What are the responsibilities and job description for the Animal Protection Officer at LPCHS position at La Plata County Humane Society?
Department: Animal Protection
Reports to: Animal Protection Supervisor
Position Type: Full Time
Pay Rate: $19 -$22 hour (CONPA)
Position Summary: Animal Protection Officers (APOs) work on a team at the La Plata County Humane Society. APOs are primarily responsible for enforcing county and city laws regarding stray, dangerous, or abused pets. APOs are provided a vehicle, vest, and tools to carry out enforcement around the community. Officers respond to calls from dispatch, investigate complaints, patrol areas, humanely capture animals, and perform other duties related to animal protection and control.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Patrol assigned areas using an APO vehicle.
- Respond to calls from the public regarding stray, dangerous, or diseased animals etc.
- Explain local laws relating to the care and control of domestic animals to the public.
- Provide information about licenses, rabies, microchips, and sterilization to pet owners.
- Deal with the public in person and on the phone, when relations may be confrontational.
- Identify basic symptoms of common animal diseases and recommend care.
- Operate humane traps, radios, phones, and related animal control tools and equipment.
- Issue citations for violations of applicable regulations.
- Investigate animal bites and arrange appropriate quarantine procedures.
- Conduct investigations of complaints regarding animal cruelty and neglect.
- Capture stray and unlicensed pets for impounding.
- Remove dead animals from public and private properties and transport injured animals.
- File complaints according to the city, county, and state laws and policies. May testify in court regarding citations and disposition of complaints.
- Maintain records and prepare daily reports related to work performed.
- Speak to a variety of businesses and organizations to further animal protection.
- Use initiative and independent judgment within established procedural guidelines.
- Represent LPCHS with dignity, integrity, and a spirit of cooperation in all relationships with staff and the public
- Perform duties as a team player. Assist any LPCHS staff as needed.
- Paid overtime and on call shifts may be required.
Skills and Qualifications:
- High School Education/GED
- At least 6 months of experience with enforcement.
- A valid driver's license with no prior driving offenses or felony charges.
- Ability to learn and enforce state and local laws and ordinances.
- Ability to adhere to safety practices related to work conditions and weapons.
- Ability to learn about animal behavior, handling domestic animals, basic species and breed identification of a variety of domestic animals, basic symptoms and behaviors associated with rabies and other common diseases of animals.
- Ability to assess and handle animals humanely and effectively under stressful or emergency circumstances.
- Use Microsoft Office and Google Docs to maintain records and prepare basic reports.
- Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing.
- Must be able to lift over 50 lbs.
Summary of Benefits:
- Use of a company vehicle
- 11 paid Federal Holidays plus your birthday
- Paid vacation time plus 80 hours of paid sick time (twice the required amount in Colorado)
- Dental and vision insurance
- Wages set by the Colorado Nonprofit Association plus an annual bonus
- Paid professional development opportunities and paid staff enrichment events
- Service Anniversary celebrations
- Free Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Free basic vet care for your pet and free pet bereavement services
- Free lunch if you win the monthly Kudos contest
- Free unlimited ice cream
- Free LPCHS Sweatshirt
- 20% off at the Thrift Store
Note: This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities or qualifications associated with the job. Other duties as assigned.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $19.00 - $22.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
- Professional development assistance
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
- 10 hour shift
Ability to Commute:
- Durango, CO 81301 (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
- Durango, CO 81301: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person
Salary : $19 - $22
