What are the responsibilities and job description for the Police Animal Control Officer I/II position at City of Modesto, CA?
THE POSITION
To protect citizens from dangerous or hazardous animals; to enforce City and local ordinances governing the care and keeping of domestic and wild animals in the City; to capture and impound animals, as appropriate and to promote responsible pet ownership.
Note: When working in a field setting, all Police Animal Control Officers are required to carry a firearm and wear a ballistic vest.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
Police Animal Control Officer I - This is the entry level class in the Police Animal Control Officer series. This class is distinguished from the Police Animal Control Officer II by the performance of the more routine tasks and duties assigned to positions within the series. Since this is the training level, employees may have only limited directly related work experience.
Police Animal Control Officer II - This is the full journey level class within the Police Animal Control Officer series. Employees within this class are distinguished from the Police Animal Control Officer I by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned including a full workload. Employees at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise, and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. Positions in this class are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from the I level class, or when filled from the outside, require directly related experience.
Upcoming Salary Increases and Incentives:
3% effective 7/1/2025
3% effective 7/1/2026
2.5% Education Incentive - Bachelor's Degree at time of hire
5% Education Incentive - Master's Degree at time of hire
APPLICATION PROCESS Applicants will be assessed on the application submitted. Due to the volume of applications received, resumes will not be screened for the purpose of determining who is the most qualified to compete in the testing process. It is the applicant's responsibility to fill out the "Education" and "Work Experience" sections of the application with complete information and adequate detail. Do not substitute any part of the application with the words "SEE RESUME."
The following information is provided for you to use as a reference and as a planning tool. Human Resources is unable to schedule make-up examinations. Applicants considered to be the most qualified will be invited to continue in the testing process.
Tentative Schedule TestGenius Online Test
February 19, 2025- February 26, 2025
The Human Resources Department reserves the right to revise the testing process to best meet the needs of the City. We are committed to fostering, cultivating and preserving a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion.
Hiring Incentives
New hires will begin employment with 20 hours of sick leave and 20 hours of vacation time placed in their leave balances upon date of hire.
Any lateral hire to any position assigned to the Police Department will accrue leave balances based on their years of experience in a prior public safety position.
Contact
Should you have any questions email Jeff Montgomery at jemontgomery@modestogov.com
ESSENTIAL AND MARGINAL FUNCTION STATEMENTS
Essential Functions:
Investigate reports or complaints of dogs, cats, or other animals creating nuisances; use tactical communication style to de-escalate situations and use mediation techniques to reconcile various complaints.
Prioritize calls using effective time management methods.
Investigate reports of animal abuse, and take appropriate action.
Enforce City animal control and licensing laws; ensure the safe capture and handling of animals including vicious, injured and stray animals.
Issue citations for violations of animal control and licensing ordinances.
Write incident reports, gather evidence, and prepare and present cases at administrative hearings.
Explain ordinances relating to the care and keeping of animals to the public; promote and provide education to the public regarding the keeping and caring of pets.
Maintain contact with citizens regarding animal control issues and problems; maintain good relationships with the general public; take an active role in public education related to animal control issues.
Patrol a designated area of City streets, roads, and parks in a truck; search for stray or abandoned animals; capture and confine animals using appropriate procedures.
Impound and quarantine animals, as appropriate.
In field conditions, may euthanize severely injured animals, as required.
Attend meetings and respond to related questions and complaints; provide public education regarding animal control.
Clean and maintain the animal control vehicle and cages utilized to detain the animals.
May assist Police Officers on high risk operations including dynamic and tactical entries, searches, and in serving arrest warrants, when vicious dogs may be present.
May make warrantless arrests related to penal code 830.9; interview victims, complainants and witnesses.
Present and maintain a positive and professional image of the police department; participate in community-oriented policing.
Prepare and maintain a variety of records and reports.
Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other City employees, and the public using principles of good customer service.
Observe and maintain a safe working environment in compliance with established safety programs and procedures.
Marginal Functions:
Perform related duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
Basic methods of animal collection and impoundment.
Procedures and techniques for working with the public in a tactful but firm manner.
Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.
Ability to:
Enforce animal regulations and ordinances.
Prepare written reports and maintain an efficient record keeping system.
Learn to interpret, explain, and apply City and department policies, procedures, rules, and regulations.
Use sound judgment, analyze situations, and determine appropriate action.
Think and act quickly in emergency situations.
Understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
Work with the public in general and in difficult work situations.
Use maps and learn City geography.Use and care for firearms.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications.
Experience and Training Guidelines:
Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Experience:
One year of experience working with animals is desirable.
Training:
High School diploma or GED equivalency.
License or Certificate:
Possession of a valid California driver’s license.
Possession of a POST approved P.C. 832 Certificate is required by the end of probationary period.
Possession of certificate of completion from the CalAnimals Officer Academy, or equivalent is required by the end of probationary period.
Failure to obtain the required licenses/certificates within the prescribed time may result in release from probation or termination.
PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS
Essential and marginal functions may require gaining and maintaining control of large and often aggressive animals; lifting/carrying medium-heavy objects of up to 75 lbs. of weight, maintaining physical condition necessary for standing, squatting, twisting, running, stooping and walking for prolonged periods of time; operating motor vehicle and other equipment.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Work is performed in a field environment subject to regular travel from site to site with inclement and varying weather conditions. Position require working a variety of shifts, weekends, and holidays.
