City Animal Control Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Under the supervision of assigned Lieutenant, the employee enforces the City ordinances regulating the maintenance of animals; and investigates animal control related complaints and complaints concerning animal cruelty. Employee captures stray and vicious animals and transports them to the appropriate, designated location and completes necessary paperwork. Employee informs pet owners of code requirements and ensures owners remain in compliance. Employee makes judgement calls onsite, contacts law enforcement for back up, and issues citations. The employee is the technical and service reference point for all animal control functions. The employee serves as the coordinating official between the Animal Shelter and the City. Work is performed in accordance with established rules, regulations, and instructions from superior officers, and work is reviewed upon completion. This job classification is considered to be safety-sensitive and is subject to pre-employment background check and random drug screens.

Animal Control: Works with the public to respond appropriately to reports of nuisance animals. Captures, transports, and cares for animals in a safe and humane manner. Follows all laws and ordinances related to animal control. Utilizes specialize tools and equipment.

• Enforces City animal control ordinances and codes.
• Receives calls and complaints regarding nuisance animals; responds appropriately.
• Responds to the public inquiries and investigates complaints.
• Takes appropriate measures to protect the public from vicious animals.
• Assists owners in locating lost pets.
• Drives to patrol the City for animals at-large.
• Captures stray, nuisance, vicious, and diseased animals.
• Positions animal traps to ensure highest chance of animal capture.
• Loads and unloads animals into/out of cages and on and off truck.
• Captures and relocates wildlife such as squirrels, alligators, snakes, raccoons, and bats.
• Transports animals to the animal shelter, veterinarians, and other locations.
• Informs residents of the animal control ordinances and need for compliance.
• Assists in solving problems associated with animal control within the City.
• Assists other public safety officers when animals are involved.
• Takes photographs of animals and their environments.
• Utilizes special equipment and tools associated with animal control activities such as animal restraint equipment, animal traps, catch poles, and small hand tools.
• Issues citations for violations of animal control ordinances.
• Maintains a current knowledge and awareness of applicable laws, codes, and ordinances; maintains an awareness of appropriate procedures and advances in the profession.
• Utilizes safety and protective equipment and gear.
• Performs all tasks in a humane manner.

Animal Control Investigations and Reporting: Investigates animal cruelty reports, animal bites and maintains all reports and records; ensures animals are handled properly.

• Maintains a log of all calls and mileage.
• Investigates situations of abused or neglected animals.
• Receives and investigates animal cruelty reports.
• Intervenes in cases of animal hoarding; determines best course of action.
• Investigates all reported animal bites.
• Investigates situations for possible rabies infections.
• Photographs stray animals and posts on social media to find owners.
• Attends court as required; testifies as called.
• Seizes abandon animals or animals in case of animal hoarding.
• Contacts other law enforcement agencies, as necessary.
• Assists in compiling of complaints, photos, owners, weather reports, etc.
• Completes all required records and reports
• Uses computer to enter data and maintain records.
• Maintains and cleans City vehicle.

Non-Essential Functions:

• Retrieves and transports evidence as requested by the Investigations Division.
• Reloads waste bag stations at public locations throughout City.
• Assists with public relations activities at social events and activities for children.
• Performs other job-related duties as required or assigned.

Possess a high school diploma or GED. Minimum of two (2) years of previous work experience with animals (dogs and cats), previous work experience with law enforcement is preferred; or any combination of education, training and experience that demonstrates the above listed knowledge, skills and abilities commensurate with the requirements of this job. Possess a current and valid driver's license; must be insurable. Ability to complete Animal Control Officer certification by completing the National Animal Control and Humane Officer (NACHO) training academy modules A and B within twelve (12) months of hire. Ability to complete Animal Cruelty Investigation course within twelve (12) months of hire. Ability to travel overnight to attend meetings and training programs. Ability to be on call 24/7 for animal-related emergencies. Ability to pass a pre-employment background check and an initial drug screen.

1022.4.2 Tattoos

The appearance of department members is a visual representation of the department and its standards of professionalism. Therefore, it should be assumed that reasonable restrictions will be placed on employees who choose to have visible tattoos or body art.

Employees are allowed to have visible non-offensive tattoos while conducting day-to-day operations. Employees with any visible tattoos will be required to wear long-sleeved uniforms at any of the following:

• Public Speaking Events on behalf of the department
• Media releases
• Court (Federal, District, Circuit, Municipal and any other court proceeding)

While on-duty, or representing the department in any capacity, members may have or display tattoos, with the following restrictions:

• One wedding ring tattoo on the ring finger
• Tattooed make-up giving the appearance of natural color and style is allowed (i.e. eyebrows, eyeliner)
• No other visible tattoos are permitted on the head, face, neck (above the collar) or hands (below the wrist bone) unless authorized by the Chief of Police because of special circumstances.

Tattoos depicting racist, indecent, extremist, lawless or offensive themes are prohibited. A tattoo is considered "offensive" if it is sexist, sexual, racist, vulgar, anti-social, violent, or discriminates against any person by virtue of words, symbols, or pictures in the tattoo or body art.

Additional prohibited tattoos or body art is any such tattoo/art associated with any organization or group that advocates intolerance or discrimination, that brings discredit upon the Department or violates the Departments' defined Vision, Mission and Values.

The final determination on the interpretation of a tattoo is determined by the Chief of Police.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (* Can be acquired on the job)

• Knowledge of City rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Knowledge of City locations and boundaries.
• Knowledge of City, state and federal animal control laws, ordinances, and associated court processes.
• Knowledge of investigative and security procedures.
• Knowledge of animal control practices, methods, and procedures.
• Knowledge of animal behavior.
• Knowledge of animal husbandry.
• Knowledge of animal control equipment and proper use.
• Knowledge of practices of humane treatment of animals.
• Knowledge of safety rules including accident causation and prevention.
• Communication skills to efficiently communicate orally and in writing with officials, supervisor, and the general public.
• Reading skills to understand and interpret manuals, directives, written reports and complaints, rules, regulations, ordinances, and other documents.
• Writing skills to clearly and neatly complete routine forms and records.
• Listening skills to receive radio calls, take complaints, and interview witnesses.
• Driving skills to safely operate a vehicle under adverse conditions.
• Skill in working with animals.
• Skills and strength to operate special tools and equipment.
• Ability to investigate complaints and make decisions based on information gathered
• Ability to accurately analyze situations associated with nuisance animals and animal control, and adopt quick, effective, and reasonable courses of