What are the responsibilities and job description for the Animal Control Officer Lead position at Jackson County, NC?
Position Overview
This position functions as the Animal Control Officer Lead (LACO) for the Environmental Health Section of the Jackson County Department of Public Health. This position is protective, preventive, and investigative, and beginning level administrative work in enforcing animal control laws within the county.
Grade 19
Work Schedule: Forty (40) hours a week with the option to work 7:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday through Friday with one (1) hour for lunch; or the option to work 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Tuesday through Saturday with one (1) hour for lunch; based on department needs and supervisor approval. Currently on call is rotated may require unscheduled work at night and on weekends. Weekend and night work are also required for afterhours transport of animals and rabies clinics. This position is considered on call for after hour emergencies, outbreaks, etc. The person in this position is required to work nights and weekends when necessitated.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Receives animals into the Jackson County Animal Shelter and completes documentation associated with these animals
- Supervises the preparation and maintenance of records of animals impounded or released to the Jackson County Animal Shelter
- Records cases involving animal bites, collection and accounting for fees and fines collected
- Releases animal to claiming owners
- Adopts unclaimed animals to the public
- Vaccinates animals against rabies
- Performs medical tests and administers necessary medication to animals in the care of Jackson County Animal Shelter and ensures that all treatment given to the animal is accurately documented in the animal’s medical record per state law
- Assists in the cleaning of animal kennels and general upkeep of the shelter when necessary
- Assists local humane society in the transportation of animals to Spay/Neuter Clinics
- Transports animals to local veterinarians for treatment and health checks prior to transfers
- Enforces the Jackson County Dog Control Ordinance by patrolling county
- Enforces North Carolina State Statutes concerning animal and rabies control by patrolling the county to locate unvaccinated and stray animals
- Issues warnings of ordinance violations to owners of animals not in compliance
- Picks up stray animals and animals at large to reduce over population of unwanted animals within jurisdiction
- Captures animals by physical means, firearms, tranquilizer guns, and toxic chemicals
- Performs euthanasia on sick and unwanted animals
- Investigates complaints of animal bites and takes steps to assure confinement relating to bites as required by State Law
- Captures or destroys animals suspected of being rabid and arranges for shipment for laboratory analysis
- Investigates complaints concerning animal nuisances and takes proper steps for abatement, if justified
- Educates the community on proper animal care and the laws pertaining to animals in Jackson County
- Maintains food and supplies inventory
- Orders necessary equipment, medical, and cleaning supplies
- Meets with community organizations regarding services in order to develop cooperation between the Jackson County Animal Shelter and the public
- Establishes and maintains good relations with all sectors of the community, including humane and private veterinary groups on behalf of the Animal Shelter and County government
- May organize and direct rabies vaccination clinics
- Conducts animal cruelty investigations
- Assigns work duties to volunteers and/or community service workers assigned to the Jackson County Animal Shelter
- Supervises Jackson County Animal Shelter Attendant, community service workers, and numerous volunteers
- Participating in Public Health Preparedness activities as directed by agency management; this employee will be expected to work as needed during public health emergencies, which may result in extended hours and long work shifts
- Other duties as assigned by supervisor, Health Director, Deputy Health Director, or Environmental Health Director.
Education and Experience
Required: Graduation from high school and three years of experience as an Animal Control Officer; or H.S. and three years of experience, one of which may be as a security guard, security officer, or similar law enforcement role and two of which must have been as an Animal Control Officer.
Additional Training/Experience:
NACA Level 2
Certified Euthanasia Technician (CET)
Certified Rabies Vaccinator (CRV)
Equine Cruelty Investigation
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Comprehensive knowledge of county and state laws relating to public health rabies control
- Considerable knowledge of the county and state laws and regulations related to animal control
- Thorough knowledge of animal collection and disposal methods
- Ability to exercise sound judgement and deal tactfully with a wide range of public contacts while enforcing state laws and county ordinances pertaining to animal and rabies control
- Ability to establish and maintain effective relationship with the public
- Ability to plan, organize, and direct work
- Ability to read, interpret, and explain rules, regulations, and procedures
- Skill in the use of physical means, firearms, tranquilizer guns, and toxic chemicals used in capturing and destroying animals
- Fundamental knowledge of animal health and behavior and the ability to administer required medications, vaccinations, and tests
- Certified in rabies vaccinations
- Certified to perform euthanasia
- Certified to conduct animal cruelty investigations
- Maintain a Valid North Carolina’s driver license
Statement of Equal Employment Opportunity
Jackson County recognizes its continued success in meeting the needs of its citizens requires the full and active participation of talented and committed individuals, regardless of their gender, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, disability or political affiliation. It is the policy of the County to foster, maintain, and promote equal opportunity by use of a systematic, consistent recruitment program, and to identify and attract the most qualified applicants for employment with the County. This policy is to be achieved by announcing all position vacancies, by evaluating all applicants using the same criteria, and by applying testing methods through the NC Career Works Office. Selection decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, disability, age, or sexual orientation.
Jackson County provides a robust offering of employee benefits including: employer paid medical and dental benefits, participation in the Local Governmental Employees’ Retirement System, paid leave (vacation, sick, and holiday), Employee Clinic, Wellness program, and supplemental benefit offerings.
