Animal Safety Officer

OFFERS ARE TYPICALLY MADE AT THE MINIMUM OF THE RANGE.

POSITION OVERVIEW: The Animal Safety Officer is responsible for enforcing local and state animal control ordinances, responding to animal-related complaints, and ensuring the safety and well-being of both animals and the public. This role involves capturing and transporting animals, investigating animal cruelty and neglect, educating the public on animal welfare, and maintaining accurate records. The Animal Safety Officer must possess strong communication skills, sound judgment, and the ability to handle stressful situations with compassion and professionalism. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Enforcement of Ordinances:

• Enforce animal control laws related to licensing, leash laws, cruelty, and public safety.
• Issue citations, warnings, and testify in court as needed.

Animal Handling and Capture:

• Respond to calls regarding stray, injured, or dangerous animals.
• Safely capture, restrain, and transport animals using appropriate equipment and techniques.
• Provide basic first aid to injured animals as needed.

Investigation and Reporting:

• Conduct thorough investigations into suspected cases of animal abuse or neglect, gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and filing reports with relevant authorities.

Public Education and Community Outreach:

• Provide information to the public about Animal Safety services, as well as county ordinances and Florida statutory requirements for animal care.
• Participate in community outreach and education events as assigned.

Animal Shelter Support:

• Assist with animal intake, care, and adoption processes.
• Assist with maintaining the cleanliness and sanitation of animal holding areas.

Record Keeping:

• Maintain accurate and detailed records of all activities, including incident reports, citations, and animal information.
• Utilize computer systems such as Computer Aided Dispatch and Chameleon for data entry and retrieval.

Equipment Maintenance:

• Maintain and clean all animal safety equipment and assigned vehicle and report any identified issues to supervisor immediately.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: The Animal Safety Officer position requires physical endurance, including standing, walking, and running for extended periods, as well as the ability to lift, carry, and restrain animals up to 75 pounds. Officers must be flexible enough to bend, stoop, kneel, and crawl in confined spaces to capture animals, and possess the stamina to handle aggressive animals and work long shifts. Effective communication, driving for long durations, and operating animal capture equipment are also essential.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS AND WORK HAZARDS: Officers work in various environments, facing exposure to extreme weather, diverse terrains, and potential health risks like zoonotic diseases and hazardous chemicals. They may encounter aggressive animals, confrontational individuals, and assist in disaster or law enforcement operations involving animals.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION: 
This job description is not intended to be and should not be construed as an all-inclusive list of all the responsibilities, skills or working conditions associated with the position.  While it is intended to accurately reflect the position activities and requirements, Management reserves the right to modify, add or remove duties and assign other duties as necessary that are a logical assignment to the position.

EMERGENCY RESPONSE/RECOVERY ACTIVITIES: 
County employees are considered essential personnel in providing and continuing services to our community during and following a disaster, such as a hurricane, or in other emergency situations. As a requirement of County employment, County employees are subject to being required to remain at work during an event, respond to a recall immediately following an event and/or immediately reporting to work when an all clear is declared by the County Administrator.  During these types of events, County 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. 

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.

EEO STATEMENT:
St. Lucie County BOCC is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected characteristic. We encourage all qualified candidates to apply.Qualifications:
Candidates should possess a solid foundational background that demonstrates their ability to engage with the responsibilities of the role effectively.

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Two (2) years of experience in animal handling, law enforcement, or a related field.
• Must possess a valid State of Florida Driver’s License and maintain a good driving record.
• Possess a State of Florida valid Animal Control Officer’s certification is preferred (if the candidate does not possess certification, it must be obtained within six (6) months of hire). 
• Ability to handle stressful situations and interact with the public professionally.
• Knowledge of animal behavior, breeds, and proper restraint techniques.
• Strong communication and conflict-resolution skills.
• Ability to make quick decisions in emergency situations and assess potential risks when dealing with animals.
• Required to pass Level 1 FDLE Background Screening.
• Must be available to work flexible hours including nights, weekends, holidays, overtime, an on-call with little notice.

Pay Grade T05

Driving Position – Operating County vehicles and/or equipment is a primary function of this position.  

This position requires a physical, drug testing, driver's license verification and level 2 background screening which includes fingerprinting.

This is a union position.

Salary : $20 - $30