Position Overview

Under guidelines set by policy, coordinates and supervises departmental activities through the enforcement of state and local laws pertaining to animal control and regulation and the humane treatment of animals.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

(All duties listed may not be included in any one position nor does the list include all tasks found in a position of this class.)

• Selects, trains, and develops departmental personnel. Ensures that office is staffed, operated and maintained in an efficient manner. Assigns duties and supervises personnel.
• Coordinates all animal control activities for Rural Madison County.
• Trains and develops enforcement personnel. Procures and maintains equipment necessary for the humane capture, handling, and transport of animals, the protection of field officers and public safety. Coordinates and assists in documentation, dispatching and response to complaints and requests for assistance.
• Coordinates and assists in the humane capture, transport, and housing of stray, abandoned, at large, nuisance or dangerous domestic animals; and the capture, removal and relocation or destruction of injured, diseased, or nuisance wildlife. Ensures humane treatment of all animals impounded by and under the control of the department.
• Monitors and prepares written reports of program activities and animal sheltering activities and costs. Researches, develops, and drafts legal notices and directives, and provides procedures for issuance of such documents to offenders; coordinates service of such documents and maintains follow-up system for documents served.
• Coordinates criminal cases with the Warrant Magistrate and District Attorney's Office.
• Coordinates, oversees, and assists in the sale and issuance of animal licenses and collection of related fees; processes, records, files and maintains license fees, receipts and animal vaccination and ownership records; generates and delivers renewal notices, delinquent notices, and violation notices.
• Ensures accountability of license fees received, maintains proper documentation and ensures the delivery of all fees to the County. Maintains all materials necessary for a continuous animal licensing and registration program.
• Plans and develops departmental policies and procedures. Research criminal and civil law with regard to animal control, regulation and liability.
• Determines departmental needs, develops requirements, obtains bids, and secures necessary materials and equipment.
• Develops goals and objectives for department and prepares annual department budget.

Education, Experience, and Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Must be a high school graduate. Minimum of 1-3 years' experience in either law enforcement or animal control supervision.

Knowledge, Skill, and Ability

• Knowledge of applicable state and local laws, criminal justice system, accepted law enforcement practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of animals and animal care and control practices, procedures, and requirements; knowledge of personal computers and data base management; verbal skills to communicate instructions and assignments to personnel and to effectively communicate with local agencies and general public; writing skills to prepare reports, recommendations, proposals, and to draft effective correspondence and prepare comprehensive policies and procedures; math skills to develop and maintain accounting and reporting systems; reading skills to comprehend state and local codes; listening skills to maintain communication with personnel, public and other agencies
• Skill to organize and coordinate multiple departmental operations simultaneously; and ability to make quick decisions and exercise sound judgment in matters involving legal liability.

Other Requirements

Physical Requirements

• The person in this position frequently communicates in person and on the telephone.
• Must be able to communicate effectively.
• Needs to be able to operate office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, and computer printer.
• Must be capable of lifting and restraining large animals that involve bending, stooping, kneeling, and reaching, operating heavy equipment, and driving long-wheelbase trucks. Must have mobility to track and capture animals in various terrains and conditions is necessary.

Certifications or Licenses Required

• Basic Animal Control Officer Training: Completion of a recognized Basic Animal Control Officer Training program is essential. This training ensures proficiency in animal handling, capture techniques, and humane treatment protocols.
• Specialized Animal Control Training: Continued education in specialized areas such as animal cruelty investigations, dangerous dog handling, and animal fighting investigations is highly desirable. Training provided by reputable organizations or companies specializing in animal control education is preferred.
• Weapons Safety Certification: While not mandatory, familiarity with weapons safety protocols is beneficial due to potential situations requiring the handling of firearms during animal control operations. Applicants with previous law enforcement experience or weapons training will be given preference.

• Experience in conducting thorough investigations into cases of animal cruelty, including gathering evidence, producing detailed investigative reports, and working with the County Attorney for review and preparation for a District Court Hearing.
• Knowledge of relevant statutes such as the Pet Protection Act and the Control of Dangerous Dogs Statute is essential. The ability to interpret and enforce these laws, including conducting seizures and coordinating with legal authorities for hearings and summons, is required.
• Demonstrates the ability to collaborate effectively with the County Attorney to deliver necessary documentation, reports, and summons for legal proceedings in a District Court Hearing related to animal control cases.
• Willingness to be available for on-call duty and respond to emergency situations as required. Ability to travel overnight to attend relevant training sessions, seminars, or conferences to stay updated on industry best practices and legal developments.

• 7:00 am - 4:00 pm
• Monday- Friday

To be considered for this position, all applicants must complete the employment application in full.