Animal Control Officer

Under close supervision, explains and enforces laws and ordinances relating to the treatment and control of animals; and performs other work as required.

The following typical tasks and responsibilities are representative of all positions in the class. They are descriptive, not limiting.
Essential Duties:

• Explains and interprets Animal Control laws, ordinances, regulations, policies and procedures
• Operates, cleans, and maintains Animal Control trucks and all assigned equipment
• Advises public regarding animal related issues and provides resource information
• Answers complaints concerning animals and takes appropriate action
• Investigates animal bites and implements the quarantine notices process
• Investigates and takes appropriate action to prevent inhumane treatment of animals
• Issues violation notices and makes appearances in court as required court citations
• Collects evidence and appears in court as a witness testifies in court
• Uses control poles or other means to control dangerous and/or injured animals; Performs humane euthanasia of sick, injured or surrendered animals
• Impounds and transports stray, healthy, sick, injured, or dead animals
• Assesses animals condition and the need for first aid or emergency treatment
• Assists the public at vaccine and licensing clinics, which may require cash handling and data entry
• Captures, loads and transports livestock when necessary
• Works cooperatively with a variety of law enforcement and various animal related agencies
• Performs public education presentations concerning Animal Control services and answers questions related to the care and treatment of animals
• Keeps accurate records and logs. Prepares reports and records which may require testimony for court and/or administrative hearings
• Cares for and maintains all assigned equipment
• Assists in front office, dispatch and shelter operations as necessary
• Performs other duties as required.

Knowledge of:

• Laws and ordinances relating to licensing, impounding, care, treatment and disposal of animals
• Techniques and procedures for the safe, humane and efficient handling of animals; breed identification and characteristics of various breeds of animals and their care and feeding
• Causes and symptoms of common animal diseases
• Safe work methods and safety regulations related to work.

Ability to:

• Read, understand and explain applicable laws, regulations and ordinances
• Recognize symptoms of rabies and other animal diseases
• Work independently with little supervision, analyze situations and exercise sound judgment
• Handle sick, injured, dangerous or dead animals and decomposing animal carcasses in a safe and humane manner
• Learn the use and care of all issued equipment and safety tools
• Learn various techniques of safe and humane euthanasia of animals by lethal injection
• Euthanize dangerous, sick injured or surrendered animals, as required
• Work efficiently and cooperatively with representatives of other City departments, outside agencies and members of the general public
• Keep records, complete paperwork and prepare detailed reports
• Testify in court
• Read, understand and follow verbal and written instructions.

Training and Experience:

• Graduation from high school or G.E.D., and;
• Six (6) months experience in the care and handling of animals.OR;
• The equivalent combination of training, experience and certification.

Licenses, Certificates and Special Requirements: Possession of a valid California Class "C" Driver's License. Completion of a certified Penal Code 832 course and possession of an EBI (Euthanasia by Injection) Certificate or within one year of appointment.

Incumbents perform a full range of duties including patrol, extensive animal handling, licensing, bite investigations and the quarantine process, impounding, caring for and disposing of animals. It is distinguished from the Senior Animal Control Officer which is responsible for assisting in planning and supervising the work of Animal Control Officers; licensing canvassers and enforcement of ordinances and statutes related to the control of animals and shelter operations.

Physical Conditions or Special Working Conditions:

• Must possess sufficient strength and stamina to lift and remove heavy objects such as animals and equipment
• Must be able to work outdoors in all weather conditions and with exposure to unpleasant and potentially hazardous conditions.
• May be required to work any shift in a 24-hour period including nights, weekends and holidays and routinely be on stand-by for emergency calls.

Full Summary of Benefits by Bargaining Unit:

• Blue & White Miscellaneous Unit
• Fire Safety Unit
• Police Safety Unit
• General Supervisory & Management Unit (coming soon)