Animal Control Officer
The Animal Control Officer is responsible for public health issues involving domestic animals and the enforcement of the Gila River Indian Community Domestic Animal Ordinance. The Animal Control Officer is responsible for dealing with various aspects of domestic animal issues with the public to ensure the safety, health, and welfare of the Gila River Indian Community.
Essential Functions:
- Performs routine care, housing, and feeding of impounded animals; maintains sanitary condition of kennels, trucks, and all equipment used on a daily basis.
- Enforces the Gila River Indian Community Domestic Animal Ordinance and other related ordinances which includes dangerous and vicious animals, neglect, cruelty, excessive noise, quarantines, licenses, vaccination requirements, and bite incidents; write and issue violation warnings and/or citations to individuals found to be in violation of the GRIC Domestic Animal Control Ordinance.
- Investigate animal related complaints (at times under hostile conditions).
- Receive animals brought in by the public for impound; record information to properly identify animals; prepare reports relevant to impounded animals.
- Process appropriate paperwork in the adoption and/or release of animal(s) to new or current animal owners; input owner's information, animal information, and any related reports/pictures into the program's database system.
- Observe sick, quarantined, and injured animals and reports on their conditions; prepare lab specimens; perform animal euthanasia which may include picking up and disposing of dead animals.
- May be required to testify and make required court appearances.
- Assist in the scheduling, set up, and conducting of vaccination clinics; assist in special events, which may involve weekend and evenings as needed.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
Required Knowledge, Skill and Ability:
- Knowledge of the Gila River Indian Community.
- Knowledge of animal control methods and techniques.
- Knowledge of basic care and feeding of animals.
- Knowledge of common animal species, breeds, and their habits.
- Knowledge of proper searching, transporting, and use of animal restraint procedures.
- Knowledge of modern office practices and equipment, especially computers and computer software (Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook).
- Knowledge of the applicable laws and ordinances concerning the care, restraint, and disposition of animals.
- Knowledge of basic treatment and diseases of various animals.
- Skills in the use of a variety of animal control equipment.
- Skill in apprehending, handling, and transporting animals.
- Ability to read, understand, and interpret relevant laws, regulations, procedures, and instructions.
- Ability to work weekends and On-Call (after regular hours) on a rotating basis.
- Ability to understand and follow routine, written and verbal instructions.
- Ability to maintain accurate records and prepare reports.
- Ability to carry and lift animals weighing 50 pounds or more.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, Community Officials and the public.
- Ability to perform all physical requirements of the position; agree to maintain a Drug-free workplace.
Required Education and Experience:
- High School diploma or GED and two (2) years' experience in any one of the following areas: animal control, animal handling, animal shelter, veterinarian hospital/clinic, or animal farm/ranch.
Additional Requirement:
- Must be at least 21 years of age.
- Must be able to lift 50 pounds or more.
- Required to pass a background check.
- Must obtain euthanasia certification within six (6) months from date of hire.
- Required to obtain a Tribal Operator's permit.