Animal Protection Officer

General Summary

Patrols the City, enforces animal protection ordinances, responds to calls about stray or dangerous animals, investigates cruelty allegations and educates the public. This position serves as the City’s primary contact for all wildlife and domestic animal concerns, advising the public on responsible pet ownership, safety and appropriate methods for addressing nuisance animals. The officer inspects animals for signs of injury or disease and transports sick or injured animals to appropriate care facilities.

Lafayette has an inescapable small-town feeling that provides a sense of belonging and connection. Whether it’s eclectic Old Town, distinctive neighborhoods, or unique arts and outdoors spaces, the City has a warmth and character all its own, offering a unique vibe and spirit. Lafayette has appeared on numerous national lists of top places to live and safely raise a family.

We are a full-service City, which means services are provided directly to our community such as Police, Fire, Public Works, Economic Development, Parks and Recreation, Library and Community Arts Center. These types of services offer employment opportunities for a wide array of interests. The City’s mission is to recruit, develop and retain a diverse, well-qualified and professional workforce that reflects the unique personality of the community we serve.

Exceptional City Provided Benefits:

• 100% City-paid Medical, Dental, Vision(up to $28,840 annually for family coverage)
• 401A Retirement Plan(10.2% City, 8% Employee,immediately100% vested upon hire)
• Life Insurance(One year’s salary up to $150,000. AD&D coverage in equal amount)
• Tuition Assistance(up to$5000per yearfor approved expenses)
• Employee Assistance Program(free counseling, travel assistance, legal aid, etc)
• Short and Long-Term Disability
• Bilingual Pay

Additional Benefits:

• Deferred Compensation and Roth Options
• Voluntary Life Insurance/AD&D
• Identity Theft Program
• Recreation Center Pass
• Wellness Punch Card (100 punches per year to use at golf course, waterpark, etc)

Leave:

• First year employees will accrue 80 hours Vacation
• 96 hours Sick Leave
• 24 hours Floating Holiday Leave
• 11.5 paid City holidays.
• Other leave programs are offered to include FMLA, Parental and Bereavement Leave

Essential Functions

The following duties are illustrative only and are not intended to be all inclusive:

• Patrols the City, finding, apprehending, and impounding stray/at-large animals; responds to and investigates complaints of stray animals, animal cruelty/neglect, and animal nuisances; issues warnings/summonses when necessary.
• Performs minor maintenance and care of assigned department vehicle including fuel, fluid checks, and cleaning.
• Provides information to citizens and visitors and creates a positive public image to improve community relations for the City and Police Department.
• Serves as the City's contact for all wildlife and domestic questions and concerns; advises public on safety and viable options for removal of nuisance animals.
• Prepares field and counter reports as directed. Assists in directing traffic and aiding motor vehicle owners as needed.
• Inspects animals for vaccination and proper registration (licensing); examines animals for injuries or disease and delivers to care facility; picks up and disposes of dead animals.
• Maintains current knowledge on animal-related topics.
• Performs related work as required.

Typical Qualifications

KNOWLEDGE: Federal, State and local statutes and ordinances; proper principles and procedures of animal protection; office operation and procedures.
SKILL: Demonstrated skill in the operation of equipment necessary to perform the functions of the job; detail oriented and accurate when writing reports, issuing warnings, filling out forms and maintaining records.
ABILITY: Handle animals effectively and perform physical tasks associated with the assignments; observe and reason through various situations; remember facts and details; enforce the law; read and interpret ordinance and other information; prepare complete and accurate forms and maintain records; communicate effectively orally and in writing; maintain effective working relationships with other employees; deal with potentially dangerous situations when encountered by irate individuals, sick or dangerous animals.
TRAINING: High School diploma or equivalent is required and six (6) months or more of training beyond High School.
EXPERIENCE: One (1) year of progressively responsible experience in working with animals; or a combination of experience and education that results in the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is required;preference for certifications on basic animal handling training and animal welfare, and specialized training in animal cruelty investigations. Must be certified or obtain Wildlife Euthanasia Certification within 6 months of hire.

Special Requirements

• Must possess a valid Colorado Class "R" driver's license with a safe driving record.
• Ability to obtain Wildlife Euthanasia Certification within 6 months of hire.
• Training in defensive tactics and intermediate weapons will be provided to ensure safety while performing duties.