Animal Control Officer (Grade 7)

Under general supervision, performs work of moderate difficulty enforcing laws and ordinances concerning animal care and rabies control; this position has department specific responsibility.

(Illustrative Only) Acts as the County Enforcement Agent for Animal Control; communicates and acts in a professional manner with the public, co-workers, and work contacts; operates a motor vehicle safely and in accordance with vehicle operation requirements to patrol an assigned area; patrols all unincorporated areas of the County to enforce and monitor County and State ordinances pertaining to animal regulations including animal cruelty, neglect, excessive noise, bite incidents, quarantine, animal at large, and license and vaccination requirements; issues warnings, citations, and quarantine notices to animal owners; responds to routine and emergency animal care calls; inspects animal premises, examines animals, determines appropriate action; captures, impounds and transports animals; dispenses first aid treatment to animals; examines injured and ill animals to select treatment disposition; removes animals from a variety of hazardous situations; and disposes deceased animals; responds to citizens' complaints and investigates alleged violations; interviews witnesses; collects, maintains and presents evidence on cases; prepares court documentation, and testifies in court; generates accurate and precise reports for calls received and maintains complete, accurate daily work records on appropriate forms; maintains assigned vehicle, and  equipment  used during performance of work assignments. Reports any vehicle/equipment malfunctions or unsafe problems and arranges for repair or replacement; assists and coordinates with other emergency service personnel and law enforcement agencies; assists with Humane Society of Yuma clinics for rabies vaccinations; may prepare specimen for rabies analysis; provides information to the public on State and local laws governing animal control, and general animal care and treatment information; regular and reliable attendance is required; provides emergency after-hours  on-call coverage as assigned; performs other duties as assigned. 

Knowledge of: County policies and procedures; State and local laws, statues and ordinances related to animal care and rabies control; practices and techniques in the welfare and humane treatment of animals; physical and behavioral characteristics of animals; common disease symptoms, cause, and procedures; animal restraint techniques and equipment; sanitizing practices of animal quarters; the geography, roads, and streets of Yuma County; methods and techniques of investigation including rules of evidence, laws of arrest and court procedures.

Skill in: Interpreting, enforcing and applying state and local laws relating to animal control and humane treatment of animals; identifying various types of animals, recognizing abnormal behavior and disease symptoms; capturing, controlling, caring and transporting animals; the safety and efficient use of equipment, tools and aids utilized in performance of animal control and care activities; preparing accurate records and reports; establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with employees, other agencies, and the public; exercising patience, care and compassion in dealing with animals; enforcing regulations with firmness, maintaining composure, and working effectively under stressful and emergency situations; dealing impartially with people of different social, economic, and ethnic backgrounds; following and communicating written and verbal instructions.

 

The usual and customary methods of performing the job’s functions require the following physical demands: occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling; some stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling; and significant fine finger dexterity; generally the job requires 30% sitting, 40% walking and 30% standing; working at a computer monitor for extended periods required.; the job is performed under varying extreme weather conditions and may be exposed to hazardous materials.