Animal Control Officer Trainee

Under direction, enforces local, state and animal cruelty, control, nuisance and rabies laws in compliance with the County's Animal Control Ordinance & Florida State Statutes. Employee functions at entry level and is responsible for protecting the lives and welfare of the citizens and animals.  Position is responsible for the apprehension of stray and trapped animals.  Performs related tasks as necessary.  Work schedule may change with the departments needs and could include nights and weekends as regular shift work.  

• Explains Animal Control Ordinance to the general public; provides humane education to citizens on the responsibility of pet ownership.
• Responds to calls and investigates complaints of injured or nuisance, domestic and wild animals which may pose a threat to public health and safety.
• Loads, delivers, sets and baits animal traps; removes captured animals from traps set by the County and citizens; apprehends stray animals rescues trapped animals from public areas such as, culverts and roadways.
• Under direction, investigates cruelty complaints to determine compliance with animal control ordinances and statutes; seizes animals, transports animals to vet for evaluation and/or treatment, provides owner with Notification of Impoundment, transports animals to shelter until court date; serves owner with citations for violations.
• Obtains necessary information in cases of animal bites and court related matters, appears in court for cases, including citations and criminal prosecution; prepares court paperwork.
• Interviews citizens and files domestic or wild animal bites report; maintains field notes and information to complete incident reports on cases to be processed and sent to court to back up citations; completes reports on animal bites.
• Prepares various daily and periodic written reports and departmental forms; maintains logs; completes forms.
• Must be able to be on call and work evenings and weekends.
• Issues citations for violations of animal control ordinances and statutes.
• May perform euthanasia after completing certification course.
• May assist shelter and veterinary team with animal handling, vaccinations, microchip services, animal intake and medical triage as needed.

• Ability to write legibly and cognitively and demonstrate good oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to read for comprehension.
• Ability to read for comprehension.
• Ability to learn quickly and retain information concerning the animal control ordinances, procedures and policies.
• Ability to enforce the laws with firmness and impartiality.
• Ability to produce and maintain accurate and legible reports and documents.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective, professional working relationships with the public and fellow employees.
• Ability to work independently and make mature judgments regarding field activities.
• Ability to professionally administer conflict resolution.
• Ability to operate assorted animal capture equipment.
• Knowledge of the road network in Pasco County.
• Knowledge of disinfecting, animal handling, disease recognition and nutritional needs of animals.
• Ability to accept instruction and perform tasks independently and without close supervision.
• Ability to comprehend and utilize legal and court procedures.
• Ability to work under stressful conditions.

PHYSICAL SKILLS: Must be able to physically control highly active/aggressive animals, potentially weighing in excess of 80 pounds, using available equipment. Ability to sit, stoop, squat, walk, and stand frequently. Must be able to work outside in all types of weather for long periods of time. Ability to communicate effectively using verbal, written and visual communication.

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE: Graduation from high school or possession of an acceptable equivalency diploma. Two (2) years of experience working with the public required.  Some hands-on experienced with animals to include dogs and cats in a professional setting.  Knowledge of use of computers required. 

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS OR REGISTRATIONS:  Must possess a valid Florida Driver's License. Must successfully complete Humane Animal Euthanasia and Animal Control Officer Certification through the Florida Animal Control Association or other approved certifying body, within one (1) year rom date of hire. FS 828.27 (4) (a) 2. County-employed and municipally-employed animal control officers must successfully complete the 1-hour training course developed by the Department of Children and Families pursuant to FS 39.208 (5).

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Must be able to maintain an active home/cell phone within thirty (30) days after employment date due to recall for emergencies.

ADA STATEMENT: A qualified employee or applicant with a disability may be afforded a reasonable accommodation to perform the essential job functions of a position in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE:  Pasco County is a drug-free workplace in accordance with Federal and Florida Law.

EMERGENCY RESPONSE/RECOVERY ACTIVITIES:  All employees will be required to work before, during, or after an emergency. During an emergency, employees may temporarily be assigned to work and perform duties outside the normal scope of their position, location and work schedule to fit the needs of the County and its citizens. 

VETERANS' PREFERENCE:  Under Section 295.07, F.S., Chapter SSA-7, Pasco County BCC provides to Veterans, that preference in appointment will be given to preference-eligible applicants.

Salary : $21 - $29