Animal Control Officer

Overview

Position responsible to perform routine enforcement work in the control, care, custody and disposal of strays and/or wild animals and insure compliance with City ordinances pertaining to animal control.

Works ninety (90) percent outdoors exposed to all weather conditions, dust, noises, uneven surfaces, odors, and gases. Hazards include animal attacks, traffic accidents, carbon monoxide, mechanical and electrical elements. Moderately heavy physical position working involving extensive walking on all terrain's, reaching, carrying up to 50 pounds a distance of 15 feet, push/pull up to 125 pounds. Frequent bending, stooping, reaching and working with arms extended.

May be required to pursue animals on foot. Cannot have uncontrolled allergies to animals. Sufficient eyesight is need to spot animals in the field.

Requires competing demands such as strict deadlines, multiple tasks and occasional work beyond normal business hours. Regular attendance is an essential function of this job to ensure continuity of services. Position is subject to drug testing in accordance with applicable State and Federal regulations and City of Las Cruces policies.

Meeting or exceeding the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an invitation to participate in the process.

Fulltime regular, non-exempt, union-represented.

Position is graded at ACO-01.

• Responds to resident complaints regarding animals.
• Picks up dead or injured animals, including cats, dogs and other animals.
• Visits homes to inspect licenses, vaccination certificates, and sick animals.
• Institutes quarantines in bite cases.
• Investigates complaints concerning the treatment of animals or noncompliance with animal control ordinances.
• Prepares cases and appears in court in legal action to represent the City.
• Maintains records and prepares various special and reoccurring reports on enforcement activities.
• May be required to destroy animals in the field.
• Performs other work related duties as assigned.

Equivalent to a high school diploma plus one (1) year in animal control or animal handling experience. A combination of experience, education and training may be applied in accordance with City of Las Cruces policy.

Licenses/Certification(s):
Valid driver's license. Position requires an acceptable driving record in accordance with City of Las Cruces policy.

Some knowledge of City and county ordinances, state statutes, and state health regulations concerning animal control; care and feeding of domestic animals; animal diseases and prevention.

Skills in handling domestic and wild animals; operating a personal computer with installed generic and specialized office productivity software; conflict resolution.

Ability to follow verbal and written instructions; develop and maintain courteous, respectful, and effective working relationships with fellow employees and the public; set work priorities; maintain accurate records; write clear and accurate reports; use a capture stick, a variety of animal traps, nets, euthinair machine, and tranquilizer gun.