Animal Control Officer

Animal Control

Summary

Under basic supervision, this job classification performs animal control and animal related law enforcement activities for the Somerton Police Department to safeguard citizens from dangerous and nuisance animals; investigates animal related violations of State and Federal laws and local ordinances.

Essential Functions

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Patrols City to check animal populations for dangerous and nuisance animals, strays, and wildlife.
• Enforces State and Federal laws and local ordinances governing animal control issues.
• Responds to complaints and calls for service; captures, contains, transports, and impounds animals.
• Transports animals to Humane Society shelter; picks up and disposes of dead animals.
• Investigates nuisance complaints and calls on animal control code violations; interviews complainant and witnesses; notifies owners and involved parties of animal violations and corrective actions; writes reports and issues citations within scope of authority.
• Investigates request of service for animal cruelty charges; seizes animals as allowed by Arizona Statutes.
• Provides animal-related information to the public, including questions regarding animal care and regulations.
• Maintains assigned vehicle and equipment according to Department standards.
• Assists and coordinates with other emergency services personnel, outside organizations, and local law enforcement organizations.
• Prepares reports and maintains records and files.
• Presents animal control enforcement cases to courts and hearings.
• Supports the relationship between the City and the public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with citizens, visitors, and City staff; promotes the City goals and priorities, vision, values, and complies with all City policies and procedures.
• Maintains absolute confidentiality of work-related issues and City information; performs other duties as required or assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education, Training and Experience Guidelines

· High School Diploma or GED equivalent;

· (1) one year of combined experience in animal welfare, customer service (preferably involving direct public interaction), and/or code enforcement; OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

· Must successfully pass a polygraph and background investigation.

Knowledge of:

• City policies and procedures.
• General safety practices, and animal handling, capture, and restraint techniques, tools, and equipment.
• Symptoms of common animal diseases.
• Principles of record keeping and records management.
• Regional animal care resources available to citizens.
• Geography, roads, and landmarks of City and surrounding areas.

Skill in:

• Capturing, controlling, containing, and transporting sick, injured, and rabid animals.
• Care, maintenance and safe operation of specialized animal control tools and equipment.
• Exercising patience, care and compassion in dealing with animals.
• Interacting with individuals of different social, economic, and ethnic backgrounds.
• Following and communicating verbal and written instructions.
• Operating a personal computer utilizing standard and specialized software.
• Understanding and applying City, State, and Federal statutes, ordinances, codes and regulations.

LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

· A valid Arizona State Driver's License is required.

· Must obtain National Animal Control & Humane Officer Academy (NACHO) level 1 certification within first year of hire.

· A variety of technical training and certifications are required within six months of hire, including Terminal Operator Certification for access to Arizona Criminal Justice Information System (ACJIS)

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENTPhysical Demands:· Frequently required to stand, walk, run, bend, kneel, crouch, and reach to capture and restrain animals.

• Must have the ability to lift, carry, and restrain animals weighing up to 50 pounds and occasionally heavier animals with assistance.
• Requires manual dexterity and coordination to operate equipment such as catch poles, tranquilizer guns, traps, and animal transport cages.
• Ability to handle exposure to aggressive, frightened, or injured animals while ensuring personal and public safety.
• Must possess sufficient vision, hearing, and speech abilities to observe animal behavior, communicate effectively, and respond to emergency situations.
• Occasional physical exertion may be required when pursuing and capturing animals in the field.

Working Environment:

· Work is performed outdoors and indoors in varying weather conditions, including extreme heat, cold, rain, and wind.

• Exposure to hazardous conditions, including bites, scratches, zoonotic diseases, parasites, and other health risks associated with handling animals.
• Frequent interaction with the public, including confrontational or emotionally charged situations.
• Work may involve responding to animal-related emergencies at night, on weekends, or on holidays as part of an on-call rotation.
• Requires operating a city vehicle and transporting animals to shelters, veterinary clinics, or other locations.
• May involve working in loud and potentially stressful environments, such as shelters, public events, or emergency response situations.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $20.01 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Holidays
• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

Salary : $20