JOB SUMMARY

The Animal Control Officer is responsible for responding to animal complaints from county residents, along with domestic cat and dog bites and public health and safety issues that are animal related.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Works complaints regarding domesticated cats and dogs
• Works complaints related to the failure to provide humane care to animals
• Works complaints regarding livestock
• Works 911 after-hours calls for bite and aggression cases on a rotating shift
• Other duties as assigned. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• High School Diploma or GED
• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Experience with animals preferred

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Ability to maintain confidence around animals
• Strong working knowledge of county codes and ordinances
• Ability to provide excellent customer service to citizens at all times, especially in stressful circumstances, by providing friendly interaction with clients and animals
• General safety rules and regulations pertaining to duties
• Use of cat tongs and dart gun
• Must be able to drive a pick-up truck with animal cage attachment on bed
• Use of computers, copiers, telephones, faxes, and other general office equipment
• Procedures and policies pertaining to duties

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

• A valid driver’s license and maintain a satisfactory Motor Vehicle Report (MVR)

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

These physical demands are representative of the physical requirements for an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the Animal Control Officer‘s job. Reasonable accommodation can be made to enable people with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the responsibilities of the job, the employee is required to stand, walk, sit, climb, bend, crouch and twist to perform such tasks as:  

• Observing the area and communicating with others
• Walking around the work site
• Lifting supplies and equipment
• Sitting while driving
• Reaching for objects and equipment
• Kneeling, bending, or crouching to subdue, restrain, or capture an animal
• Crawling under equipment or inside attics, pipes, or ditches
• Pushing and pulling file drawers or tables and chairs
• Climbing stairs and ladders
• Balancing on ladders and uneven surfaces
• Twisting from computer to phone, getting inside a vehicle, getting through tight places

Hand and foot dexterity is required to operate a vehicle, control equipment, office equipment and paperwork.

Hearing and speech are necessary to communicate with customers and co-workers in person, by telephone and radio.

Good vision is required for all functions.

This position must be able to lift 35 pounds frequently and 75 pounds occasionally. Pushing, pulling, tugging, and towing when transporting animals by leash or in cages is also performed on a frequent basis. Some larger canine breeds may exceed 100 pounds.

Physical hazards include exposure to dangerous and fractious animals, animal bites and scratches are common, so the need for restraint of temperamental, aggressive, and sick animals on a regular basis. The physical agility and mental acuity to handle these sudden and potentially dangerous situations is a must.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is usually exposed to a noise level that is moderate to loud. About 10% of the work is performed in a controlled office environment with regulated heating and air conditioning.  

An estimated 90% of the time is spent driving from one location to another in traffic and weather conditions normal to this region, and working out of doors, without the aid of air conditioning and heating for periods of time, as well as exposure to wind, rain, heat, cold, and other environmental elements.

STANDARDS FOR MEASURING PERFORMANCE

• Successful development and implementation of objectives; continuous growth in service provided
• Ability to work alone or with a team
• Appropriate and positive interaction with staff, management, volunteers, community groups, professional associates, and private citizens
• Accomplishment of job functions in an effective and timely manner
• Proficiency in oral and written communication
• Effectiveness in establishing priorities, working on multiple assignments and concurrent projects
• Exercise of sound judgment in the absence of specific guidelines
• Demonstrated ability to thoroughly analyze problems; to meet demanding and changing deadlines in spite of interruptions
• Adherence to established policies and procedures