Animal Control Officer

GENERAL SUMMARY: Plans and carries out the animal control operations, enforcements and activities of the Health Services Department; handles animals for the purpose of investigations of mistreatment, or control of abandoned, dangerous or unattended animals; and performs other duties as assigned.

The ideal candidate possesses the ability to follow a management style that is input-oriented and values fairness, problem solving and the development of partnerships; the ability to work effectively as a member of a team; and the desire to be part of an organization that values service, people, integrity, responsibility, innovation and teamwork.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: Work in this class involves responsibility for enforcing the City Ordinances relating to the control of animals and developing and presenting related education tactics and programs for the general public on animal care and control. Decisions are made in accordance with applicable ordinances, codes and regulations which require the exercise of some independent judgment.  Work is performed with relative independence. The employee in this class reports to the Public Health Director. Work is reviewed by the Public Health Director through observation, conferences, reports and results achieved.

 

Job Duties

 

JOB DUTIES:  

• Process animal license payments.
• Interview people to gather information about code violation/crime activities.
• Examine grounds and/or premises to obtain evidence.
• Investigate animal nuisances, such as barking dogs, unsanitary conditions, running or unrestrained animals, investigation and declaration of Potentially Vicious dogs and harboring of vicious animals; animal bite incidents and illegal or suspicious activities.
• Use physical force to maintain security.
• Provide care for animals.
• Maintain a record of animal control activities and compiles other detailed daily, monthly and annual reports; and operational records.
• Write operational reports.
• Testify at legal proceedings as a witness to animal control violations.
• Check physical condition of people and animals.
• Issue warnings and citations to violators.
• Inform the public and animal owners about City ordinances, policies, services and procedures.
• Clean equipment.
• Collaborate with law enforcement to respond to animal cruelty and neglect incidents; and investigate community reports.
• Inspect animal and residential enclosures and facilities to ensure compliance with safety regulations.
• Examine and verify personal documentation for validity.
• Apprehend and impound dogs and cats, licensed or unlicensed, or other animals.
• Capture, transport, impound, and humanely handle domestic and injured wild animals.
• Operate a vehicle (pickup truck) to patrol streets, school areas and neighborhoods in response to animal complaints.
• Quarantine animals involved in bite incidents and enforce rabies control procedures with owners
• Seek and apprehend animals involved in biting incidents.
• Collaborate with medical authorities and local veterinarians in impounding animals and quarantine procedures following an animal bite incident.
• Ensure animals apprehended are licensed and rabies vaccinated.
• Follow up with owners to ensure compliance.
• Retrieve deceased animals.
• Create and present educational programs relating to the City’s animal control ordinances and on the care and treatment of animals.
• Review and analyze methods and performance to increase effectiveness and improve results.
• Respond to questions and service requests.
• Maintain a working relationship with the contracted agencies and other community based organizations. 
• Perform other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Customer Service - Principles and processes for providing customer and service which includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction. Ability to enforce animal control ordinances tactfully, firmly and impartially while maintaining effective working relations with the public; to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the general public, representatives of other agencies and employees; and to perform conflict resolution in highly charged and emotional situations.  
• Animal Control Laws and Ordinances - Knowledge of City and animal control ordinances, state codes and regulations; animal control methods, practices and tools; the legal requirements of preparing citations for court litigation; and laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, and organization rules. 
• Public Safety and Security - Knowledge of the occupational hazards associated with handling animals and how to take the necessary safety precautions; and relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local security operations for the protection of people, data, property and institutions. Ability to capture and transport animals in a safe and humane manner.
• Administrative and Technological - Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, designing forms, and workplace terminology. Ability to enter and retrieve data from the City’s computer system and web-based systems/databases; and to prepare electronic reports and maintain electronic records utilizing Microsoft and tracking software.
• Other Abilities - Ability to understand and follow written and oral instructions; plan, organize and present education programs; make decisions using established practices, resourcefulness and tact to solve problems; analyze code violations and recommend remedies; and work independently with little supervision. 

Qualifications

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:  

• High school diploma or equivalency.
• Customer service and direct interaction experience.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain and maintain, a valid state driver’s license.
• Experience and/or education in the care and control of animals.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:  

• College level coursework in biology, veterinarian or animal science or a related field.
• Experience in enforcement of rules, laws, and policies. 

Supplemental Information

 

Physical Working Activities and Demands: Work requires It also requires constantly remaining in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods; adjusting or moving objects weighing up to 20 pounds in all directions (assisted or unassisted); moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another; communicating with others to exchange information; repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers; operating motor vehicles or heavy equipment; and assessing the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of the work assigned. It also requires occasionally ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles and the like; moving self in different positions to accomplish tasks in various environments including tight and confined spaces; adjusting or moving objects weighing up to 50-100 pounds in all directions (assisted or unassisted); and performing sedentary working that primarily involves sitting or standing. 

 

Environmental Conditions: Work is performed occasionally in low or high temperatures; in outdoor elements such as precipitation or rain; in noisy environments; in hazardous conditions; and in small and/or enclosed spaces with poor ventilation.

 

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT: Employee shall establish their principal place of residence within fifty (50) miles of the corporate limits of the city of Dubuque as soon as practicable after appointment, but within two years of appointment.