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SalaryAre you an animal lover? A team player? Do you love a challenge? A career at the Humane Society of St. Joseph County may be the purr-fect fit!
We have a highly dedicated, professional and innovative team of animal advocates who compassionately embodies our motto “We Care.” Our team strives to bring the highest quality of animal care, customer service, public education and assistance for animal and welfare issues to St. Joseph County, Indiana residents. We value the contributions of each member of our team and know that by collaborating and working together, we are most effective.
At the Humane Society of St. Joseph County, caring for animals is not just a job, it’s our passion!
If you’re interested in joining our team, please fill out the employment application on the Apply Here tab! The Humane Society of St. Joseph County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Animal Control Officer
Reports To: Chief Animal Control Officer and/or Executive Director
Basic Function:
With supervision, maintain a safe and secure community environment through enforcement of Animal Control codes and ordinances, education and community resources.
Compensation & Benefits:
- Starting wage: $20.00/hour with potential wage increase after 90 days.
- Full-time benefits beginning after 90 day successful completion: Health & Wellness Stipend, Paid Time Off and Veterinary Assistance for Personal Pets
Applicant Requirements:
- High school diploma or GED equivalent
- A valid driver’s license
- A clean driving record
- A clean criminal background
- Law enforcement, military, or animal care and control background preferred
- Exceptional work ethic with excellent interpersonal, organizational, and planning skills. Ability to exercise independent judgment as appropriate and to work independently and in a team setting.
- Demonstrated exemplary communication skills to include knowledge of interviewing techniques, public speaking, skill in writing and editing and ability to express thought orally in a clear manner. Will be required to communicate effectively with the public, Board of Directors, HSSJC administrative staff, veterinary, animal care and behavioral professionals, government officials, college students and faculty, members and donors etc. Must be able to work with various personalities, ethnicities, social and age groups, and maintain tact and professionalism at all times.
Animal Control Officers (ACOs) must have strong written and verbal communication skills, be self motivated but a team player and take initiative. ACOs should be task and detail oriented with excellent organizational skills. ACOs must be able and willing to work with domestic and wild animals including but not limited to dogs, cats, pocket pets, horses, livestock, raccoons, skunks, waterfowl and birds of prey. ACOs must be willing to rotate evening on-call hours, weekends, and holidays with other team members. ACOs must also be willing to supervise shelter staff, clean kennels and cat cages and perform other duties as set forth by Shelter Leadership.
This is a full-time position. Wages are based upon experience and education. This position offers paid time off and holiday pay after employment requirements are met as set forth in the Employee Manual.
Field Duties:
- Patrol streets and respond to captured domestic animals and/or wild animals and transport animals to the Shelter
- Operate Shelter vehicle safely and act according to City and State laws while carrying out duties
- Respond to complaints regarding stray or lost animals (domestic/pet, wild, or farm livestock), assist citizens with sick/injured wildlife (including traps) and venomous or dangerous animals such as snakes
- Intake and triage incoming animals including basic health evaluations and vaccinations
- Investigate complaints regarding vicious or dangerous animals and animal bites.
- Counsel neighbors and community members to solve public nuisance situations
- Promote wholesome care and compassion for community animals and public safety through education and ordinance enforcement
- Work with local police departments to ensure Officer safety and compliance of state and local laws
- Impound or quarantine animals when necessary and advise animal owner of applicable laws
- Operate and communicate via Shelter smart phone
- Maintain equipment and Shelter vehicles
- Enforce City & County Animal Control ordinances and state laws through the issuance of Animal Welfare Alerts and/or citations. Appear in Animal Control Commission hearings to testify regarding violations and/or investigations
- Investigate questionable animal deaths or cruelty to animal complaints
- Be (euthanasia by injection) EBI certified or willing to become EBI certified. Along with EBI certified staff, will be required to euthanize aggressive animals or animals deemed untreatable (domestic and wildlife).
- Rotate night-calls with other Animal Control Officers and perform emergency Animal Control services between 5:30pm-8:30am
- Rotate weekend and holiday hours with other Animal Control Officers
Administrative Duties:
- Serve the needs of customers through phone calls, electronic communication, and in person
- Operate and enter information into shelter database to collect animal and person data correctly
- Perform paperwork to complete intake (surrenders, stray, etc.)
- Maintain records and files on animal bites, citizen complaints, and other paperwork as required. Prepare written reports and computer reports on complaints, investigations, and administrative matters
- Attend offsite events, not limited to adoption events, festivals, and educational offerings
- Provide tours and educational opportunities at the Shelter
Kennel Duties:
- Maintain and clean kennels, cages, outdoor run areas, and other rooms in use for animal care at the Shelter and Adoption Center
- Provide necessary food, water, and shelter to impounded animals
- Monitor and report signs of illness or injury in animals to medical staff
