Animal Response Team Officer

Function

Patrols an assigned area in the enforcement of state and local animal control laws and ordinances. Impounds and confines stray and unlicensed animals. Responds to wildlife and domestic animal calls for service. Investigates animal bite incidents and other animal related complaints.

Examples of Work

Responds and investigates dispatched complaints regarding animals and wildlife.
Captures, impounds and disposes of animals by using a variety of issued equipment including injectable tranquilizers and Schedule II narcotics. Issues summons or obtains warrants. Appears in court as necessary to present evidence.
Completes reports and records by maintaining documents in accordance with state and local laws, documenting any problems that occur.
Responds to citizen complaints. Checks homes in question for various animal violations including lack of food, water, shelter, and assesses outside temperatures relating to cruelty to animal regulations.
Handles and employs a variety of specialized equipment safely and effectively, and in a manner consistent with law and departmental policy.
Provides animal education and teaching humane treatment of animals to citizens and school groups.
Rescues injured animals and/or performs field euthanasia of injured and sick animals as necessary by means of chemical injection.
Assists other personnel of the Police Division and those other agencies such as the Health Department, Fire and Rescue Division, Sheriff's Office and Codes and Compliance with animal problems upon request. Performs other duties as required.

Qualifications

Requires high school diploma or successful completion of the GED; two years of college, vocational, or technical school with major emphasis in wildlife management, biology, animal husbandry or a closely related field preferred. Two years of college, vocational, or technical school with major emphasis in wildlife management, biology, animal husbandry or a closely related field may be substituted for the preferred knowledge of the proper care and handling of wild and domestic animals. An acceptable combination of education and experience may be considered in lieu of the more specific qualifications outlined above.
Requires some work experience involving frequent customer, client, or other public contact and some knowledge of the proper care and handling of wild and domestic animals. Prior experience in animal handling as a veterinarian assistant, attendant at an approved kennel or as an animal control officer preferred.
Must successfully complete state mandated basic training for Animal Response Team Officer within twelve months of employment as well as successful completion of 12 weeks field training.
Must possess ability to: read and interpret federal, state and local laws and City ordinances, correspondence, various reports, contracts, articles and manuals; communicate effectively both orally and in writing; prepare reports and judicial documents using a personal computer and a variety of software; to establish and maintain harmonious working relationships.
Must be highly motivated toward the welfare and humane treatment of all animals. Must be able to deal both firmly and courteously with the general public.
Must possess a valid motor vehicle operator's license issued by the State of Virginia and must have a satisfactory driver's record based on the City of Hampton's criteria. Must pass a physical agility test, Hampton Police Division's full Criminal background check to include a polygraph and psychological testing and have the ability to be designated as a Conservator of the Peace. Any person offered employment in this position must successfully pass medical testing to include controlled substances.

Features

Performs duties under the general supervision of the Animal Response Team Manager. Requires considerable public contact and considerable travel within the City. Requires shift work to include nights, weekends, holidays and on call emergency standby on rotating basis. Must be a United States citizen or have been a resident for ten (10) or more years, as a VCIN certification is required. Must possess sufficient physical strength to move and/or control resistant or immobilized animals, and to move, lift and carry up to 60 pounds. This is a non-exempt position.
Must be able to maintain the ability to provide credible testimony in court, to the magistrate and in other situations where credibility will be of importance. A sustained finding of untruthfulness at the conclusion of an internal investigation may result in immediate termination.