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SalaryMajor Functions
The County of Volusia is seeking an Animal Control Officer to join it's progressive enforcement program. At Animal Control Services, we are committed to ensuring animals are valued by society, protected by its laws, and free from cruelty, pain, and suffering. Animal Control Officers serve as an advocate for both people and animals within the community. Officers routinely conducts fieldwork and investigates violations of the Code of Ordinance, Chapter 14 and the Florida State Statutes pertaining to animals, as well as, respond to situations where animals pose a threat to public safety and health. The selected candidate will be required to issue notices to appear for non-compliance and monitor all complaints to completion. This position requires candidates to have excellent communication and customer service skills.
NOTE: Shift assignments include weekend and holiday rotations; and are required report to work during natural or manmade disasters.
BENEFITS:
Illustrative Duties
(NOTE: These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position.)
- Responds to telephone and radio requests and locates reported stray animals.
- Checks animals for proper identification and vaccination. Investigates violations of the Animal Control Ordinance and related state statutes.
- Traps and tranquilizes feral animals.
- Issues warnings and/or notices to appear for non-compliance and monitors all complaints to completion.
- As required, provides testimony/evidence at court proceedings.
- Appears before a hearing officer on dangerous dog appeals.
- Investigates animal bite cases in accordance with state health rules.
- Apprehends and transports animals to humane societies or veterinarians.
- Attempts to locate animals' owners and obtains necessary information to satisfy complaints.
- Explains the ordinance and related laws to the public.
- Advises citizens on the responsibility of animal ownership.
- Advises all parties in the proper procedure for processing complaints.
- Coordinates investigations with outside agencies when necessary.
- Completes all case paperwork.
- Reports to field supervisor on casework.
- Answers emergency calls during and after working hours, shifts, and weekends.
- Conducts presentations about the division to the public.
- Assists in training of new officers.
- May be assigned to other county locations based upon operational needs.
- Attends work on a regular and consistent basis.
- Must adhere to Federal, State, County and Local ordinances.
- Works before, during, and after hurricanes or other natural disasters, including but not limited to pet friendly evacuation shelters.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Requirements
Graduation from high school or possession of a GED certificate AND one (1) year of experience as an Animal Control Officer. One (1) year of experience working as a Law Enforcement Officer, Veterinary Assistant, or in a position that requires animal handling will be considered equivalent experience.
NOTE: A pre-employment skills test may be required
- Must attain an Animal Control Certification within one (1) year of appointment.
- Must possess and maintain a valid Florida driver's license at the time of hire.
NOTE: A pre-employment skills test may be required
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Knowledge of the care, humane treatment and safe handling of animals.
- Knowledge of the Animal Control Ordinance.
- Knowledge of the symptoms of rabies in dogs and cats.
- Knowledge of the geography of County unincorporated areas.
- Knowledge of state statutes and codes relative to Animal Control
- Ability to explain regulations to the public.
- Ability to deal effectively with the public and animal owners in adverse situations.
- Ability to work alone in the field.
- Ability to investigate complaints of stray or wild animals.
- Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
- Ability to apprehend animals in the field, including aggressive or dangerous animals.
- Ability to utilize special industry tools (e.g. catch pole, traps, tranquilizer gun, blowgun.)
- Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
- Ability to work under stressful conditions.
- Ability to interact effectively with others.
- Must be able to relocate to other county locations based upon operational needs.
ADA REQUIREMENTS:
Physical Demands: Heavy work. Ability to see, hear, talk, carry, lift (50 to 100 lbs. occasionally and/or 25 to 50 lbs. frequently), climb, reach, grasp, crouch, pull, walk, run, handle, stand. Ability to traverse uneven, wooded, wet terrains. Exposure to dangerous animals; animal waste. Visual acuity (peripheral vision and depth perception) necessary to operate a motorized vehicle.
Environmental Demands: Outside work. Ability to tolerate inclement weather including rain, heat, cold, humidity. Exposure to odors, noise. Possible exposure to zoonotic diseases.
Mental Demands: Ability to read and comprehend state and local ordinances, statutes, code; technical manuals; safety rules, procedures, instructions, memos, letters. Ability to perform shop math. Ability to speak clearly and concisely; publicly; conversant in the theories, policies, procedures of discipline. Ability to write complex documents relaying details, instructions; summaries, reports.
