What are the responsibilities and job description for the FIELD SUPPORT SPECIALIST (ON-CALL) position at Polk County?
Under general supervision, provides a wide variety of non-sworn support related functions for the public and Sheriff’s Office staff; these services include but are not limited to, animal control duties, report writing, vehicle and general maintenance functions, and other duties as assigned by a supervisor.
- Investigates animal bite complaints, interviews victims and animal owners, and delivers animals to a holding facility.
- Maintains a constant vigilance for potentially dangerous animals at large, apprehends, and delivers stray, injured, or dead animals to a holding facility.
- Issues verbal warnings and authorizes written notices to violators of animal control laws; assists law enforcement personnel in accessing property; sets traps, uses catch poles and nets; may operate a tranquilizer gun to protect public safety.
- Prepares and delivers specimens to the diagnostic lab.
- Maintains weekly time records, logs, and animal control reports.
- Advises, informs, and counsels the general public regarding animal control laws and Polk County Board of Health policies.
- Schedules and ensures that preventive maintenance is completed on all county-owned Field Support Specialist vehicles; cleans and inventories supplies and equipment.
- Assists stranded and stalled motorists.
- Conducts public relation patrols of residential and business areas.
- Assists deputies and detectives as requested.
- Performs a variety of specialized and technical non-law enforcement duties in support of the Patrol Services Division.
- Performs related duties as assigned.
- Thorough knowledge of the careful dealing with animals in various stages of different behavior.
- Knowledge of laws and regulations governing the licensing, control, quarantine, and impounding of animals.
- Knowledge of departmental policies and standard operation procedures.
- Ability to effectively negotiate and communicate with persons who are in a distressed state.
- Ability to lift, move, and control large animals weighing up to 75 pounds.
- Ability to perform work requiring physical endurance and agility.
- Ability to bend, stoop, climb, crawl, and run.
- Ability to work outdoors in inclement weather, travel throughout Polk County, and walk on uneven terrains.
- Ability to effectively use tranquilizer guns.
- Ability to safely operate and maintain county-owned vehicles and all related equipment.
- Ability to keep accurate and concise records.
- Ability to work independently at all hours of the day or night.
- Ability to attend and successfully complete training.
- Ability to work dependably with other agencies in completing tasks.
- Ability to exercise sound judgment and decision-making.
- Ability to establish and maintain a satisfactory relationship with other employees, law enforcement officials, Animal Rescue League staff, and the general public, fostering a collaborative and professional work environment.
- Ability to handle confidential information in a sensitive manner.
- Ability to analyze situations and adopt a course of action.
- Ability to remain calm in emergency situations.
- Ability to multi-task and work steady under pressure with frequent interruptions.
- Ability to organize and prioritize work assignments.
- Ability to demonstrate an awareness of cultural diversity in the community.
- Graduation from high school or equivalent, and
- One year of experience and/or training in animal behavior, caretaking, or a related field, or
- Any equivalent combination of training and experience that will have provided the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Special Requirements:
- Work is subject to call out for emergencies and after hours on a 24 hour, seven days a week basis. Employee must be able to report to duty within a 30-minute time period under normal driving conditions.
- Employee may be required to take rabies shots on a periodic basis to reduce risk of rabies infection.
- Candidate must pass a post-employment physical examination and physical capacity testing to ensure candidate meets the essential physical requirements of the position.
- A criminal background check is required.
- A drug screen is required prior to final offer of employment.
- A valid State of Iowa driver’s license is required.
*This position is on-call status and is not benefits eligible.