Animal Control Officer I

Summary

This recruitment is for Level I.

Note: A training and experience evaluation may be utilized to determine an applicant's ranking among qualified candidates. Based upon information provided in this application including responses to supplemental questions, an applicant's education, training and experience (full-time equivalent) may be evaluated. Applicants should provide thoughtful and thorough responses to supplemental questions as they play an important role in this recruitment process. All qualifying work experience that is described or included in responses to supplemental questions MUST also be included and detailed in the "Work Experience" section of this application. "See Resume" is not an acceptable response for any supplemental question.

FLSA: Non-Exempt

DEFINITION

Under immediate (Animal Control Officer I) or general (Animal Control Officer II) supervision, performs a variety of Animal Control, rabies control, and enforcement activities to safeguard Butte County citizens from dangerous, neglected, injured, stray, or nuisance animals; investigates complaints, patrols assigned areas, and captures animals; assists in the administration of the animal licensing program; and performs related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives immediate (Animal Control Officer I) to general (Animal Control Officer II) supervision from assigned supervisory or management personnel. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

\Animal Control Officer I: This is the entry-level classification in the Animal Control Officer series. Initially under close supervision, incumbents learn and perform routine Animal Control and enforcement activities. As experience is gained, assignments become more varied and complex; close supervision and frequent review of work lessen as an incumbent demonstrates skill to perform the work independently. Position at this level usually perform most of the duties required of the position at the Animal Control Officer II-level but are not expected to function at the same skill level and usually exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern. Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise.

Animal Control Officer II: This is the journey-level classification in the Animal Control Officer series. Positions at this level are distinguished from the Animal Control Officer I level by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned, working independently, and exercising judgement and initiative. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.

This class is distinguished from the Senior Animal Control Officer in that the latter performs the more complex work assigned to the series, such as assisting in coordinating, planning, and implementing the County Animal Control program and/or providing technical and functional direction over lower-level staff.

Positions in the Animal Control Officer class series are flexibly staffed; positions at the II level may be filled by advancement from the I level; progression to the II level is dependent on (i) management affirmation that the position is performing the full range of duties assigned to the classification; (ii) satisfactory work performance; (iii) the incumbent meeting the minimum qualifications for the classification including any licenses and certifications; and (iv) management approval for progression to the II level.

Essential Job Functions

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Typical functions may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, abilities, and other characteristics. The list that follows is not intended as a comprehensive list; it is intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed, and may be required to perform additional, position-specific tasks. Some duties, knowledge, skills, and abilities may be performed in a learning capacity for entry-level (I Level) positions.

• Investigates complaints from the public and other agencies regarding nuisance, stray, uncontrolled, dangerous, wild, or diseased animals; conducts initial investigation of complaints regarding nuisance or neglect.
• Investigates animal cruelty complaints, animal collector, and breeding violations; interviews witnesses; notifies owners and involved parties of animal violations and corrective actions; writes reports, issues citations, and testifies in court, as necessary.
• Investigates animal bites and arranges for appropriate identification and quarantine, processes bite reports and relays pertinent information to County public health staff and medical facilities; approves quarantine facilities, issues quarantine notices, and instructs on proper quarantine procedures; petitions courts to declare dogs vicious or potentially dangerous following investigation.
• Promotes responsible pet ownership; explains state and local laws, codes, and ordinances relating to the care and control of animals; provides information regarding animal and rabies control issues, complaint filing procedures, and shelter policies to the public.
• Issues citations for violations of applicable regulations; patrols assigned areas operating County vehicles.
• Performs capture and rescue of wild, stray, unlicensed domestic animals, and livestock; transports injured animals.
• Assists in court cases as required; cites offenders and testifies in court regarding citations, criminal cases, and disposition of complaints.
• Operates humane traps, mobile radios, and related Animal Control tools and equipment.
• Identifies symptoms of common animal diseases including rabies; recommends veterinary medical care, isolation, or destruction.
• Maintains a variety of statistical and production records; prepares daily reports related to the Animal Control program; enters, edits, and retrieves data; may prepare special reports.
• Administers the animal licensing program; collects and processes fee payments; issues licenses in the field and office.
• Dispatches critically injured wild animals as necessary.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Basic species and breed identification of a variety of livestock, and common domestic and wild animals.
• Symptoms and behavior associated with rabies and other common diseases of animals.
• Behavior and handling of livestock, common domestic, and wild animals.
• Methods and equipment used in the care and control of animals.
• Principles, practices, methods, and techniques of code violation investigation and compliance.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to the care, keeping, treatment, and impounding of animals.
• Occupational hazards and standard safety practices necessary in the area of animal services.
• Basic recordkeeping principles and practices.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and County staff.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Ability To:

• Assess animal behavior and make effective decisions regarding handling, capturing, or destroying the animal.
• Handle, capture, and control animals humanely and effectively under stressful or emergency circumstances.
• Identify symptoms and behaviors associated with rabies and other common domestic animal diseases.
• Prepare, maintain, and update accurate and detailed documentation of inspection findings and other written material, records, logs, and reports.
• Use and maintain Animal Control equipment in a safe and effective manner.
• Read maps and follow directions.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Assist the County Sheriff’s Department and California Highway Patrol, as needed, in the capture and containment of animals.
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and procedural guidelines.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12th) grade; and

Animal Control Officer I: One (1) year of experience in Animal Control, law enforcement, veterinary office, or animal shelter.

Animal Control Officer II: Two (2) years of increasingly responsible experience in the care and control or animals or the enforcement of municipal codes equivalent to Animal Control Officer I.

Certifications and Licenses:

• Must possess a valid US driver’s license upon date of application. Must obtain California driver’s license following hire date per California DMV regulations.
• Animal Control Officer I: Obtain and maintain a P.C. 832 Arrest Methods and Firearms certification by the end of the probationary period.
• Animal Control Officer II: Possess and maintain P.C 832 Arrest Methods and Firearms certification.

Environmental Factors and Conditions/Physical Requirements

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Mobility to work in the field; to sit, stand and walk on level, uneven or slippery surfaces; frequently reach, twist, turn, kneel, bend, stoop, squat, crouch, grasp and make repetitive hand movement in the performance of daily duties; to climb and descend ladders, to operate varied hand tools and equipment and to operate a motor vehicle and visit various County sites.
• Strength and stamina to perform medium to heavy physical work; to lift, carry, push and pull materials and objects averaging a weight of 150 pounds or heavier weights, in all cases with the use of proper equipment and/or assistance from other staff.
• Possible entry into confined spaces and the use of confined entry equipment.
• Vision to inspect and operate equipment.
• Fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas to identify problems or hazards.
• Finger dexterity to operate and repair tools and equipment.
• Wear and use proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances.
• Also includes field work with exposure to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, confining workspace, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards and hazardous physical substances and fumes.
• Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

EQUIPMENT AND TOOLS UTILIZED

• Equipment utilized includes personal computer, fax machine, and standard office equipment, motor vehicles, winches, trailers, traps, control poles, and other animal snare equipment, mobile and handheld radios, and firearms.

Disaster Service Worker

All Butte County employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.