Animal Control Officer - Camden County Board of Commissioners

Animal Control Officer

Code Enforcement & Animal Control Division

Minimum Pay: $15.86 per hour

FLSA: Non-Exempt

JOB SUMMARY

This position is responsible for the enforcement of animal control ordinances.

MAJOR DUTIES

• Traps, contains, and transports stray canines to the animal shelter, including sometimes aggressive dogs.

• Sets traps for feral cats and transports cats to shelter; demonstrates the use of animal traps for the public.

• Provides information to the general public about county animal control ordinances.

• Responds to public inquiries and complaints regarding animals; investigates claims of animal cruelty.

• Investigates animal bites; prepares written reports of incidents; quarantines animals as required.

• Responds to animal neglect cases, including those requiring police intervention.

• Patrols the county to identify violations of animal control ordinance.

• Follows up on rabies vaccinations as required by county and state laws.

• Maintains and restocks animal control vehicle.

• Issues warning notices and citations; completes related paperwork.

• Maintains logs of investigations, findings, evidence, and actions taken.

• Responds to after-hours emergency calls as needed.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES

• Performs other work as required or when directed by administration.

• In the event of an emergency, all Camden County employees are considered essential and may be required to perform alternate duties.

The above cited duties and responsibilities describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to the job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities that an incumbent may be expected or asked to perform. The omission of specific statements of duties or responsibilities does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.

KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION

• Knowledge of county animal control ordinances and of state animal control laws.

• Knowledge of animal control principles and practices.

• Knowledge of the tools and techniques used in the capture and transport of animals.

• Knowledge of animal behavior.

• Knowledge of animal health and diseases.

• Knowledge of county roads and geography.

• Skill in the use of computers and job-related software programs.

• Skill in the humane capture of animals.

• Skill in the analysis of problems and the development and implementation of solutions.

• Skill in oral and written communication.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The Public Protection and Compliance Officer assigns work in terms of general instructions. The supervisor spot-checks completed work for compliance with procedures, accuracy, and the nature and propriety of the final results.

GUIDELINES

Guidelines include county ordinances, state laws related to animal control issues, and county and department policies and procedures. These guidelines are generally clear and specific but may require some interpretation in application.

COMPLEXITY/SCOPE OF WORK

• The work consists of related animal control duties. Interacting with potentially dangerous animals contributes to the complexity of the position.

• The purpose of this position is to participate in the enforcement of animal control ordinances. Successful performance contributes to the enforcement of ordinances and to the safe and humane treatment of animals.

CONTACTS

• Contacts are typically with co-workers, other county employees, veterinarians, representative of law enforcement agencies, emergency response personnel, shelter staff, and members of the general public.

• Contacts are typically to give or exchange information, resolve problems, motivate persons, and provide services.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The work is typically performed while intermittently sitting, standing, or stooping. The employee occasionally lifts light objects, distinguishes between shades of color, and utilizes the sense of smell.

• The work is typically performed in an office or outdoors, occasionally in cold or inclement weather. The employee may be exposed to noise, dust, dirt, grease, contagious of infectious diseases, irritating chemicals, and potentially dangerous animals. Work requires the use of protective devices such as masks, goggles, gloves, etc.

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY

None.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge and level of competency commonly associated with completion of specialized training in the field of work, in addition to basic skills typically associated with a high school education.

• Sufficient experience to understand the basic principles relevant to the major duties of the position, usually associated with the completion of an apprenticeship/internship or having had a similar position for one to two years.

• Possession of or ability to readily obtain Basic Animal Control certification.

• Possession of a valid driver’s license issued by the State of Georgia for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.