Compliance Animal Control Officer

Animal Control Officer

JOB TITLE: Animal Control Officer

CLASSIFICATION: Non-Exempt

DEPARTMENT: Compliance

SUPERVISOR: Animal Control Field Supervisor

SALARY: $43,724 to $52,468 Annually

Incumbents are responsible for responding to complaints and concerns regarding animals throughout Laramie County while performing a variety of animal protection duties. Responsibilities may include but are not restricted to evaluating whether a violation of the law has occurred; issuing citations; setting humane traps; educating the public on animal welfare; assisting other law enforcement agencies; and preparing related reports.

• Responds to calls and after-hour emergencies involving animals and enforces applicable laws and ordinances. (After-hour emergencies may include but are not limited to sick or injured animals, law enforcement assistance, and animals causing safety concerns.)
• Prepares reports of daily activities and submits them to appropriate individual(s).
• Locates stray or public nuisance animals; returns animals to their respective owner or impounds the animal at the shelter if the owner cannot be located.
• Investigates reports of complaints or concerns by including but not limited to animal neglect/abuse and animal attacks.
• Issues citations to violators of animal ordinances within jurisdictions, testifies during hearings; and prepares written case reports for court trials.
• Removes and disposes of deceased small wildlife and domestic animals.
• Represents the City by responding to the public, citizens, its employees, and others in a prompt, professional, and courteous manner while continuously maintaining a positive customer service demeanor.
• Assists city departments and other agencies such as the Cheyenne Animal Shelter, Laramie County Sheriff’s Department, Laramie County Coroner’s Office, Wyoming Game and Fish Department, etc.

• Educates the public on animal welfare and related laws, ordinances, and state statutes.
• Assists with humane euthanasia.
• Patrol city parks and other areas with a high volume of nuisance animals.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as required.

• Knowledge of domestic animal species and breeds.
• Ability to be certified through the National Animal Control Association (NACA) courses one and two. (This should be completed before or within 90 days of employment.)
• Ability to work a variety of shifts including weekends, nights, and holidays as needed.
• Must maintain confidentially of cases.
• Deal tactfully with the public in a variety of emotional or difficult situations.
• Ability to diffuse hostile situations with animals and people.
• Learn how to properly handle, capture, and restrain domestic animals, livestock, and small wildlife.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Knowledge of relevant state statutes, county codes, and city ordinances.
• Standard computer knowledge and typing skills.
• Ability to make sound decisions when using officer discretion.

Required:

• Must be 21 years of age or older.
• High school diploma or GED required.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain within three (3) months, a NACA certification.
• Current driver’s license with minimal or no driving-related offenses.
• Ability to pass a background check, fingerprinting, and possibly polygraph testing.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain within one (1) year, a Euthanasia Certification.

Preferred:

One (1) year experience in law enforcement, military, or an animal-related job experience.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to maintain effective audio-visual discrimination and perception needed for making observations, communicating with others, reading, and writing. The employee is also required to maintain the physical condition necessary for operating assigned equipment, walking, standing, kneeling, repeated bending or sitting for prolonged periods of time, and lifting to 50 pounds. Maintain mental capacity which allows the capability of making sound decisions demonstrating intellectual capabilities.

Working Environment:

Incumbents may be subject to working in inclement weather conditions. Must be comfortable dealing with high-stress situations, strong odors, and chemicals. Incumbents may have to work with the deceased and are expected to professionally complete their job duties while doing so. Incumbents may also be subjected to exposure and risk in working with hostile, resistant, and unstable persons, or animals.

The City of Cheyenne offers the following benefits to Full Time Employees.

Health

Dental

Vision

Life

Pension