What are the responsibilities and job description for the Animal Control Officer I position at MAURY COUNTY?
Nature of Work
This is responsible law enforcement and animal control work assisting with all aspects of animal apprehension, control and placement for Maury County. Activities associated with the job include assisting with the collection of stray and/or abandoned animals, transporting them to the animal shelter and providing care for them until they are reunited with their owner, adopted and/or euthanized. Additional responsibilities include educating the public about rabies control and regulations governing animals, assisting with the cleaning and maintenance of the animal shelter, investigating and prosecuting animal abuse cases, training law enforcement officers on animal control activities and assisting in euthanasia activities when necessary. Incumbents are also authorized to issue citations and warrants for criminal offenses related to the care and treatment of animals. Job responsibilities require good interpersonal, organizational and decision making skills, considerable experience in animal control activities and working with animals, knowledge of all state regulations and local ordinances governing the care and treatment of animals, ability to consistently adhere to established operational policies and procedures and sufficient strength and agility to perform the physically demanding aspects of the job in a variety of weather conditions. Job performance is evaluated by the Director through review of the effectiveness of animal control activities, ability to effectively supervise and direct the activities of volunteers and inmates, knowledge of state regulations and local ordinances governing animal control activities, ability to interact effectively with the public and efficient use of departmental funding.
Illustrative Examples of Work
-Consistently adheres to established operational policies and procedures to ensure the efficient and effective operation of the Animal Shelter.
-Assists with patrolling neighborhoods and responding to calls to apprehend stray and/or abandoned animals and transporting them to the animal shelter.
-Assists with supervising and directing the daily activities of all volunteers and trustees when necessary.
-Investigates allegations of animal cruelty, neglect and/or abandonment.
-Assists with performing required administrative duties such as logging calls, preparing surrender forms, bite reports, etc.
-Assists with ensuring the cleanliness and proper maintenance of the animal shelter and recommending the procurement of maintenance services when necessary.
-Assists with providing training to other law enforcement personnel on animal related laws and the proper handling of animals and/or animal related complaints.
-Responds to complaints and/or emergency situations in accordance with the current Animal Control Protocol and mediates disputes involving citizens and animals.
-Assists with conducting investigations, preparing reports and assists in the prosecution of animal abuse cases.
-Interacts with pet owners and the public when dealing with stray or abandoned animals and animals that have been hurt or have bitten someone.
-Educates the public on the law and ordinances pertaining to animal ownership and control.
-Assists with maintaining the cleanliness of the animal shelter and providing care for animals awaiting adoption.
-Assists with compiling statistics, maintaining records and preparing reports of shelter activities, animal dispositions and animal control activities.
-Assists with the apprehension and intake of animals and the day to day showing and adoption of animals.
-Executes citations to individuals in violation of ordinances pertaining to the care and control of animals and assists with prosecuting animal abuse cases.
-Assists in ascertaining the health and disposition of animals brought to the animal shelter.
-Assists in administering medicine to animals, tranquilizing uncontrollable animals and administering euthanasia.
-Assists with ensuring a proper inventory of all supplies and equipment required for animal control operations.
-Performs related duties as required.