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Animal Control Deputy

The Animal Control Deputy position is a uniformed, non-sworn employee responsible for enforcing local ordinances related to County Ordnance Code Chapter 10 Animals, and animal welfare (depending on assignment) within the exterior boundaries of La Plata County. The position focuses on community safety, education, and environmental stewardship while promoting the humane treatment of animals and ensuring compliance with La Plata County Ordinances and Colorado Revised Statutes.

Animal Control Deputies will respond to calls for service, investigate complaints, conduct patrols, and serve as ambassadors to the community. The role requires strong communication skills, sound judgment, and the ability to manage complex or emotionally charged situations with professionalism and integrity.

Core Duties and Responsibilities (All Animal Control Deputies):

• Patrol the unincorporated areas of La Plata County by vehicle, bicycle, ATV, or on foot to ensure public safety, and enforce applicable laws and ordinances.
• Address violations of county ordinances, including, stray, dangerous, diseased animals, livestock complaints, bear complaints, etc.
• Provide public outreach and education on La Plata County Ordinance Chapter 10, environmental protection, and wildlife safety.
• Provide information about licenses, rabies, microchips, and sterilization to pet owners.
• Identify basic symptoms of common animal diseases and recommend care.
• Operate humane traps, radios, phones, and related animal control tools and equipment.
• Issue citations for violations of applicable regulations.
• Investigate animal bites and arrange appropriate quarantine procedures.
• Capture stray and unlicensed pets for impounding.
• Removed dead animals from public and private properties and transport injured animals.
• Maintain communication with dispatch and other public safety units, including law enforcement, animal welfare agencies.
• Coordinate with partner agencies such as Durango Police Department, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and the Bureau of Land Management for joint enforcement or investigation efforts.
• Prepare clear, comprehensive reports documenting enforcement actions, incidents, and resource damage using the La Plata County Sheriff's Office records management system.
• Testify in court proceedings related to citations, investigations, or ordinance violations.
• Operate under the administrative supervision of the Elected Sheriff and in accordance with the La Plata County Sheriff's Office Policy Manual and Standard Operating Procedures.
• Represent the La Plata County Sheriff's Office and La Plata County with professionalism, integrity, and exceptional customer service.
• Maintain confidentiality of departmental information and sensitive records.
• Maintain departmental equipment, supplies, and facilities in safe working conditions.
• Assist patrol officers with traffic control during accidents, special events, and other situations requiring roadway management.
• Assist officers with vehicle tows at accident scenes and other incidents involving vehicle impoundment.
• Work a rotating schedule that may include days, evenings, and nights, including weekends and holidays.
• Maintain reliable attendance and punctuality as an essential function of the position.

When Assigned to Animal Patrol:

• Enforce animal-related ordinances including stray, dangerous, or neglected animals; humanely capture and transport animals as needed.
• Investigate and document complaints related to animal cruelty, neglect, bites, and nuisance animals, coordinate rabies quarantines and public safety notifications.
• Educate the public on responsible pet ownership, licensing, rabies vaccinations, sterilization, and local leash and waste disposal laws.

Fiscal Responsibilities: This position has no direct fiscal responsibilities.

La Plata County Organization Duties and Responsibilities:

• Represent the La Plata County Sheriff's Office and the Board of County Commissioners and members of the public.
• Provide quality customer service to individuals needing directions or assistance.
• Uphold the La Plata County Sheriff's Office's mission, vision, and values in all daily tasks and interactions, ensuring our commitment to excellence is reflected in the work you do for the community.

Supervisory Relationships: Works under general supervision of the Patrol Sergeant on Duty and Special Operations Sergeant. The incumbent does not supervise other employees. Works an assigned shift using independent judgment in deciding the course of action and is expected to handle complex and emergency situations without assistance.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Regular and predictable attendance is required.

Material and Equipment Used:

• Computers
• Motor Vehicle
• Photographic Equipment
• Audio-Visual Equipment
• Communication Equipment
• Restraint Equipment
• General Office Equipment

Non-Discrimination and Affirmative Action Statement

La Plata County prohibits discrimination against or harassment of any person employed or seeking employment with La Plata County on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, national origin, disability, veteran status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status or genetic information.

La Plata County is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer. La Plata County takes affirmative action to assure equal employment opportunity for protected classes, persons with disabilities and for covered veterans. Covered veterans include: special disabled veterans, recently separated veterans, Vietnam era veterans, or any other veterans who served on active duty during a war or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge was authorized.

Inquiries regarding La Plata County's equal employment opportunity policies may be directed to:

Director of Human Resources

1101 E 2nd Avenue

Durango, CO 81301

Tel: (970)382-6361

Fax: (970)375-7985

Email: HRhelpdesk@lpcgov.org

Minimum Qualifications Required

Education and Experience:

High School diploma or GED; and,

Any combination of education, training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Licenses and Certifications:

Valid State Driver's License.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of:

State and local ordinances governing animal welfare, park use, and environmental protection.

Animal behavior, species identification, and signs of common animal diseases.

County geography and the use of GPS, maps, and field-based data collection applications.

Skill in:

Communicating effectively, both orally and in writing.

Using computer systems, Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and electronic report-writing software.

Providing excellent public service and resolving conflicts with tact and professionalism.

Safely and humanely handling, capturing, and transporting animals under stressful or emergency conditions.

Operating and maintaining departmental vehicles, equipment, and tools.

Ability to:

Interpret and enforce county ordinances and department policies.

Exercise sound judgment and make effective decisions in stressful or emergency situations.

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, supervisors, and members of the public.

Work independently, follow verbal and written instructions, and meet deadlines.

Work outdoors in all weather conditions and navigate varied terrain on foot for extended periods.

Lift and carry up to 50 pounds.

Maintain a professional attitude, appearance, and demeanor at all times.

Other Recommended Certificates (preferred):

Canine and Feline Identification

Biosecurity and Zoonotic Diseases

Injury Assessments and Veterinary Evaluations

Companion Animal Capture and Handling

Canine and Feline Behavior

Animal Cruelty Forensic Photography

Animal Fighting

Animal Hoarders

Cruelty Science and Evidence Processing

Basic Nutrition

Body Condition Scoring of Dogs and Cats

The above-mentioned certifications are a combination of classes provided by Code 3 Associates Modules A and B. Code 3 provides scheduled in-