Animal Control Officer

Overview

Under general supervision, performs a variety of duties involved in the enforcement and communication of animal services codes, ordinances, and regulations; responds to calls and complaints from citizens for animal services and takes appropriate action; establishes and maintains positive community relations; and performs related work as required.

Receives general supervision from the Neighborhood Services Manager and/or assigned supervisory or management personnel. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.

This journey-level classification is responsible for independently performing the full range of animal control duties in support of the Neighborhood Services Division. Positions at this level exercise judgment and initiative in their assigned tasks, receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.

• Patrols areas within the City and enforces animal services codes, ordinances, and regulations; investigates reports of animal abuse; issues citations; takes other appropriate actions.
• Captures and impounds unlicensed, stray, and uncontrolled animals; transports animals to shelter; arranges for proper storage and humane care.
• Picks up dead or injured animals; provides aid to injured animals; transports animals to veterinarian for treatment or euthanasia.
• Responds to calls from citizens for animal services; investigates complaints involving animals; investigates reports of dogs, cats, or other animals creating nuisances.
• Determines whether calls meet the criteria for emergency response and call out and how quarantines should be handled; evaluates and authorizes immediate care of euthanasia for sick and injured animals, emergency seizure of animals, and owner relinquishments in the field; determines whether a criminal complaint and/or dangerous/vicious animal investigation should be initiated.
• Establishes and maintains positive community relations through public assistance regarding humane animal services, and enforcement of animal regulations, and answers specific and general questions.
• Identifies and investigates animal-related crimes; interviews witnesses, collects evidence, writes reports, and testifies in court.
• Investigates reports of animal bites; completes state mandated quarantines as necessary.
• Answers questions regarding the enforcement of animal services, regulations, adoption, and licensing policies and procedures.
• Prepares reports and cases; maintains records, logs, and files of activities.
• Observes and complies with City and mandated safety rules, regulations and protocols.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• Methods and techniques of handling, collection, impoundment, and registration of a variety of wild and domestic animals in various conditions.
• Identification of various breeds of dogs, cats, and other domestic animals.
• Principles of animal behavior and care.

• Principles, practices, methods, and techniques of code violation investigation and compliance.
• Operational characteristics of equipment and materials used to capture and subdue animals.

• Practices for documenting inspections, correcting violations, and carrying through on enforcement actions.
• Methods and techniques of investigating a diverse range of animal control problems and issues. Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility.

• Occupational hazards and standard in the area of animal services.

• Principles of record keeping and reporting.
• City and mandated safety rules, regulations and protocols.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.

• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work…