Animal Control Officer

Purpose of the Job

The purpose of this position is to ensure the safety of Gila County citizens by enforcement of State and Local laws and ordinances in an impartial and professional manner. This includes protecting the public from rabies exposure by controlling the population of stray dogs and cats and by monitoring exposure to wildlife such as bats, foxes and bobcats. This position enforces State and Local laws and ordinances via responding to call for service, investigations and patrol.

Manages and maintains the animal shelter, which involves the preparation and submission of specimens for laboratory tests, animal euthanasia and kennel cleaning. The role is also responsible for patrolling the County for stray dogs and admitting animals to the shelter.

This position does not supervise other employees.

• Patrols all unincorporated areas of the County to enforce and monitor for compliance with State and County ordinances pertaining to animal regulations including animal cruelty, barking dogs and animals at-large. Investigates nuisance and animal cruelty complaints; interviews witnesses; notifies owners and involved parties of animal violations and corrective actions; writes reports, issues citations and prepares court documents. May coordinate the work activities of inmate trustees.
  
  (30% of time)
• Prepares and submits specimens for the State lab to test for rabies, frequently performs animal euthanasia on sick, injured, and stray animals; prepares required documentation in relation to euthanasia activities. (10%)
• Responds to calls for service and provides customer service in selling licenses, renting traps; uses specialty equipment and techniques to capture, contain, and impound domestic, exotic and wild animals, including sick, injured, diseased and vicious animals; relocates wild animals; investigates animal bite reports; collects and prepares specimens for laboratory analysis as necessary; cleans and disinfects vehicles and equipment. (10%)
• Writes reports as well as citations for animal regulations; manages dog bite and rabies exposure cases; ensures timely treatment processes for individuals exposed to rabies; coordinates rabies vaccinations for animals that bite. (10%)
• Proceeds with legal action against violators of animal control law; testifies in court on citation issues as required and performs administrative duties, such as selling tags, providing general customer service and admitting dogs and cats. (10%)
• Creates and maintains complaint files; researches files and computer databases; updates automated and manual computer records and tracking systems; reviews Rabies monthly reports and daily activity logs. (10%)
• Maintains shelter, cleaning and disinfecting kennels. (10%)
• Provides community outreach, educational services and animal related information to the public; promotes education and public awareness on animal safety and care; responds to questions regarding animal regulations and rabies issues; conducts public presentations on rabies prevention; makes local radio appearances to provide information on rabies; coordinates rabies control clinic events. (10%)
• Performs other duties as assigned. (10%)

This position has no responsibility over any types of budget.

This position does not have project responsibilities.

This position explains County procedures or processes, participates in meetings and negotiates or persuades.

This position creates or edits documents, internal memos, emails, formal letters and reports.

Interacts extensively with employees, customers, the general public, vendors, regulatory bodies, and other groups and/or individuals and institutions over the telephone, by email, and/or in person. Interacts specifically with customers always (more than 85% in a year).

High School Diploma or GED. Five (5) years experience or equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

National Animal Control Association Certification, Arizona Association of Rabies/ Animal Control Enforcement Association Certification. Ability to obtain Department of Corrections Clearance if assigned to supervise inmate worker activities. Must possess and maintain a valid Driver’s License.

Training, public safety, animal control and public health management.

Active listening, customer service, persuading and influencing, problem solving, time management, multi-tasking, typing and data entry and animal handling techniques. Additionally, skills in interpreting laws and regulations, making decisions, maintaining composure, and working effectively under stressful conditions and emergency situations; interacting with people of different social, economic, and ethic backgrounds; communicating with…