Animal Control Officer

The Civilian Animal Control Officer is responsible for the enforcement of both state and local animal control laws, the performance of minor veterinary care, and rabies control measures in order to insure the health and safety of the public. The ACO shall apprehend loose and unlicensed dogs, investigate all complaints, issue necessary citations, appear in court with necessary records, clear city of all dead animals, provide emergency care and transportation for injured wildlife and injured stray pets if no owner is present, and obtain medical treatment as required.

We are an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer committed to promoting a multicultural work force, excellence in public service, and on-going mutual respect in our working relationships. We strongly encourage people of color, people with disabilities, LGBTQ+ individuals, bilingualists, and people from other underrepresented groups to apply for our open positions - recognizing and respecting that diverse perspectives and experiences are valuable to our team and essential to our public service. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Patrols the roads and ways of the City, catching any stray dogs.  Returns stay dogs to their owners (if known) or impounds until the owner claims the dog.  Issues appropriate citations and fines for violations of state and local laws or regulations related to the care and control of animals.  Prepares and files complaints with the court for unpaid citations.
• Investigates complaints from the public, other agencies, and the police department regarding dog bite incidents and dangerous or aggressive dogs, loose dogs, cruelty or neglect of animals, nuisance or barking dogs; responds to each complaint according to the merit of the situation.
• Responds to injured domestic animal reports, transporting the animal to the appropriate veterinary facility and locating the owner of the injured animal when possible; provides minor veterinary care to the animals in the department’s care.
• Responds when needed to reports of injured wildlife and transports sick of injured wildlife when needed to an appropriate wildlife facility.
• Responds to reports of domestic or wild animals in distress/trapped in unusual places and rescues the animal, returning the animal to the owner, releasing back to the wild, or transporting the animal for further care. Conducts annual barn inspections to inspect animals and facilities.
• Captures and controls livestock and exotic animals that have escaped their property.
• Prepares rabies specimens; advises the public on proper rabies protocol.
• Places order of quarantine on domestic animals suspected of having infectious diseases and enforces quarantine.      Prepares suspected rabid animals for testing and ensures transport to State laboratory for testing.
• Enforces the state and local dog licensing law, contacting unlicensed dog owners and issuing citations or fines when appropriate.
• Maintains and updates records, database, and files of information for the department
• Performs other duties as required or needed.

QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or equivalent. 
• Five years’ experience working with animals or in related field preferred. 
• Valid Class D motor vehicle driver’s license.
• Ability to interpret and understand ordinances and laws. 
• Proficient written and oral communication skills; Proficient computer skills.
• Ability to interact effectively and appropriately with the public and other personnel, create accurate and detailed reports of findings, deal with irate constituents, and maintain confidential information. 
• Ability to restrain animals in a safe manner.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Must be available for emergencies, nights, weekends and holidays. Frequent and extended periods of outside work, subject to all weather conditions and extremes. 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Work requires agility and physical strength in order to carry out essential functions of the position in a safe and effective manner including but not limited to moving in or about construction sites or over rough terrain in pursuit of stray animals, or standing or walking most of the work period.  Work may require lifting heavy animals and department equipment and carrying them for significant distances.  There may be need to stretch and reach to retrieve materials.  The work may require extended physical effort over a significant portion of the work day.

HOURS

40 hours per week

SALARY

Starting rate $17.58 - $18.56 an hour

Annual increases up to $24.34 an hour