Animal Control Officer

The City of Ames is in looking to fill an opening for a part time Animal Control Officer position with the Animal Control division of the Police Department.  Under general supervision of the Animal Control Supervisor, this position performs duties related to the enforcement of city and state animal control ordinances and regulations, while also performing other related work as required.
This position is part-time (20-25 hours per week) with rotating weekly schedule as follows:
Week One
Tuesday - 8am to 1pm
Thursday - 4pm to 8pm
Friday - 12pm to 8pm
Sunday - 8am to 5pm
Week Two
Tuesday - 8am to 1pm
Thursday - 4pm to 8pm
Saturday and Sunday - 8am to 5pm
This schedule is subject to change as coverage is needed due to influx of animal intake and staffing limitations.
Salary
This position is governed by a bargaining unit agreement with defined steps in pay.  As of July 1, 2026, the staring salary will be $24.0289 per hour.  
The current steps are outlined below:
  July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027
       Months                 Hourly Rate       
          0-18                     $24.0289             
         19-36                    $26.0568            
         37+                       $32.2957               

BENEFITS
Our comprehensive benefits package can be viewed at:  City of Ames Benefits
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program: The PSLF Program is a federal program that is intended to encourage individuals to work in public service by forgiving the balance of their federal student loans. To qualify, the individual must have made 120 qualifying payments while employed by a qualifying employer. For more information, please visit the website through this link:  PSLF Program

Provides quality animal control services to the community, demonstrates excellent customer service, communication and problem solving skills; responds to citizens' calls for assistance with domestic, exotic and wild animals that are lost, found, creating a nuisance or being treated cruelly; mediates between complainants and owners; provides assistance to animals reported as sick or injured; removes animals from places which are difficult to access such as in trees, under houses, on roofs, etc.; provides education to citizens and owners on the humane and responsible care and treatment of animals; files charges and testifies in court in cases of violation of state or local ordinances; maintains records, enters data into a database, searches records for information, generates reports, completes workday activity reports and disposition of animals picked up; performs follow-up investigations as needed. Sanitizes all animal housing areas; vaccinates, deworms and medicates animals as instructed; euthanizes animals; assists in "Lost and Found" activities; provides assistance to, and maintains a good working relationship with volunteers; maintains supply inventory; maintains a clean and organized work environment.
Other Job Functions: Patrols streets to promote safety by reduction of stray animals and noise complaints; locates animals reported to have bitten humans or other animals; tranquilizes animals; retrieves deceased animals; administers medication to animals; opens and closes Animal Shelter as needed; maintains records on other shelter activities; assist in adoptions and performs customer service duties with the public at the shelter.

Education and Experience: 
Required:
High School diploma, HiSet, or GED.  At least six months of full-time experience (or an equivalent amount of part-time experience) in caring for animals in an animal care facility.  
Preferred:
• Currently enrolled in Animal Science, Animal Ecology, Criminal Justice, or related field of study or completion of at least one of these degrees.
• Work experience in animal control or animal shelter facilities.  While volunteer experience may be considered, paid regular work experience is preferred.
• Trained/certified to perform, or experience performing, euthanasia by injection on domestic and wild animals.
Licenses and Certificates: Possession of a valid driver's license and satisfactory driving history.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Knowledge of the various species of common animals; knowledge of the characteristics of animal behavior; knowledge of humane animal handling, treatment and care of animals; some knowledge of the principles and methods of medicating and humanely euthanizing animals.
Knowledge of work-related safety standards and procedures and the ability to interpret and follow those standards and procedures.
Skill in the safe operation of a City vehicle; skill in the safe transportation of animals.
Skill in assessing situations to offer and provide best assistance.  Skill to provide calm interactions with animals in stressful situations.  Skill in offering support and taking appropriate action in a team environment.    
Ability to exercise discretion and good judgement in providing efficient, responsive, and excellent animal care services; ability to use good judgment, problem-solving and making sound decisions.
Ability to handle animals humanely and effectively under stressful situations; handle aggressive, sick or injured animals and recognize normal and abnormal behavior and signs of disease or illness in animals.
Ability to effectively communicate and work with a wide variety of people, personalities and emotions; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public.
Ability to maintain a strong commitment to integrity and fairness; ability to learn applicable city and state ordinances and regulations.
Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions; ability to perform the essential job functions in an organized, compassionate and self directed manner.
Ability to use a computer to perform work-related tasks; ability to maintain accurate, complete and up-to-date records.

Required Physical Activities: Climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, finger dexterity, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, repetitive motions.
Physical Characteristics of Work: Medium work requiring the exertion of up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
Vision Requirement: The minimum whose work deals with machines where the seeing job is at or within arm's reach.
Environmental Conditions: The worker is subject to both inside and outside environmental conditions, as well as cold, heat, noise, animal excrement and odors, fumes from disinfectant chemicals, high places, syringes and needles, and medications used with animals. Worker is also in contact with animals of unknown origin that have the potential to bite
Equipment Used in Performing Essential Job Functions: Police radios, animal control vehicles, mobile telephone, flashlight, first aid kit, traps, feral cat boxes, stretcher, water hoses, various animal handling equipment, pest control products, syringe and pole syringe, needles, snares, net and net pole, muzzles, bite gloves, snake tongs, boots, ladders, pet cages and carriers, litter and litter pans, lead ropes and leashes, disinfectant chemicals, animal food and medication, rubber gloves, broom, mop, squeegee, washer/dryer, food and water bowls, shovel, etc.
Computer terminal, keyboard, calculator, telephone, digital camera, copy & fax machine, printers, paper forms, keys, a variety of common office equipment such as pens/pencils, file folders and labels, etc. A variety of written materials including, reference materials, policy/procedure manuals, books, maps and various software.