Animal Control Officer

Job Summary

Under general supervision, enforces animal control laws, leash laws and regulations relating to animal control in the Town’s assigned; manages the operations of the animal control shelter; performs related work as required.

Essential Duties

(Any one position may not include all of the tasks listed, nor do the examples necessarily include all of the tasks performed.)

• Patrols the Town of Cornelius, picks up stray animals as required, and transports same to the animal control shelter.
• Disposes of animals according to policy.
• Prepares and maintains animal control reports.
• Transports sick animals to the veterinarian, performs animal checks to determine if same are treated in a humane manner.
• Facilitates appropriate animal adoption.
• Maintains animal control standby duties
• Performs other duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of each Town’s ordinances regarding animal control functions.
• Good knowledge of Town’s streets.
• Good knowledge of the symptoms of rabies and related animal behavior.
• Ability to meet and deal tactfully with the public.
• Ability to prepare activity reports.
• Ability to handle large and/or vicious animals.
• Good physical condition.

Education and Experience

Successful completion of a standard state recognized high school course. Two-year Associates degree in law enforcement or vet tech program is preferred. 1-2 years of experience in the care and handling of animals; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Equipment Operated

Animal control vehicle, and other related equipment as required.

Special Requirements

Possession of a valid driver’s license. Related certifications are preferred including Safe-Capture Chemical Immobilization Certification, Rabies Vaccination Certification, Basic Catch Pole Training, Animal Handling and Animal Sheltering.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

Work with animals involves some degree of risk to personal safety. Work involves inside and outside work with exposure to bad weather at times.

Special Note

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and the employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.