Animal Control Officer

Position Objectives

​

Performs specialized work for the County in the enforcement of local and State ordinances and statutes related to the control of animals.

​

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:

An employee in this class is responsible for:

• Performing tasks associated with enforcement of animal control regulations.

• Receiving and responding to citizen requests for animal control service(s), including but not limited to the capturing and confining of stray, diseased, bothersome, unlicensed or apparently dangerous animals.

• Assisting in maintaining records of animals impounded by Animal Control Officers.

• Providing assistance to the Animal Services Supervisor in implementing various programs.

The employee is subject to the common risks of animal control enforcement and care.  Work is performed in accordance with County and State laws.  Work is performed under the general supervision of the Animal Services Supervisor and is evaluated through observation and discussions concerning the efficiency and effectiveness of performed duties. Will be placed on an after-hours on-call schedule.

Duties & Responsibilities

​

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Responds to citizen requests for services and captures stray, sick/injured, diseased, and bothersome animals.

• Maintains records of various impounds, road activities, investigations, etc.

• Checks rabies certificates and issues citations for violations of State and County ordinances.

• Treats all animals humanely, properly and with compassion at all times.

• Testifies in court against owners who disregard or violate ordinances.

• Operates a County vehicle in carrying out enforcement duties.

• Educates the public on the importance of spay/neuter, animal welfare, County and State laws regarding animals.

• Responds to calls received by the 911 Communications Center involving animal related incidents.

• Maintains all assigned equipment to ensure proper functioning.

​

Minimum Requirements

​

RECRUITMENT AND SELECTION GUIDELINES

 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Tact and courtesy in explaining animal control regulations to animal owners and the general public

• Ability to remain pleasant and calm in stressful situations 

• Independent judgment and initiative in application of the law

• Working knowledge of laws and ordinances related to animal control, collection, care and disposal

• Working knowledge of breeds and temperaments of animals

• Ability and willingness to learn about and understand wild and domesticated animals

• Ability to work with animals of unknown disposition and animals who may exhibit medical and/or other problems, including aggressive tendencies

• Working knowledge of, or the ability to learn, the geography of McDowell County

• Adequate knowledge of safety practices concerning the handling of animals

• Ability to use the equipment and physical means necessary for the purpose of capturing and caring for animals

• Ability to maintain accurate records concerning daily activities, calls and investigations

• Ability to explain and enforces State and local regulations pertaining to animal control operations

• Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written forms

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers and the public

• Exercises good judgment and initiative

• Works with minimal supervision and direction

 

DESIRABLE EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Graduation from high school and one (1+) experience in the animal control field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Ideal candidate will reside within 20 minutes of McDowell County.

 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Physically able to operate a variety of machinery and equipment including two-way radios, hand tools, animal traps, etc.

• Able to operator a motor vehicle.

• Able to exert up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or a small amount of force constantly to lift, carry, push/pull or otherwise move objects.  Work may involve walking, standing, running, and physical confrontations.  Physical demands are those for heavy work.

 

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Possess and maintain a valid driver’s license, and

• Certified Rabies Vaccinator certification, or obtaining such within 6 months of employment, and

• Certified Euthanasia Technician, or obtaining such within 6 months of employment, and

• Completion of course(s) related of basic animal control functions, or 

Or an equivalent combination of education and experience. 

​

​

Benefits

​

Benefited after 30 days

Medical, dental, and life insurance
Sick, vacation, and holiday pay
Membership in the Local Government Retirement System

Supplemental retirement 401k/457

​

​

​