About the Department
Under general supervision, performs semi-skilled work in the enforcement of ordinances and statutes related to the control of animals. Work involves capturing, confining, and exterminating stray, diseased, and bothersome animals; maintaining records pertaining to collection of animals and bothersome animal activity; and enforcing animal ordinances; answering complaint calls from the public, and capturing and confining unwanted animals; exterminating unclaimed or diseased animals; disposing of destroyed animals; sending animals for rabies testing; preparing associated reports and records. Employee is also responsible for pursuing citations against those in violation of animal control ordinances, including assisting in criminal prosecution. Employee is subject to the usual hazards of animal control work. Reports to the Animal Services Director.
Position Duties
Responds to requests for service, capturing and confining, and/or terminating stray, diseased and bothersome animals, including domestic and wild animals, livestock and fowl.
Patrols the County picking up animals which are running loose in violation of state and County laws; uses traps and/or firearms equipped with tranquilizing ammunition to subdue animals, as necessary; euthanizes injured animals as necessary.
Impounds animals and places them within the animal shelter according to size, sex, needs, and circumstances involved in pick-up.
Investigates cases of cruelty to animals; prepares offense and progress reports; appears in court and testifies.
Issues citations or warnings for violations and testifies in court.
Investigates animal bite cases; ensures that confinement of such animals is proper and complete according to the law; sends rabid animals to the laboratory for testing.
Prepares a variety of reports, including numbers of animals collected and confined, animal bites, poultry and livestock damage caused by other animals, animals destroyed by Department, etc.; maintains routine activity reports.
Performs other related work as required.
Maintains vehicle and all related equipment and completes daily operational documents.
Minimum Qualifications
Graduation from high school and some experience involving contact with animals; or any equivalent combination or training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities. Must have a valid Driver’s License.
Other Qualifications
General knowledge of laws and ordinances related to animal control, including humane animal collection, care and disposal methods.
General knowledge of the geographic layout of the County.
General knowledge of safety practices concerning the handling of animals.
Working knowledge of animal behavior, illness, diseases and identification of various animals and breeds.
Ability to use equipment for capturing and destroying animals.
Ability to prepare and maintain records concerning daily activities.
Ability to exercise tact and courtesy in explaining and enforcing State laws and local ordinances pertaining to animal control.
Ability to exercise initiative and independent judgement in applying laws and ordinances to work situations.
Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Ability to apply physical strength and agility in performing assigned tasks.
Ability to exercise tact, courtesy and firmness in frequent contact with animal owners and the general public.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships as necessitated by work assignments.