Animal Control Officer

To be considered for this position, please attach the following to your application: D.M.V. printout (Not older than 3 months) Under direct supervision of the Administrative Commander, in the Police Department, provides a variety of animal control services to the City, through enforcement of City ordinances and state laws regarding stray, dangerous and nuisance domestic and wild animals. Investigates complaints, patrols assigned areas; captures and transports animals to various shelters, and maintains the City’s transitional animal shelterDisclaimer- This list is meant to be representative, not exhaustive. Some incumbents may not perform all the duties listed. In other cases related duties may also be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Performs the daily routine of the City’s animal control activity based on the current calls and pending disposition of animals held overnight. Responds to citizen calls reporting animal bites, animals threatening the public, incidents of cruelty to animals, apparent diseased or distressed animals, missing animals, wild animals out of their normal habitat, dead or dying animals, reports of problem animals. Conducts investigations of animal bites, alleged cruelty to animal complaints, and complaints of problem animals. Retrieves dead animals found on City roads, or in response to public calls to dispatch concerning dead animals. Sets traps where other methods of abatement are unsuccessful. Makes a quick evaluation of captured animal condition, and seek veterinarian assistance, when needed. Impound animals suspected of being diseased for 72 hours. Informs County of quarantined animals or other unusual circumstances and Fish & Game concerning wild animal capture. Explains animal laws and ordinances to the public. Issues citations to the public regarding violations of various animal laws and ordinances. Testifies in court in support of issued citations. Maintains the City Animal Holding Shelter. Cleans, disinfects, and makes minor physical repairs which include ordering supplies and preparing food. Transports animals to the City Animal Holding Shelter, and from the City Animal Holding Shelter to the County Animal Shelter and to/from the veterinarian’s office. Conducts evaluation of apparent physical and medical condition of the animal and makes a judgment as to condition, and transports those in apparent need to attention to a local veterinarian. Creates a variety of records and logs concerning daily, monthly and annual activities. Prepares investigative reports, other periodic written reports. Performs a variety of other duties as assigned. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and abilities required to satisfactorily perform the essential duties and responsibilities. Knowledge of: Principles and practices of PC’s and related software. Effective use of oral and written skills. Statistical record keeping methods and the operation of standard office equipment. Symptoms and behavior associated with rabies and other common diseases of animals. Basic laws, ordinances and regulations pertaining to animal care and control and the related terminology and concepts. Safe practice techniques and precautions pertaining to diseased and uncooperative domestic and wild animals. Principles, practices, techniques and equipment used in the capture, care and transport of animals and dealing with the public. Skilled in: Assessing animal behavior and making effective decisions regarding handling, capture, and destroying animals as may be required. Maintaining accurate records and prepares clear and concise reports. Reading, interpreting, applying procedures and policies related to animal control. Ability to: Operate a PC and related software Maintain effective working relationships with other people Pass an initial comprehensive background investigation. Capture and control animals humanely and effectively under stressful or emergency conditions including identifying symptoms and behaviors associated with rabies and other common domestic animal diseases. Operate vehicles, radios, and animal control tools and equipment. Learn the basic geography of the City and read maps. Communicate clearly and concisely in oral and written English. Read, understand interpret and apply applicable law, procedures, and regulations. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those employees contacted in the course of work. Any combination of education and experience that demonstrates possession of the requisite knowledge, skill and abilities. A typical way to obtain these would be: High School or an equivalent certificate or diploma recognized by the State of California. Associate’s Degree or two (2) full time academic years of attendance at an accredited college or university with a major in veterinary science, biological science, animal husbandry, or law enforcement/administration of justice, preferred. Bachelor’s Degree in veterinary science, biological science, animal husbandry, or law enforcement/administration of justice, or related field desirable. One (1) to Two (2) years of experience in managing animals through working as a veterinarian assistant, animal shelter or a security officer or peace officer reserve capacity with police or sheriff department, an animal handler in the armed forces, or other federal or state service, and participation in a law enforcement-oriented cadet program. Maintain a valid California Driver License with a driving record acceptable to the City. Train and complete course requirements leading to State of California humane officer status. Selection Process: Candidates with the most relevant qualifications will be invited to participate in the interview and testing processes. Reference checks, Live Scan, background investigations, and pre-employment physicals including drug testing are part of the employment process.