Animal Control Officer – Animal Care And Control – Office Of The City Administrator

Job Description
Under general supervision, responds to requests for Animal Care and Control services and enforces compliance with city and state laws governing the humane care, control, licensing, vaccination and impoundment of animals.
Examples of Important andEssential Duties:
Conducts routine patrols throughout the city, humanely confining dogs at large and other stray animals and transporting them to the shelter for impoundment;
maintains close contactwith the shelter and other field staff via radio in conformance with FCC regulations;
picks up dead animals.
Responds to requests for emergency rescue services, including injured, sick or stray animals in distress;
humanely and safely handles all animals, domestic and wild.
Administers basic first aid and transports sick or injured animals for emergency treatment;
observes animals for signs of illness or unusual behavior and reports problems to the Animal Care Division and/or Veterinary Medical Services staff.
Processes impounded animals;
administers vaccinations;
prepares cages/kennels for new animal residents;
and participates in thecare and feeding of shelter animals.
Responds to complaints about the care, treatment and control of animals and other problem situations, including those which involve hostile, irate or distressed members of the public, in a tactful, professional and effective manner;
mediates animal issues between neighbors;
educates members of thepublic about laws and regulations on animal care and control.
Investigates allegations of animal abuse and neglect;
takes immediate action if necessary;
gathers evidence and information for further investigation as indicated;
documents information;
consults with supervisors and/or management staff regarding cases of a complex or unusual nature;
works with local law enforcement agencies, including the Offices of the City Attorney and the District Attorney, for the prosecution of responsible parties and resolution of animal-related issues;
may provide testimony on investigations and findings;
incumbents have powers of arrest and participate in executing arrest and search warrants.
Issues warnings and citations and/or takes appropriate action when violations of animal care and control laws are observed;
8. Provides informationon laws and regulations governing the treatment, licensing, care and control of animals to the public in the field;
participates in outreach services;
educates the public about animal issues and responsible pet ownership and promotes a humane and caring attitude towards animals.
Maintains assigned vehicles, work areas and other equipment in good order and in a safe and sanitary condition.
Produces and maintains accurate and legible case files, work records and forms, and reports, including accounts of investigative findings and other information;
uses a computer to access, input and retrieve work-related information, maintain case files and records and produce written reports.
Answers the telephone and performs radio dispatch duties.
Euthanizes animals and performs decapitation for rabies testing as required.
Performs related duties as required.
Nature of workrequires frequent exposure to areas with hazards and other unpleasant elements;
lifting and carrying heavy equipment or animals;
bending, stooping, stretching, crawling, running short distances, climbing and working in narrow or elevated spaces;
Safely transporting animals in departmental vans. Position requires weekend and vacation work on a rotating basis, may require work on swing and graveyard shifts, extended hours and/or overtime work;
changes in work schedule may occur with limited advance notice.