Animal Control Officer-Police Department
JOB SUMMARY:
Performs responsible work in the enforcement of state and local animal control laws and ordinances. Patrols City streets and responds to complaints to locate, capture and deliver animals to animal shelter facilities.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: (Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following)
- Patrols City streets and responds to dispatch directives and locates reported stray, injured or deceased animals.
- Inspects animals for signs of illness, diseases, disorders or other physical problems.
- Impound and transport stray, injured, diseased, vicious, feral (wild), and deceased animals to the Animal Shelter or veterinarian.
- Writes and issues citations to owners of animals found in violation of state or local animal control laws or ordinances.
- Investigates complaints of animal cruelty, animal fights, dog bite cases and other violations of animal control laws and ordinances; uses standard and digital photographic equipment; preserves and books evidence.
- May place suspects under arrest and book suspects into the City Detention Center.
- Uses a rifle, pistol, blow gun or syringe pole as needed in the chemical capture of dangerous, vicious or feral animals.
- Advises and educates the general public regarding animal control laws and ordinances, animal shelter procedures and responsibilities of pet ownership; may speak at public schools or animal related functions.
- Sells dog licenses; issues cat and dog traps to the public; collects fees.
- Sets dog and cat traps and captures animals.
- Inspects resident’s yard as required for adoption or release of animals.
- Appears and testifies in court regarding violations of animal laws and ordinances.
- Performs routine maintenance and supply checks on assigned animal control vehicle daily, including fluid levels, paint or body damage, tire air pressure and tread wear, lights, emergency equipment and a variety of animal control forms; completes vehicle maintenance slip. Cleans and disinfects vehicle daily.
- Trains or assists in training new employees.
- Completes and files routine forms and reports.
- Assists in the performance of office duties as needed.
- Works with local law enforcement and emergency agencies to assist in animal related situations, in illegal activities, or in other emergencies as requested.
- Performs other duties as required.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:
Education and Experience:
- High school diploma or G.E.D.
- Two years of paid or volunteer work experience directly involved in routine animal care, control and handling for a veterinarian, kennel or shelter or a closely related similar work environment.
Licenses and Certifications:
- Must possess a valid state driver's license and maintain satisfactory motor vehicle record with the ability to obtain appropriate Nevada state driver’s license within required time frame.
- Complete the National Animal Control Association Training Academy levels 1 and 2 within two years of hire/reclassification date.
- Tranquilizer Certificate within required departmental time frame.
- O/C Spray Certificate within required departmental time frame.
- Baton Certificate within required departmental time frame.
Knowledge of:
- Animal behaviors and rabies identification and identification of other common animal diseases or disorders; state and local animal control laws and ordinances; City geography, including main highways, major streets and subdivisions.
Skill:
- Handle all animals in a humane and controlled manner.
- Dealing courteously and diplomatically with the general public, including hostile or irate people.
- Use of Animal Control equipment including but not limited to tranquilizer gun, lasso, leash, cages, traps, and O/C spray.