Animal Control Officer I

• Salary/Hourly wages are determined by verifiable experience.

Nature of Work

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Receives requests for service by telephone and dispatching emergency and non-emergency calls from the public, 911 Emergency Services, and law enforcement agencies relating to state and local animal cruelty and regulatory laws, in addition to other Animal Control law enforcement matters and shelter operations.
• Deals independently with vicious animals, nuisance wildlife, and injured animals.
• Deals with animal owners and citizens in confrontational and stressful situations in person and by phone.
• Screens complaints and establishes priorities for each day’s operations.
• Handles questions, complaints and concerns regarding Animal Control, treatment and care.
• Locates, contains and removes dangerous or stray animals.
• Sets and maintains cat and dog traps.
• Utilizes animal capture devices in a proficient and humane manner.
• Cares for and periodically treats minor injured or sick animals.
• Transports severely sick and injured animals to area Veterinarians.
• Responds to dispatch directives and responds to calls in accordance with established priority procedures.
• Attempts to locate stray animal owners and obtain information necessary to satisfy complaint and ensure that regulations are enforced.
• Advises citizens on responsibilities of animal ownership.
• Issues warning notices and citations to owner of animals when Animal Control ordinance or state law has been violated.
• Investigates animal abandonment, animal abuse and animal cruelty and prepares all necessary documentation to prosecute when necessary.
• Prepares documentation for civil/criminal action such as reports and affidavits.
• Enters data of enforcement, sheltering and medical information in the Animal Services computer database.
• Initiates court action on ordinance violations.
• Obtains necessary information in cases of animal bites; advises all parties on proper procedure and appears in county court.
• Completes daily duties when assigned to animal shelter, such as greeting and attending to the public, cleaning, feeding, watering dogs and cats, intake processing and otherwise caring for animals.
• Assists in and performs euthanasia of animals when needed.
• Facilitates adoption of stray animals pursuant to state and county regulations or in concert with other adoption agencies and rescue organizations.
• Oversees dog kennel areas and catteries when the general public is present.
• Handles money in an ethical and exact manner.
• Handles controlled substances during euthanasia in accordance with federal and state laws, including extensive and exact recordkeeping and documentation.
• Assists law enforcement, fire department, and emergency medical services during arrests, fires, emergency medical situations, and human tragedy.
• Performs daily checks of trucks and equipment to ensure equipment/vehicle serviceability and accountability.
• Elicits information from callers, evaluates telephone calls, and decides upon or takes proper action to resolve complaint or other Animal Control issue.
• Operates multiple phone lines, radio frequencies, a computer, and other applicable equipment to communicate information to Animal Control Officers in the field.
• Tracks the location of Animal Control Officers, dispatches and assigns back-up assistance to officers, or takes other appropriate action to ensure the safety of officers.
• Maintains handwritten and computer records and logs.
• Processes license forms.
• Provides courteous, high quality service to members of the public by personally responding to requests for service or making appropriate referrals.
• Assists with public adoption events when required.
• May be subject to emergency management situations that may require working afterhours, weekends and holidays.
• Regular reliable full-time attendance as scheduled.
• The employer may add to or change duties at any time and as determined by the County and its leaders to best ensure that the public is served through the work of the Department.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

• Graduation from high school or the equivalent.
• Six (6) month experience in Animal Control enforcement preferred.
• Must be able to operate various traps and equipment associated with Animal Control.
• Must be able to work nights, weekends, and answer emergency calls after hours.
• Must be able to comprehend, speak and read the English language.
• Must have and maintain good interpersonal and communication skills to deal with the public.
• Must be able to comprehend, speak and read the English language.
• Must have and maintain good interpersonal and communication skills to deal with the public.
• A comparable amount of training and/or experience may be substituted for the minimum qualifications.

• Must complete Animal Control Officer Certification FACA Level 1, euthanasia training, and bite stick training within eighteen (18) months of hire.
• Must be able to maintain ACO Certification through State mandated continuing education.
• Possession of or ability to obtain a valid Florida driver license upon offer of employment with a driving record acceptable to the County Driving Policy and insurance program.

Knowledge, Abilities and Skills

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of County and State Animal Control regulations.
• Knowledge of humane methods of handling animals.
• Knowledge of the road networks of the county.
• Knowledge of the operation of a two-way radio.
• Knowledge of technical writing ability sufficient to prepare executable legal documents with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Must have good interpersonal and communication skills to deal with public.
• Outstanding project management and organizational skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Expertise in the use of MS Word, Excel, and Outlook is essential.
• Ability to read and understand the constitution, laws, regulations, and legal proceedings.
• Ability to provide prompt, efficient and responsive service.
• Ability to maintain your composure when dealing with extreme animal abuse and animal cruelty matters.
• Ability to communicate tactfully and courteously with the public in confrontational and stressful situations in person and by phone.
• Ability to elicit from and explain information effectively and accurately to a wide variety of callers including the public and law enforcement officials.
• Ability to communicate effectively with a variety of individuals representing diverse cultures and backgrounds and function calmly in stressful situations, which requires a high degree of sensitivity, tact, and diplomacy.
• Ability to enforce laws and ordinances with firmness and impartiality.
• Ability to accurately document multiple or emergency message under pressure.
• Ability to investigate complaints, interview witnesses, and prepare a basic case file for legal presentation.
• Ability to testify in courtroom settings