Animal Control Officer

Placement within this range is dependent on qualifications, experience, and ultimately established by the WEASA Board of Directors.  

 

 

1. Supervises, schedules, oversees and coordinates the daily activities of animal control officers and animal care staff, dispatchers and clerical staff within an assigned region. 
2. Patrol assigned areas in a vehicle, while enforcing laws relating to animal regulations and the humane care and treatment of animals.
3. Completing daily work assignments received during briefings or by other means, as well as handling situations requiring animal care services which arise and are observed during patrol duty.
4. Drives a radio/computer-dispatched animal control vehicle to respond to reports of animal law violations.
5. Responds to citizen complaints and investigates alleged violations of crimes against animals and/or animal related laws and regulations.
6. Investigates possible violations of animal related laws and regulations, prepares reports, and issues citations, warnings and other notices and/or makes arrests for misdemeanor or felony violations, as appropriate.
7. Safely handle, restrain, impound and/or transport sick, stray or wild animals of various sizes and temperaments while in the field or while on-site at the animal shelter.
8. Captures both domestic and wild animals, using equipment and methods appropriate for animal abatement and control; may require chasing, climbing fences and crawling under houses.
9. Register animals; follow up on registration violations including the collection of fees; provide public education regarding humane animal services.
10. Inspects animal premises, examines animals and determines appropriate action to protect animal and public health and safety. 
11. Makes public presentations and conduct escorted tours and "ride-alongs" for the public and media.
12. Perform variety of kennel care and maintenance duties, as necessary.
13. Interprets ordinances, State statutes, regulations, and Agency and County policies for staff and public.
14. Responds to animal related emergencies; subject to call out 24 hours a day by police and fire departments to render assistance in emergency situations.
15. May appear in court as an expert witness in animal related cases. May assist a veterinarian in a spay and neuter clinic or during euthanasia.
16. Performs other duties as assigned.
    
    

Knowledge of: 

1. Operations, services, activities of an animal services program including animal shelter, animal control field operations, kennel operations, and volunteer program.
2. Principles and practices, concepts, and techniques used in developing and executing marketing, public relations, social media and community outreach plans, programs, and strategies.
3. Principles, techniques and methods used in preparation and dissemination of information to the public.
4. Industry trends and media practices as they apply to developing and carrying out public information, social media, and marketing programs.
5. Methods used in accessing community, civic and private organizations that have the potential to support or participate in agency programs.
6. Computer software applications.
7. Written and verbal communication skills.
8. Public speaking principles and techniques.
9. Public relations, communications and marketing.
10. Research methods and analysis techniques used in effective public relations.
11. Principles and practices of effective leadership, management and supervision.
    
    

Ability to:  

1. Plan, organize, administer, coordinate, review, evaluate and personally participate in programs related to animal services and animal control.
2. Plan, develop and implement programs and campaigns to gain public support, involvement and contributions from organization, the business community and individuals
3. Prepare releases, web and social media posts, and related materials that may be delivered through press conferences or other communication channels.
4. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with a wide variety of individuals within and outside the agency.
5. Plan, develop, organize and coordinate public information and recognition programs and special events.
6. Plan, develop and deliver persuasive presentations designed to motivate and stimulate support of agency program.
7. Operate a computer and designated software programs to include word processing, desktop publishing, spreadsheets, databases, and specialized publication applications to input, access and analyze information.
8. Coordinate, prioritize, and integrate multiple projects in a timely, cohesive, and effective manner.

Any combination of education and/or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position. A typical combination includes:

Educational Requirements
Experience Requirements 
One (1) year of experience in the communication and enforcement of animal services codes, ordinances, and regulations, and the humane care and handling of animals.

Licenses
Individuals must be physically capable of operating a motor vehicle safely and possess a valid Class C California Driver’s License OR be able to demonstrate the ability to travel on scheduled or unscheduled visits to various locations which may or may not be reachable by public transportation.   This requirement applies at time of appointment and throughout employment in this classification.

Certificates

• Must be able to obtain a certificate of successful completion for a California Police Officer Standards and Training (POST) Course, Penal Code 832 Laws of Arrest, within six (6) months of employment.
• Must successfully complete training in compliance with California Business and Professions Code §4827(d) in order to obtain a certificate to perform humane euthanasia in the state of California, within six (6) months of employment.