Animal Control Officer I or II

The successful candidate will need to have a flexible schedule during training. Once certified, the regular schedule for this position will run Thursday through Sunday from 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. MUST BE 21 YEARS OF AGE TO APPLY.

GENERAL:

The employee will support the City of Rock Springs mission “To provide all individuals, through the combined efforts of city government and the people it serves, an effective, efficient and productive form of government, while promoting an enhanced quality of life, open communications and economic growth.”

The employee will demonstrate the ability to manage time, maintain a safe and clean environment; practice confidentiality; treat all persons with respect and professional courtesy; accept change; accept and provide constructive feedback; and work as a team player. The employee must also demonstrate the competencies for their position, and adhere to policies and procedures of their department and the City of Rock Springs.

JOB SUMMARY:

Under direction, to perform a variety of duties involved in the collection, impoundment, care, treatment, and euthanasia of dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, and all other animals wild and domestic; to enforce laws, ordinances, and regulations relating to control of animals, disease control, public safety, and education; and to keep detailed records of all animal control functions.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

Exercises no supervision.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Performs a variety of duties including, but not limited to:

1. Investigate reports or complaints of dogs, cats, or other animals creating nuisances and take appropriate action; investigate reports of animal abuse.

2. Enforce City animal control and licensing laws; issue citations for violations of animal control and licensing ordinances.

3. Explain to the public ordinances relating to the care and keeping of animals.

4. Patrol City streets and roads in assigned vehicle; search for stray dogs and other domestic animals and livestock; catch and impound wild and domestic animals, birds, and reptiles.

5. Quarantine and dispose of animals as appropriate.

6. Attend meetings and respond to related questions and complaints; provide public education regarding animal control.

7. Clean and perform minor repairs to the shelter, yard, vehicle, and equipment.

8. Maintain detailed records of daily activities, impounds, animals released, sold or destroyed, and fee collections.

9. Prepare news releases.

10. Assist Police Officers when search warrants are being served while vicious dogs, venomous snakes, and other dangerous or hazardous animals are present.

11. Use tranquilizer rifle and pistol; train personnel in proper tranquilization techniques including proper amounts of controlled drugs.

12. Perform related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

ABILITIES AND REQUIREMENTS

Has the knowledge, skills, and ability to:

1. Utilize basic principles of law enforcement.

2. Understand general principles of animal care and disease treatment and prevention.

3. Understand occupational hazards and standard safety practices necessary in the area of animal control.

4. Apply basic mathematical principles.

5. Apply proper use of English, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.

6. Utilize modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment.

7. Apply principles and procedures of record keeping and reporting to ensure accurate and complete reports.

8. Practice safe driving principles and practices.

9. Learn to operate a variety of animal control equipment and tools in a safe and effective manner.

10. Learn methods and techniques of licensing, controlling and disposing of animals.

11. Learn methods and procedures of animal collection and impoundment.

12. Learn operational characteristics of animal control equipment and tools.

13. Learn, interpret, apply and enforce pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes and regulations related to animal control.

14. Identify breed and gender of animals.

15. Respond to requests and inquiries from the general public.

16. Understand, communicate clearly and concisely, and follow oral and written instructions.

17. Exercise good judgment, flexibility, creativity, and sensitivity in response to changing situations and needs.

18. Establish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:

Any combination equivalent to experience and training that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skills, and abilities would be:

Experience:

One year of animal control experience is desirable.

Education:

Equivalent to a high school diploma supplemented by training in animal care and control.

License or Certificate:

Possession of, or ability to obtain within eighteen months, Animal Control Certification from the National Animal Care and Control Association.

Possession of, or ability to obtain within one year, a Euthanasia Certificate, a CRP/First Aid Certificate, ASP Baton Certificate, and TASER Certificate.

Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid driver's license.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS;

Essential duties require the following physical skills and work environment:

Ability to sit, stand, walk, run, kneel, crouch, stoop, squat, crawl, twist, climb, and lift 100 lbs.; exposure to heat, cold, noise, outdoors, chemicals, syringes, and needles; ability to travel to different sites and locations.