Animal Control Officer

PURPOSE:

While on duty, animal control officers interact frequently with members of the public. They issue citations and warnings to people of St. Landry Parish for mistreatment of animals in their care and they may remove the animals from negligent owner’s custody. Officers may also provide educational seminars to the community on topics such as animal welfare and animal-related laws. This officer will act as a kennel attendant at times of need. The Kennel Attendant cares for and feeds the animals at the Parish Shelter. They assist in maintaining the shelter facilities and grounds and participate in the destruction of animals.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

· Capturing and Impounding dangerous or stray animals

· Investigating cases of animal cruelty

· Enforcing licensing laws and other state, county, and city laws and regulations of that are applicable to the animal control program

· Providing expert testimony in court cases

· Rescuing trapped animals

· Writing incident reports

· Providing humane care to animals under their supervision

· Performs animal care duties such as preparing food, feeding and providing fresh water daily; cleaning and disinfecting kennels (scrubbing walls and floors daily) and cat cages: washing litter pans, feed and water bowls; sweeping and mopping floors; picking up fecal material; washing and sweeping debris from walls, beds, drains, dog runs. Includes other associated cleaning duties assigned.

· Monitors sick, quarantined, and injured animals and observes them for unusual physical and behavioral conditions; separates and control fighting animals, segregates and isolates animals as necessary; assists the veterinarian or staff with vaccinations and minor medical treatments; keeps records, reports daily count of animals as well as any condition or inconsistencies to the director.

· Participates in the destruction (euthanasia) by lethal injection, of dangerous, sick or unwanted animals; assists in preparing rabies specimens.

· Shows animals to the public and provides information regarding licensing, vaccinations, euthanasia, rabies control, pet owner responsibilities, spaying – neutering adoptions options.

· Completes various records and forms such as kennel cards, dispensed daily activity charts, work order forms for repairs or general needs in shelter, maintains a log of inventory for feed, supplies and other animals needs.

· Maintains shelter facility, cleans windows and restrooms, pulls weeds, water plants, and make minor repairs, check gates and locks for security purposes and reports any safety or liability concerns to the director, cleans and stock animal controls vehicles.

· Any other duties assigned by supervisor

QUALIFICATIONS:

· Must be at least 18 years of age

· High School diploma or GED

· Experience with Animal care

· Must keep a clear and valid Driver’s License

· Must have knowledge of animal species, animal first aid, animal care and nutrition, human capture tools and techniques, animal behavior, public relations, cruelty investigation procedures, and law enforcement .

ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER SKILLS & COMPETENCIES:
To be successful in this role, you’ll generally need the following skills and qualities:

• Emotional stability: Animal control officers often come across difficult situations involving animals in neglected, abused, or injured states. They must know how to work with any emotions that arise in order to be able to effectively assist these animals.
• Interpersonal skills: This job requires interaction with the public and requires the ability to skillfully navigate difficult situations.
• Physical agility and stamina: Animal control officers may work on their feet for long periods of time, and need to be able to bend, stretch, and climb under or over obstacles to get to animals in need of help. They must also be ready to safely handle frightened or aggressive animals.

WORK SCHEDULE
As with any animal career, working hours can be irregular. Most animal control officers are required to be “on-call” for emergency situations on some nights, weekends, and holidays.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $10.00 - $16.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Experience:

• Animal Care: 1 year (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• Louisiana Drivers License (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $10 - $16