Animal Control Officer - City of Blue Springs

This position plays an important role in enforcing animal control laws and ordinances.  This position performs duties in retrieval, impounding and care of stray and/or dangerous animals. Assists state and county officials and other departments with animal-related problems. Maintains animal control facility and oversees the care and control of domestic animals.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1.   Patrols city for and impounds animals at large. Responds to animal-related complaints from the general public in a timely manner and in alignment with instructions provided by Dispatch or Chain of Command.

2.   Removes dead injured or dangerous animals from city streets and residential premises. May have to euthanize an injured or dangerous animal or deliver such animals to the appropriate authority for euthanasia as required.

3.   Investigates violations of animal control ordinances

4.   Follows up on complaints for final dispositions.

5.   Compiles a variety of data regarding animal control; prepares daily reports of activities.

6.   Maintains files and records relative to actions taken.

7.   Maintains effective relationships with community.

8.   Educates the general public through films and presentations as to responsible pet ownership, animal control functions, and animal safety. Perform all duties related to the public education and enforcement of Animal Service ordinances and local health laws regarding animals.

9.   Carries out duties in conformance with all federal, state, county, and city laws and ordinances. Acts in an ethical manner at all times. This position may include issuing citations for ordinance violations. May appear in municipal court to testify.

10. Delivers inter-office mail or transports items between locations when necessary.

11. Responsible for cleaning and upkeep of animal control facility and the proper care of animals held at that location. Handle citizen calls and cleaning shelter cages.

12. Cares for vehicles and related equipment properly. Maintains inventory in the truck such as door tags, impoundment cards and other supplies.

13. This position may include responding to on-call emergencies including animal bites, aggressive animals, sick or injured animals and assists as needed.

The above duties and responsibilities include those tasks, physical and mental requirements, visual requirement, unique physical surroundings and mental/cognitive abilities required to perform the essential elements of the position.

GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS:

1.   Education and Special License(s)/Certifications - High school diploma or equivalent.  Must possess a valid state driver's license and clean driving record.

2.   Experience - Six months to one year of experience in a related field preferred.

3.   Skills - Skill in operating computer and associated software. Skill in the use of animal immobilization and capture equipment.  Knowledge of animal behavior, safety, and capture. Knowledge of city ordinances and state laws related to animal control. This position requires the ability to communicate with the public including strong customer service skills and de-escalation skills.

4.   Competencies - Ability to accomplish oral and written instructions with minimal supervision. Must possess a positive and resilient attitude during periods of high-stress or crisis situations.  Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and the public. Must possess the ability to take direction and work well on a team.

5.   Physical Requirements – Ability to sit, stand and drive a vehicle to and from various work locations and around the City. Must possess the ability to lift, crawl, twist, squat and climb while pursuing animals. Employee will be exposed to unleashed dogs and hostile animals. Employees may work around cleaning chemicals. Ability to lift bags of dog food and animals regularly. Must be able to listen to normal conversation; must be able to walk occasionally, and use hands and fingers to operate, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; must be able to reach with hands and arms; must be able to have vision sufficient to see close up and have the ability to adjust focus; and, must be able to occasionally lift up to 50 pounds and transport it 15 feet.  Time worked may include unusual shifts, weekends and/or emergency call-outs. This position works in all weather conditions.

The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.