Accountabilities:
- Knows, understands, and enforces current laws and ordinances
- Completes all ACO activities consistent with Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)
- Prioritizes compassionate and humane treatment of animals
- Patrols the city and responds to calls from dispatch
- Picks up strays and animals in danger
- Achieves and maintains citation authority
- Interfaces with the public to inform, educate, and resolve animal-related issues
- Impounds, vaccinates, and houses animals per protocol
- Notifies owners of impounded animals
- Interprets situations, partners with the Vet Tech department when necessary, and provides basic care for animals as needed
- Responds positively to structured hierarchy and constructive feedback
- Maintains exemplary driving record
- Operates dispatch as needed
- Assists Cruelty Investigator as necessary
- Interfaces with other agencies and departments
- Compiles evidence and appears in court as necessary
- Processes incoming animals per protocol
- Completes paperwork as necessary
- Completes and maintains computerized documentation of animals
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Current laws and ordinances
- LFACC and relevant LHS SOP
- Word, Excel, and other applicable software
- Animal breeds, basic behavior, temperament, and care
- Excellent internal and external customer service skills
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Strong organizational skills with an attention to detail
- Works in a team environment
- Self-motivates and works independently in a timely fashion
- Handles difficult situations
- Multitasks in a high- pressure environment
- Assimilates incoming information and immediately prioritizes
- Evaluates situations and determines correct level of response
- Makes decisions quickly and accurately
- Interfaces with other departments to ensure the humane care of animals
- Communicates respectfully with all levels of the organization
- Handles all types of animals, large and small
- Assesses animal sex, age, and breed type
- Lifts animals, sometimes weighing in excess of 60 lbs safely and humanely
- Handles vicious, sick, and dangerous animals
- Able to operate oversized vehicles lacking a rearview mirror
- Handles constant mental stress of life and death decision-making by other staff members
- Maintains flexibility and assists with what is needed for the betterment of the organization
Education Requirements (All)
High School Diploma
Additional Information / Benefits
Benefits: Medical Insurance, Life Insurance, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance, Paid Vacation, Paid Holidays, Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability, Simple IRA Plan