Animal Resource Officer

Selection Guidelines

Formal application, rating of education and experience; Oral interview and background investigation; and job related tests may be required.

The duties listed above are intended to be used only as an illustration of various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and the requirements of the job may change.

You may be assigned to other city departments to perform various tasks on an as needed basis.

Purpose of Position

Under basic supervision, performs duties such as apprehending and impounding animals, enforcing rabies control, and other related City ordinances or state laws; responsible for enforcing dog licensing requirements; performs related work, as required.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Meet with citizens and community groups to resolve problems and/or complaints.
• Interpret municipal code sections and apply to each case.
• Assist local law enforcement agencies in the search and seizure of animals or the enforcement of animal related laws.
• Comply with the Animal Care and Control Procedures and Operations manuals.
• Complete animal related notices of violation, pre and post-seizures notices, and reports.
• Investigate complaints regarding vicious or stray dogs, injured animals, and animals suspected of having rabies; quarantines biting animals.
• Maintain files and follows up on all reported bite cases in the City.
• Investigate cases with regard to animal cruelty or neglect and barking dogs, and animal bites.
• Issue citations for code violations.
• Prepare reports and records, may enforce business license ordinances.
• May patrol and enforce parking restrictions.
• Write, file, and assist in the execution of warrants.
• Appear in court to testify and present evidence regarding violations of animal regulations and codes, collect license, redemption, owner-turn-in, and other fees from the public.
• Patrol the City and impound stray, unlicensed, injured, sick, or dead animals and delivers them to animal shelter or temporary holding facility.
• Participate in license checking programs and license clinics; monitor and participate in kennel cleaning and maintenance.
• Participate in public education programs and demonstrations to explain pet owner responsibility.
• Safely operate and maintain animal control vehicles, which may include pulling or backing a trailer; utilize a variety of animal control devices and equipment including leash, muzzle, traps, catch pole, and radio.
• Clean and disinfect kennel areas, equipment, and vehicles.
May be on standby call and respond to emergencies on weekends, holidays, & off-duty hours.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education, Training and Experience Guidelines: High school diploma OR GED equivalent AND two years of experience in the enforcement of animal control regulations or equivalent experience in care and treatment of animals in a professional veterinary office or shelter.

Knowledge of:

· State of Mississippi animal laws.

· Dog breeds, animal diseases, and symptoms.

· Safe and efficient methods of handling dogs and other small animals.

· City geography and street locations.

Skills and Abilities:

• Providing excellent, professional, and efficient customer service to the public.
• Communicating clearly both verbally and in writing
• Preparing clear, organized, and thorough investigative reports.
• Organizing with the ability to prioritize work and exercise independent judgment, wisdom, common sense, and initiative.
• Thoroughly carrying out oral and written instructions.
• Understanding and enforcing ordinances, policies, and procedures related to a variety of City ordinances and state laws related to animals and parking.
• Remaining calm while working under pressure.
• Communicating via two-way radio and telephone; operating a computer and various programs; and maintaining records.
• Using patience, tact, diplomacy, and courtesy in dealing with the public and employees.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, including City and other government officials, law enforcement agencies, community groups, and the general public.
Applying safe work practices.

Physical Demands

Work is performed in a variety of environmental conditions. Both indoors and mostly outdoors, with exposure to wide temperature variations, fumes, grease, machinery and its moving parts, odors, and dust. Occasional exposure to hazardous work conditions including contact with snakes, potentially wild, dangerous, and diseased animals; work performed in streets and highways to remove stray of dead animals. Regularly lift objects up to 100 lbs. Other physical exertion including pushing, pulling, running, climbing, crawling, and kneeling is required. Incumbent must be able to see and hear in the normal range with or without correction, and communicate verbally and in written form with great facility and must be able to be understood. Must be able to wear issued uniform and comply with Division uniform appearance standards. Incumbent will be required to respond to emergencies after regular working hours and on weekends and must be willing to work an irregular schedule, which may include weekends, holidays, evenings, and/or varying hours, as assigned.

Must be able to respond to emergency calls within thirty minutes.

Physical work involved with this position includes, but is not limited to, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting and bending.

Work Environment

50% of work is indoors in climate-controlled environment. 50% of work may be outdoors in temperatures ranging from 45 degrees F to 100 degrees F.