Animal Control Officer II

The City of Seattle is seeking a compassionate and experienced professional for the position of Animal Control Officer II. . The shelter promotes public safety and animal welfare, protects animals from cruelty and neglect, runs animal sheltering and adoption programs to reunite lost animals with their owners, and runs a spay and neuter clinic providing low-cost services serving more than 4,000 animals per year.

Animal Control Officer IIs enforce animal control ordinances and related laws, patrol areas of the City responding to and investigating complaints, write reports documenting investigations, issue citations for violations, and capture, handle, and transport animals.

Job Responsibilities

• Patrols assigned areas of the city driving an Animal Control vehicle to enforce animal control ordinances and related laws.
• Investigates complaints of non-compliance with City animal ordinances including, but not limited to, menacing animals and bites, animal cruelty, violations of leash and scoop laws and noise ordinances..
• Writes reports documenting investigations, observations, statements and timelines for animal bites and animal cruelty investigations.
• Issues citations for menacing animals, animal bites and violations including but not limited to leash, scoop and noise ordinances, property damage, and failure to obtain pet license and rabies vaccinations.
• Patrol city parks for violations of the leash, scoop and licensing laws.
• Participates in court case preparation and testifies in court and administrative hearings on infractions and criminal trials.
• Answers questions and explain the rules, policies and regulations pertaining to the animal control ordinances.
• Provides excellent and professional customer service.
• Diffuse tense encounters with hostile and/or abusive members of the public.
• Captures and detains stray and/or vicious animals; and picks up and transports owner-surrendered, injured or dead animals including wildlife.
• Operates a two-way radio, responds and dispatches officers to assist field officers.
• Safely operates large F350 truck and other assigned fleet vehicles following defensive driving practices on a daily basis and in stressful situations.
• Educate the general public, schools and other agencies on animal care, safety and welfare.
• Clean animal habitats provide general husbandry to the shelter animal population.
• Answer questions, in person or by telephone from the general public concerning the operations and policies of the shelter, and animal control ordinances.
• Euthanizing animals.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Two (2) years of full-time professional animal care and treatment experience, at least one (1) year of which is in assisting a licensed veterinarian; OR
• One (1) year of full-time professional animal care and treatment experience and one (1) year of law enforcement background; OR
• One (1) year of field experience equivalent to an Animal Control Officer II

The most successful candidates will possess the following:

• Three or more years of full-time professional animal care and treatment experience.
• Knowledge of safe handling and transporting dangerous, sick or injured animals.
• Able to lift 50 pounds independently (on occasion, able to lift over 50 lbs. with the use of provided equipment as needed or assistance from another officer).
• A safe driving record and ability to safely drive a large Animal Control one-ton vehicle in a crowded urban setting daily.
• Prior experience as an Animal Control Officer or similar animal law enforcement experience.
• Ability to type and utilize Microsoft Office and other software programs.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently, think critically, and exercise good judgment.
• Working knowledge of PetPoint.
• Experience conducting investigations and writing reports.
• Washington State Certified Euthanasia Technician.

Work Environment/Physical Demands:

• This position requires full-time onsite work.
• Overtime work may be required based on business needs.
• Alternative Work Arrangements may be considered and will be based on operational needs and consistency with City policies.

• Frequently has contact with hostile or abusive members of the public.
• Required to work nights, weekends and/or holidays.
• Required to work outdoors in all types of weather.
• Exposed to the possibility of animal attack in the handling and treatment of injured or stray animals; occasional physical exertion is necessary to capture and detain animals.

License, Certification, and Other Requirements:

• Current, valid Driver's License
• Special Police Commission with annual renewal
• WACA ACO Academy completion

This position is classified as an Animal Control Officer II. It is Civil Service represented, FLSA non-exempt and is eligible for overtime. The full range for this step-progression position is $45.03 - $52.57 per hour.

Application Process

Applications are reviewed after the posting closes. You must submit the following items to be considered for this position no later than 4:00pm Pacific Time on the scheduled closed date.

1. Completed NEOGOV online application.
2. Cover letter describing how your skills and experience align with the stated job responsibilities and qualifications.
3. Current resume indicating relevant experience, knowledge, skills, and education.
4. A current “FULL” driving abstract from the Department of Licensing.

Your application may be rejected as incomplete if you do not include the relevant information in the application. Cover letters and/or resumes are not accepted in lieu of a completed application. Applications and/or Supplemental Questionnaires that state “see my resume” or “see my personnel file” are considered incomplete and will not be accepted.

Background Check and Special Police Commission Eligibility

Employment is contingent on completing and passing the ESoph electronic background investigation process administered by the Seattle Police Department (SPD). Licenses & Standards Inspectors are granted a Special Police Commission if they are determined to meet minimum SPD standards and must maintain the commission through an annual review process. For more information on SPD background eligibility requirements go to: https://www.seattle.gov/police/police-jobs/how-to-apply/qualifications#entrylevel

Pre-Employment Physical: Successful candidates will be required to pass a pre-employment physical.

Record: A current, “FULL” driving abstract from the Department of Licensing is required to be submitted upon offer of employment. Candidates with driving history that does not meet our current safety standards will be disqualified from consideration. Current City of Seattle Employees in a driving position may be required to submit an updated abstract.

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents. More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans