Title: Animal Control Officer

Departments: Field

This position reports to: Director of Field Operations

Schedule: Possibly include weekends. 300pm-midnight

Purpose of Position:

Animal Control Officers investigate violations and educate citizens within the contracted metro communities regarding all Animal Control ordinances. This position is responsible for responding to animal related complaints and calls for service such as animal care, control, rescue and relocation.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

This position description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees are required to follow any other job related duties assigned by their supervisor. This document does not create an employment contract implied or otherwise, and does not alter the “at‐will” relationship.

• Capture, lead, lift, carry and restrain wild and domestic animals of various sizes, species, temperaments, and states of health.
• Handle sick, injured, orphaned, and aggressive wild and domestic animals.
• Collect pet animals from owners who wish to surrender them.
• Locate, identify, lift, carry and properly dispose of deceased animals of various sizes and species in various states of decomposition.
• Locate and rescue animals in distress.
• Locate, capture and impound wild and domestic animals potentially carrying the Rabies virus.
• Subdue and impound any animals involved in active states of attack.
• Maintain and operate live animal traps of various sizes and weights.
• Perform humane euthanasia on animals suffering severely compromised health.
• Operate animal tranquilizer equipment when necessary.
• Investigate all violations of all Animal Control ordinances.
• Investigate initial animal cruelty and neglect complaints.
• Issue citations for misdemeanor Animal Control ordinance violations.
• Educate pet owners on proper care, maintenance and control of animals, and promote humane and kind treatment toward animals.
• Educate residents on proper methods of cohabitation with urban wildlife.
• Investigate complaints of bites, attacks and property damages caused by animals.
• Meticulous implementation of Rabies Quarantine procedures.
• Investigate complaints of Dangerous and Potentially Dangerous Animals.
• Meticulous implementation of Potentially Dangerous Animal declarations as well as Reckless Owner declarations.
• Sell pet licenses in the field.
• Prepare multiple clear and concise case reports daily containing proper spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Appear in court to give testimony.
• Accurately maintain log sheets as they pertain to daily field activities.
• Maintain and safely operate assigned equipment.
• Safely operate and maintain a clean and organized work vehicle.
• Display a clean and pressed assigned uniform at all times while on duty.
• Represent the Nebraska Humane Society in a professional and compassionate manner to the public.
• Perform any additional tasks as assigned by the Director of Field Operations or Night Shift Supervisor.

Position Qualifications: Education, Experience, Certification, and Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

Required

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Experience with Windows 7 and/or 10 and Office 2007 and above.
• Must be a self-starter with the ability to work independently.
• Must have excellent interpersonal skills.
• Must have a good driving record, a valid driver’s license, and be able to provide proof of vehicle insurance.
• Must be able to navigate city streets and county roads, and locate addresses or described locations with little to no difficulty.
• Must be able to exercise independent judgment, make decisions and remain emotionally resilient while working in high stress or disturbing situations.
• Must be able to sort and prioritize calls for service based on high and low priority status and must be able to determine most logical route to each.
• Must be able to communicate clearly both verbally and in writing.
• Must be comfortable and skilled working with a culturally diverse staff and community.
• Must show affection and compassion for animals, concern for their welfare and willingness to accommodate animals in the work place.
• Must display strong maturity, good judgment, professional conduct, and personal appearance.
• Must be considerate and respectful of all employees, volunteers and customers.

Desired

• Bachelor’s degree preferred
• Some post high school strongly preferred
• Previous animal handling experience preferred

HOURS:

• Minimum of 40 hours per week. Days and hours to be determined by the Director of Field Operations.

Work Conditions:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions within the work environment.

• The noise level in the office environment is usually quiet, though barking or whining of animals may be escalated at certain times in certain areas of the building.
• High exposure to animals whose reactions to the shelter environment cannot be predicted.
• Temperatures in the shelter environment are varied, though usually moderate, and dependent on the season.
• Potential exposure to zoonotic diseases and hazardous chemicals.
• Ability to work around animals without severe allergic reactions.
• As work may need to be done outside of the shelter, the employee may encounter environmental issues outside of our control such as fallen tree limbs, rain storms or snow/ice. The employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts; in high precarious places; and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions. When this occurs, the employee must report the issues immediately to their direct supervisor who will work to resolution.
• Incumbent will be required to respond to emergencies after regular working hours and on weekends and must be willing to work an irregular schedule, which may include holidays, evenings, and/or varying hours, as assigned. Must be able to respond to emergency calls within thirty minutes.

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Must have use of all extremities.
• Must be able to lift 50 to 100 pounds.
• Must have good vision for detailed work.
• Must have good coordination.
• Must be able to use a computer.
• Must be able to work with animals without allergic reaction.
• Must be able to safely operate a cargo van or work truck with areas of limited visibility.
• Must be able to handle all types of animals.
• Must be able to safely ascend and descend from steep hills, walls, ladders, etc.
• Must be able to confidently perform tasks in areas off the ground at various levels of heights (roof tops, trees, etc).
• Must be able to confidently perform tasks in extremely confined spaces.
• Must be able to enter and work in settings where extremely cluttered, hoarded or unsanitary conditions and strong odors may exist.
• Must be able to communicate clearly.