Animal Control Officer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Animal Control Officer

$22.8182 to $28.2675 per hour, generous benefits package, including 14% agency contribution to retirement. (Unbenefited position during training). Minimum age requirement: 18 years of age.

Definition:

A Limited Law Enforcement Officer, under the direct supervision of Corporal and Sr. Animal Control Officers. Performs tasks related to enforcing city and state ordinances regarding the care and treatment of all types of animals, wild and domestic, dead or alive. Educates the community about stray or vicious animals and related diseases; captures, impounds, relocates, and when necessary, disposes of animals; and maintains records. Investigates animal bite cases and animal complaints; issue citations. Prepares reports as applicable. Testify in court as directed.

Representative Duties:

• Impounds of dogs at large and in violation of City ordinances. Impounds domestic and wild animals in response to citizen and government agency requests for service.
• Investigates citizen complaints and requests from government agencies regarding violations of city and state ordinances regarding the proper care and control of animals.
• Issues verbal warnings, written warnings, or citations for ordinance violations, when appropriate.
• Responds to emergency complaints such as animal bites, animal cruelty, control of poisonous or dangerous animals, and other incidents.
• Prepares reports of incidents including animal bites, animal cruelty, vicious dogs, and other incidents, often to be used in court prosecution.
• Assists law enforcement or other agencies upon request with animal problems.
• Maintains an accurate daily log of activities performed.
• Prepares to impound records for each animal impounded. Performs animal license record verifications to contact and locate owners of animals with identification.
• Educates the public on responsible pet ownership and the ordinances regarding animals.
• Transports injured or sick animals for needed veterinary treatment as appropriate.
• Maintains a sanitized and appropriately stocked vehicle for the performance of duties.
• Maintains certification for and performs euthanasia as necessary.
• Processes monetary transactions for provided services.
• Delivers correspondence and citations to city halls and courts.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications/Examinations:

• High School Graduation, G.E.D., or a combination of education and related experience with a total of twelve years.
• Must possess a valid California Class C Driver's License.
• Demonstrates a competent work history and attendance record in good standing.
• Unacceptable moving violations include suspended or revoked license; three or more moving violations in the past 36 months; driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) within the past 36 months; at fault in a fatal accident within the past five years; leaving the scene of an accident within the past 36 months; reckless driving within the past 12 months.
• Ability to pass a specified written test with a minimum score of 70%.
• Ability to complete and pass P.O.S.T. PC 832 Arrest Training Course.
• Ability to complete and pass California State Euthanasia Certification class.

Knowledge and Abilities:

• Ability to deal tactfully with and establish and maintain effective, cooperative relations with City Officials, the public, and fellow employees.
• Ability to handle monetary transactions accurately.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to think clearly and act quickly in emergencies.
• Ability to meet attendance schedule with dependability and consistency.
• Ability to work various hours including after-hour callouts, overnight, weekend, and holiday shifts.
• Knowledge of general office practices and procedures, spelling, and a good command of the English language.
• Knowledge or ability to learn standard public safety radio code systems.
• Knowledge of public service activity and methods of local government; knowledge of law enforcement terminology and procedures.
• Knowledge of computer technology and equipment.
• Knowledge of geography for SEAACA jurisdiction and surrounding areas.
• Skill in observing situations analytically and objectively and relaying details accurately.
• Skill in operating a variety of communications equipment effectively.
• Skill in multi-tasking, and coordinating simultaneous mental, manual, and visual activities.
• Skill in reading and interpreting maps to determine locations and jurisdictional boundaries.

Physical Classifications/Essential Job Functions:

• Arduous physical activity daily. Sound physical condition, strength, and agility are essential in this position.
• Physical agility is sufficient to pursue, apprehend and control animals that are evading capture.
• Ability to hear and determine the direction of the sound, distinguish colors, and maintain balance.
• Extensive direct handling, carrying, and restraining of animals, both large and small.
• Extensive stooping, crawling, bending, twisting, and carrying.
• Employees must be able to maintain the physical condition necessary to perform job functions.
• Communicate effectively and diplomatically when dealing with citizens, staff, and city contacts in person and by telephone.
• Compose, prepare, and read typewritten or handwritten documents.
• Manual dexterity is sufficient for handwritten records and communications and computer entry.
• Work out of doors in all types of weather. Works outside in all types of weather and unsanitary environments. Incumbents must be able to work around animal fur and dander; deal with emotionally distressed and confrontational people and aggressive animals.
• Incumbents are exposed to and/or in contact with chemicals used to perform euthanasia.
• Ability to lift 75 pounds as demonstrated by a challenge test.
• Incumbent must be able to regularly lift, carry, restrain, and capture animals between 60-70 lbs.; occasionally up to 100 pounds. Incumbents may be required to walk, run, stand, or climb on slippery, even or uneven, and paved or unpaved surfaces as well as bend, stoop squat, and crawl in small, low, and/or confined areas.

Ability To:

Learn the applicable laws, ordinances, and department rules and regulations; communicate effectively orally and in writing; maintain self-control and a positive attitude when confronted with irate persons and be able to reasonably handle aggravated situations created by uncooperative individuals or groups; follow verbal and written instruction; possess report writing skills and can independently execute written and verbal directives.

Additional Information:

Working hours and days off are rotated. Hours may be for various durations, however, normally do not exceed eighty (80) hours in any two weeks. Positions in this classification are required to be adaptable to day or night shifts and to work a variety of hours, evenings, weekends, and holidays. The schedule includes work on holidays and weekends as well as day, night, and graveyard shifts.

Continuously, sit at a desk or drive agency vehicles for long periods; intermittently twist to reach for equipment or supplies; perform simple grasping and fine manipulation; use computer keyboards daily; walk, bending, stooping, and reaching to access materials and equipment; intermittently lift and carry boxes and/or animals weighing up to 75 lbs. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

The Physical demands described herein are representative of that what must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Eligibility Information:

The initial appointment is contingent upon satisfactory completion of a physical examination; drug screening, Live Scan background check, and verification of identity and right to work in the United States. Hiring is contingent on the selected candidate passing a background check before a formal offer can be extended.

Exam/Selection Process:

Following the review of each application, the best-qualified candidates will be invited to appear for an examination(s). The person selected will be expected to perform all the functions of the position. Based on a review of the applications received, the candidates appearing to be the most qualified and meeting SEAACA's particular needs will be invited in writing to the exam process. Selected candidate(s) must complete a background investigation and physical examination which includes drug testing. At the time of appointment,