What are the responsibilities and job description for the Animal Control Officer I position at Rockdale County, Georgia?
Job Summary
This position is responsible for ensuring compliance with County zoning, licensing, and land use standards as pertains to animals and ensuring animal code enforcement is in compliance with state and local laws and regulations. Animal Control Officer I is the trainee/entry-level classification. This classification is differentiated from Animal Control Officer II and Ill by the level of technical knowledge and the required certifications. Work is assigned by the Animal Control Division manager in terms of department goals and objectives. Employees in this class work rotating schedules, weekends, and holidays, and are on-call to respond to emergencies 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Essential Functions
Essential Functions: These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position.
Conducts field investigations involving animal control to determine compliance with state and local humane codes and regulations.
Captures and impounds animals; transports animals to impound facility; may use restraint pole or assists with the use of tranquilizer gun and/or appropriate medications.
Investigate animal-related complaints; and patrol assigned areas to ensure public compliance with ordinances.
Works in emergency animal care situations, including quarantines.
Monitors and has the authority to conduct captures and impoundments of animals. Keeps a continuous required legal record and administrative manual.
Issues citations for violations and testifies in court, when necessary.
Assists with rabies control Including keeping detailed records of bite cases, etc., and assisting in the investigation thereof.
Delivers to CDC specimens for testing and paperwork, when assigned. Works with veterinarians, animal shelters, and other humane organizations.
Essential Functions (Continued)
Assists Code Enforcement personnel in performing animal control inspections as required per code. Researches and reviews property ownership information.
Assists in-office procedures such as answering phones, taking complaints, filing, data entry, etc.
Assists in cleaning kennel and shelter, giving vaccines, deworming, scanning for microchips, taking pictures of animals, updating the website, as well as cleaning trucks and other division equipment.
Assists with adoptions, reclaims, and euthanasia of animals.
Additional Duties:
Employees in this classification may be expected to perform any related duties as required by proper authority.
Knowledge. Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of county, state, and local animal care and regulations, laws, and ordinances. Knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures of animal care/safety.
Knowledge of legal, administrative, and procedural regulations applicable to the particular section assigned.
Knowledge of the geography of the county.
Skill in maintaining regulatory records and proper preparation and submission of reports.
Skill and ability to remain calm and composed, while using conflict management skill in relation to potentially hostile and/or emergency situations.
Skill in the operation of modern office equipment.
Ability to train in remedial care of animals, including the use of tranquilizers and other animal control-related equipment.
Ability to express ideas effectively, both orally and in writing and work with co-workers and the public in a tactful manner.
Ability to use discretion and independent judgment when determining the proper course of action to handle cases.
Ability to see and perceive color and depth.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (Continued)
Ability to lift more than 60 pounds.
Ability to hear and speak.
Working Conditions
Employees regularly work in outside weather conditions and are regularly exposed to fumes or airborne particles, animal transmitted diseases, exposure to fractious, frightened, dangerous animals, mental and emotional stress from euthanasia, and continual contact with irate/emotional pet owners and victims. Employees frequently work in precarious places and are frequently exposed to wet, humid and cold conditions and vibration. Employees are occasionally exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.
Minimum Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- One (1) year of experience in animal care and control or a related field.
- OR have a combination of education, training, and work experience that Is equivalent to #1 and #2 above that provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.
- Valid State of Georgia driver's license with satisfactory MVR record.
Preference
- Bilingual (English/Spanish).
- Euthanasia certified.
- Other animal control certifications/trainings offered by the NACHO or NACA.
