Animal Control Officer

Job Summary

This is a dedicated position involving knowledge in public service, law enforcement and animal shelter operations. An employee in this class is responsible for the enforcement of state and local Animal Control laws within the jurisdiction of unincorporated Boone County and Cities of Florence, Union and Walton.

Animal Control Officers provide quality services, protection and compassion to its citizens and animals, and assist in the general operation of the Animal Shelter. Duties are performed under general supervision.

Major Essential Duties

• Maintain records of impounded or destroyed animals as to type, breed, sex, date of disposition and location of pick up
• Maintain reports as required by Boone County Health Department for quarantine animals
• Patrols streets with a good knowledge of county roads and streets
• Ability to be skilled in the use of devices used for capturing stray and wild animals; such as restrain pole, dip net and humane trap
• Ability to operate a Boone County vehicle; maintain vehicle for cleanliness, well-equipped, and properly serviced; reports needed repairs to the Animal Control Sergeant
• Ability to operate and dispatch radio and telephone communications systems
• Thorough knowledge of the occupational hazards and corresponding safety precautions necessary for the safe performance of assigned duties
• Thorough knowledge of Animal Control ordinances
• Ability to assist the public in choosing a pet for adoption and accurately completing adoption documentation
• Document, investigate, and follow up on incoming calls and complaints; follow up on verbal and written warnings
• Ability to be on call 24 hours a day seven days a week

Minor Essential Duties

• Knowledge and ability in the feeding and care of impounded animals; knowledge and ability to administer vaccines and worm medications
• Accepts animals brought into the department by citizens and follow departmental procedures for this process
• Issue citations and testify in court as needed
• Works with volunteers and animal rescue groups, as necessary
• Perform any other animal care and control duties as directed by the Director

Relationships

The ACO I performs duties within the Animal Care & Control department or Animal Shelter under the direct supervision of the Animal Control Sergeant or Director.

Qualifications

Education and/or Experience

• Graduation from a standard high school or the equivalency.
• Knowledge of animal behavior patterns and disease symptoms
• Knowledge of caring for and feeding animals

Language Skills

• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret policies, procedures, professional publications, and governmental regulations
• Possess strong oral, written and listening skills
• Ability to handle sensitive issues

Mathematical Skills

• Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers and decimals

Reasoning Skills

• Defines problems, collects data, establishes facts, and draws valid conclusions
• Interprets a variety of technical and instructional information
• Makes decisions which serve the County's best interest and follow the missions and objectives of the department

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

• Successful completion of the Boone County Animal Control Officer training program within the time period designated by the Director
• Successful completion of KACCA ACO Basic Certification as required by KRS
• Successful completion of NACA Level I (or equivalent) within one year of hire
• Possession of or ability to obtain promptly, a proper Commonwealth of Kentucky motor vehicle operator's license for type of equipment operated

Other Knowledge and/or Skills

• Knowledge of the occupational hazards and corresponding safety precautions necessary for the safe performance of assigned duties
• Ability to work under general supervision
• Ability to exercise good judgment
• Knowledge of kennel management and sanitary principles and procedures
• Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions
• Ability to act independently within established guidelines
• Ability to maintain accurate medical records
• Ability to restrain animals
• Must meet minimum requirements to be a sworn peace officer

Physical Demands

The physical demands described represent those required to successfully perform the essential job functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing job duties, the employee could reasonably be expected to:

Regularly (over 2/3 of regular work day)

Sit

Talk or hear

Use hands to finger, handle, feel

Lift and/or move up to 125 pounds

Occasionally (under 1/3 of regular work day)

Stand or walk

Reach with hands and arms

Drive a vehicle

Vision requirements include close, distance, color, and peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus

Work Environment

The work environments described in the preceding paragraphs represents those encountered while performing the essential job functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• The noise level is usually moderate to high
• Danger from moving traffic
• Exposure to aggressive and sick animals
• Exposure to zoonotic diseases and parasites
• Temperature level will vary from extreme cold to extreme heat
• Moisture level will vary from extreme dry to rain, snow, and ice conditions and may require immersion in water

Comments

• Must display the following:
• Positive communication
• Objectivity
• Willingness to solve problems
• Commitment to serve the county’s best interests
• Adherence to the applicable provisions of the Department Rules and Regulations, the Personnel Policy Manual, the Boone County Administrative Code, the Kentucky Revised Statutes, and any other procedures, rules, regulations, and polices set forth by appropriate authorities
• Must have personal integrity and remain free of felony convictions
• Must maintain confidentiality when required
• Must be 21 years or older
• Must be bondable