Animal Control Officer

Summary

We are looking for an Animal Control Officer to join the City of Charleston's Police Department! In this role, you will investigate animal cruelty and neglect charges and perform related duties to promote compliance with laws regulating animal treatment.

Examples of Duties

• Enforces the laws and ordinances of the City and State that pertain to the welfare, control, and licensing of animals both domestic and wild.
• Patrols assigned areas during a specific period on foot or in a motorized Animal Control vehicle to focus on enforcement-related issues.
• Investigates allegations of animal cruelty and neglect and through the help of police requests arrest warrants of persons who violate these laws; files court paperwork for and seizes abused and neglect animals as needed and in accordance with the state laws and city ordinances.
• Responds to and investigates calls or complaints involving domestic or wild animals, responds to calls for service; captures, contains and impounds stray or animals at-large, barking and nuisance issues, including sick, injured, and vicious animals.
• Investigates animal bite reports, gathers information and/or evidence and issues warnings or citations to persons who violate applicable laws and ordinances.
• Transports animals to the designated animal shelter in accordance with the county or city contract.
• Uses and maintains city-issued equipment and Animal Control vehicles.
• Evaluates and appropriately transports sick, injured, or orphaned wildlife and domesticated animals.
• Liaises with local veterinarians and animal hospitals to transport stray animals to the county shelter.
• Assists police, as needed, for animal transport when persons having possession of animals are arrested, hospitalized, or deceased.
• Responds after hours, as needed on a “call out” basis to assist police with aggressive, sick, or abandoned animals; provides police with guidance on animal related calls after-hours if a response is not necessary.
• Appears in court as the citation issuing officer to testify or subpoena witnesses to testify for hearings.
• Provides information to the public related to ordinances, care and treatment of animals, Animal Control, spay or neuter clinics and resources, permitting requirements, and provides public education regarding Animal Control related topics in a positive, professional and approachable manner.
• Performs related or other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications

• Associate's degree (AA/AS); or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Valid driver’s license
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office or similar software
• Ability to type and write reports and emails
• Ability to learn report writing software

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior work experience with animals

The City of Charleston offers an extensive benefits package for full-time employees, including: health, dental and vision insurance; employer-paid short and long term disability, life insurance, and employee assistance program; annual and sick leave; 11 paid holidays and 2 personal holidays every year; tuition reimbursement; participation with the SC Retirement System, a defined benefit pension plan; 401k and 457 plan options; and many other benefits.