Animal Control Officer

City of Somerton

Job Description

Job Title: Animal Control Officer

Department: Police Department

FLSA: Non-Exempt

Pay Grade: 14

Salary Range: $16.75 - $25.12 per hour

SUMMARY: Under basic supervision, performs animal control and animal related law enforcement activities for the Somerton Police Department to safeguard citizens from dangerous and nuisance animals; investigates animal related violations of state and Federal laws and local ordinances.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: -- Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Patrols City to check animal populations for dangerous and nuisance animals, strays, and wildlife.
• Enforces state and Federal laws and local ordinances governing animal control issues.
• Responds to complaints and calls for service; captures, contains, transports, and impounds animals.
• Transports animals to Humane Society shelter; picks up and disposes of dead animals.
• Investigates nuisance complaints and calls on animal control code violations, interviews complainant and witnesses; notifies owners and involved parties of animal violations and corrective actions; writes reports and issues citations within scope of authority.
• Investigates request of service for animal cruelty charges; seizes animals as allowed by Arizona Statutes.
• Provides animal-related information to public, including questions regarding animal care and regulations.
• Maintains assigned vehicle and equipment according to Department standards.
• Assists and coordinates with other emergency services personnel, outside organizations, and local law enforcement organizations.
• Prepares reports and maintains records and files.
• Testifies in court against persons cited for violations. Interacts with people who are confused, angry, or openly hostile when issuing citations. Prepares warnings, citations, and written reports in order to document violations. Maintains absolute confidentiality of work-related issues and City information.
• An Animal Control Officer works within Somerton’s boundaries using a cell phone, radio, laptop computer, and specialized truck to locate stray animals, occasionally bag dead animals for pick up, and impound live animals. The officer is responsible for performing related duties as required.
• An Animal Control Officer must wear a uniform and a duty belt.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education, Training and Experience Guidelines

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED).
• One (1) year related experience and/or training.
• Or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Knowledge of:

• Basic writing skills and the English language.
• Basic computer usage and programs such as Microsoft Office.
• Procedures/practices for capturing and handling a variety of wild and domestic animals; and the general principles of animal behavior.
• Principles of record keeping and records management.
• Regional animal care resources available to citizens.
• Geography, roads, and landmarks of City and surrounding areas.

Skill in:

• Skill in operating standard office equipment such as printers, copiers, fax machines, scanners, calculators, digital cameras, smart phones, etc.
• Capturing, controlling, containing, and transporting sick, injured, and rabid animals.
• Exercising patience, care, and compassion in dealing with animals.
• Care, maintenance, and safe operation of specialized animal control tools and equipment.
• Interacting with people of different social, economic, and ethnic backgrounds.
• Following and communicating verbal and written instructions.

LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

• A valid Arizona State Driver's License is required.
• Must receive and maintain ongoing Animal Control Officer certification on weapons.
• Must be able to successfully become certified as an Animal Control Officer by a nationally recognized organization such as National Animal Control Association (NACA) within two years of hire date.
• Because of the confidential, sensitive nature of information handled, successful completion of a health physical screening, background investigation and polygraph are required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

• Operates a three-quarter ton animal control truck requiring a standard Class D Arizona Driver's License to patrol a designated area and to transport animals.
• Works in small, cramped areas in order to capture animals.
• Moves, lifts, and pulls animals weighing up to 100 pounds for short distances (5 - 100 feet) with the ability to lift them vertically into the animal control vehicle.
• Works in a variety of weather conditions while capturing animals and enforcing ordinances.
• Bends, stoops, climbs, traverses over various landscapes avoiding natural and manmade obstacles, walks or runs potential long distances, and repeats strenuous physical motion/activity when handling animals and necessary equipment.
• Enters data into a PC in order to create cases for on-view activities.
• Uses a snare pole and various animal capturing equipment including nets, traps, ropes, baton, and OC spray.
• Uses specialized, non-routine, protective equipment when required to enter areas containing hazardous materials or large amounts of noxious animal excrement to rescue animals or conduct investigations.
• Operates a camera and/or cell phone in order to photograph animals, animal bite victims, and property for the purpose of gathering evidence to support animal control violations.
• Detects hazardous situations at work by hearing various animal noises and audible traffic sounds when working near moving traffic.
• Meets scheduling and attendance requirements.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $16.75 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Holidays
• Monday to Friday
• On call
• Weekends as needed

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Preferred)

Experience:

• working with or handling animals: 1 year (Preferred)
• report writing or investigation: 1 year (Preferred)
• related: 1 year (Required)

License/Certification:

• NACA Level I (Preferred)
• Arizona Driver's license (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $17 - $25