What are the responsibilities and job description for the COMMUNITY ENFORCEMENT OFFICER position at Dorchester County, SC?
Description
The purpose of the class is to enforce County ordinances governing the care and keeping of domestic animals and livestock in an effort to maintain public safety and welfare; litter and nuisance ordinances; to provide technical interpretation of regulations to the citizens as needed; to prepare and maintain all required documentation, and to perform related work as required. This class works according to some procedures but decides how or when to do things; work is reviewed regularly by supervisor.
Posting may close prior to listed closing date if sufficient qualified applicants are received.
Duties
- Patrols County areas to identify violations of animal, nuisance, and zoning ordinances; identifies violations of illegal dump sites, property maintenance, and camper and commercial vehicles in residential zoned areas.
- Investigates complaints of dogs, cats or other animals creating nuisances; inspects/re-inspects residential, public, industrial, and commercial properties for code compliance and property maintenance and takes appropriate action.
- Receives and investigates reports of animal abuse or ordinance violations including disposal of trash and debris, abandoned vehicles and vermin infestation; files charges as appropriate; prepares cases for prosecution; and provides court testimony as necessary.
- Researches County records to determine property ownership and responsibility.
- Prepares inspection reports; prepares and issues notices of corrective and/or citations; maintains a variety of logs and records related to inspection and enforcement activities.
- Responds to calls regarding stray, vicious and/or diseased animals; responds to calls regarding animal bites; reports animal bites to DHEC; and performs preliminary investigations.
- Receives and investigates complaints regarding stray and aggressive animals; controls the volatile situation by interpreting animal behaviors and reactions.
- Explains, interprets, and provides guidance regarding applicable codes and compliance requirements to staff and the public.
- Follows up on each case to verify corrections have been made to comply with codes/ordinances; conducts re-inspections as needed.
- Assists law enforcement personnel in situations involving animals as requested.
- May request assistance from Sheriff’s Office in the case of unruly or hostile citizens.
- Assists in the euthanasia of animals as necessary.
- Maintains assigned vehicles and County issued equipment.
- Checks zoning regulations applicable to a particular property.
- Performs general clerical work as required, including preparing reports, entering, and retrieving computer data, copying and filing documents, attending meetings, etc.
- Educates public on proper animal care.
- Attends training, seminars, meetings, etc., to enhance job knowledge and skills and maintain certifications.
- Performs emergency duties before, during, and/or after an emergency event as assigned.
- Performs other related job duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Education and Experience:
High school diploma or GED.
Requires at least two (2) years of related work experience.
Additional Requirements
Special Qualifications:
Must possess a valid state driver’s license.
Must possess or be able to obtain euthanasia certification within one year of hire date.
Must possess or be able to obtain Class III Basic Law Enforcement Certification through the SCCJA within one year of hire date.
Position Type and Expected Hours of Work
This is a full-time position; typical work hours and days are Monday through Friday, 3:00pm to 11:00pm. Schedule may vary slightly based upon caseload. Must work 40 hours each week to maintain full-time status. Employees must be available to work shifts, weekends and holidays during emergencies or as requested. This is a safety sensitive position and employees holding this position have the responsibility for their own safety and the safety of others. This position is subject to random drug testing.
