What are the responsibilities and job description for the Animal Control Officer position at Fayette County Administration?
Animal Control Officer AC/4-701
Animal Control
JOB SUMMARY
This position is responsible for enforcing the animal control ordinance and ensuring the humane treatment of
animals in the county’s protective custody. An incumbent in this position may be designated “Senior Animal
Control Officer”.
MAJOR DUTIES
1. Responds to calls from citizens; investigates reports of animal cruelty; prepares and files incident reports;
interprets laws and ordinances and serves citations and subpoenas; impounds stray animals; provides aid to
sick or injured animals; responds to animal bite reports; secures aggressive animals; arranges quarantine for
animals.
2. Cleans and disinfects dog kennels and cat cages; sweeps, mops, and disinfects floors; provides medical
treatment to animals; feeds animals; monitors animals for signs of injury or illness.
3. Answers multiple phone lines; processes complaints; dispatches field officers; records animal intakes,
adoption education and counseling; prepares rabies specimens; prepares court cases; attends and testifies in
court.
4. Performs euthanasia according to proper standards for sick, injured, aggressive, and unwanted animals;
transports animals for disposal.
5. Responds to after-hours emergencies as needed.
6. Performs other related duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION
1. Knowledge of local ordinances, state and federal laws pertaining to animal care and control.
2. Knowledge of animal shelter medical practices.
3. Knowledge of hazardous materials and sanitation standards.
4. Knowledge of pet breed identification, traits, and behavior.
5. Knowledge of computers and job-related software programs.
6. Knowledge of evidence collection and documentation procedures.
7. Skill in animal capture techniques and the use of animal control equipment.
8. Skill in public and interpersonal relations.
9. Skill in oral and written communication.
SUPERVISORY CONTROLS
The Animal Control Director or his/her designee assigns work in terms of general instructions. The supervisor
spot-checks completed work for compliance with procedures and the nature and propriety of the final results.
GUIDELINES
Guidelines include city, county, and state laws; codes and ordinances; safety manuals, standards operating
procedures; Georgia Department of Agriculture rules and regulations; and department and county policies and
procedures. These guidelines are generally clear and specific, but may require some interpretation in application.
COMPLEXITY/SCOPE OF WORK
• The work consists of related animal control duties. Working with sick or wounded animals or with aggressive
- The purpose of this position is to enforce animal control ordinances and assist in the operation of the animal
shelter. Success in this position contributes to the enforcement of local animal control ordinances and to the
health and safety of residents and the animal population.
Animal Control Officer, Animal Control
CONTACTS
- Contacts are typically with co-workers, law enforcement personnel, other county government personnel, state
and federal agricultural agents, veterinarians and staff, representatives of humane societies and rescue
agencies, members of community service organizations, and members of the general public.
- Contacts are typically to give or exchange information; resolve problems; and provide services.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT
- The work is typically performed while sitting at a desk or table or while intermittently sitting, standing, or
requiring a high degree of dexterity, and interacts with animals.
- The work is typically performed in an office, stockroom, animal shelter, and outdoors. The employee may be
animals, and occasional cold or inclement weather. The work requires the use of protective devices such as
masks, goggles, or gloves.
SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY
None.
SPECIAL CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES
- Possession of a valid State of Georgia driver's license (Class C) and a satisfactory Motor Vehicle Record
Department of Transportation Defensive Driving Course and/or Emergency Vehicle Operation Certification
within twelve (12) months of employment.
ADA COMPLIANCE
- Fayette County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires the County to provide reasonable
discuss accommodations.
HIPAA COMPLIANCE
- The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, as amended, requires employees to protect
the course of their work.
DRUG AND ALCOHOL COMPLIANCE
- In accordance of Fayette County's Substance Abuse Policy of 1996, as amended, all job applicants offered
employment will undergo testing for the presence of illegal drugs and alcohol as a condition of employment. In
the course of employment, employees are subject to random, reasonable suspicion, post-accident, and
routine fitness for duty testing for illegal drugs and alcohol abuse. Employees are prohibited to work under the
influence, to possess, to distribute, or to sell illegal drugs in the work place or abuse alcohol on the job.
Confirmed positive is reason for denial of employment and/or termination.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Ability to read, write and perform mathematical calculations at a level commonly associated with the
- No experience requirements.
- Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid driver's license issued by the State of Georgia for the type of
vehicle or equipment operated.
