Job Description

Posting number: 2600730

Department: Sheriff - Operations

Job classification: ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER I

Posting type: Open

Categories: Animal Control, Animal Services

Summary

This recruitment is established to obtain a current eligible list for both Full-Time and Extra-Help vacancies as they occur. Extra-Help are not entitled to county benefits and are limited to a maximum of 25 hours per week. Extra-Help pay is $22.04 - $24.31 per hour.

Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

• May be assigned Duties in the Animal Shelter as required.
• Collects dog license fees, writes receipts and issues license tags.
• Transports sick or injured animals to the Animal Control Shelter or performs euthanasia on the spot if necessary.
• Daily delivers all animals collected to the Shelter and segregates those which have bitten a person or show signs of rabies or other disease.
• Answers complaints of the public concerning animals and takes appropriate action.
• Assists with the presentation of community service/public education program.
• Answers complaints of straying or marauding dogs and collects or destroys them.
• Makes house-to-house canvas for unlicensed dogs in the County area and issues notices for compliance with the County ordinance.
• Investigates reported inhumane treatment of animals, and animal bites; transports sick or injured animals to the Animal Control Shelter or kills them on the spot if necessary.

Examples of duties

Animal Control Officer I

Education:

High school graduation or equivalence.

Experience:

None required but some experience with caring and handling small animals is preferred.

Licenses:

Possess a valid California driver's license at time of appointment and maintain.

Certificate:

Must possess or obtain a current Euthanasia by Injection Certificate within six months of hire date.

Must possess or obtain a valid Penal Code 832 Certificate (laws of arrest, search and seizure, firearms) within one (1) year of employment. Any employee failing to obtain this certification will be terminated from employment.

Animal Control Officer II

Education:

High school graduation or equivalence.

Experience:

One (1) year of experience comparable to an Animal Control Officer I in Merced County.

Licenses:

Possess a valid California driver's license at time of appointment and maintain.

Certificate:

Possession of a valid Penal Code 832 Certificate (Firearms and Laws of Arrest).

Possession of valid Euthanasia by Injection certificate

THIS CLASSIFICATION WILL BE SUBJECT TO CRIMINAL HISTORY BACKGROUND CHECKS

Qualifications

• Meet deadlines under stressful conditions.
• Analyze data, interpret policies, procedures and regulations, develop appropriate conclusions, and prepare reports.
• Communicate effectively with others in person, in writing, and over the telephone.
• Resolve conflicts and respond appropriately to complaints.
• Maintain confidential information in accordance with legal standards and/or County regulations.
• Conduct field activities on uneven surfaces under various environmental conditions.
• Physically restrain animals.
• Operate with safety and accuracy small caliber firearms.
• Drive a light truck safely and in accordance with traffic laws.
• Proper euthanasia techniques.
• Frequent use of computers and various office equipment.
• Sitting or standing for extended periods, pushing/pulling, and bending/squatting.
• Frequent driving and occasional walking for extended periods over uneven terrain.
• Frequent lifting and carrying of 5 to 50 pounds and occasional lifting and carrying of up to 75 pounds unassisted.
• Constant use of overall visual capabilities.
• Frequent use of color and depth perception, peripheral vision, hand/eye coordination, reading and/or close up work.
• Normal dexterity with constant holding, frequent grasping, reaching, repetitive motion, and climbing stairs or ladders.
• Constant hearing normal speech, hearing/talking on the radio, telephone and in person. Occasional public presentations.
• Occasional exposure to emergency situations, animal related trauma, grief, or death.
• Frequently work alone and travel with some assignments require working weekends, nights, overtime, and holidays, early morning or late evening.
• Frequent exposure to outdoor/indoor conditions including noise, heat/cold, dust, chemical residues, allergens, odors, and biohazards.
• Regular attendance is an essential function.

Knowledge of:

• County and State ordinance and laws relating to the care, treatment and impounding of animals.
• Provision relating to the collection and deposit of dog license receipts and penalties.
• The care and feeding of various breeds of dogs and animals and the common diseases of animals and their symptoms.
• Basic methods of animal collections.
• Safe and efficient handling of large and small animals.
• General Law enforcement functions and procedures.
• Characteristics of animal behavior.

Ability to:

• Carry out oral and written directions.
• Work cooperatively and effectively with fellow employees and the general public.
• Read, interpret and enforce Animal Control Laws, ordinances, and regulations.
• Deal tactfully and courteously with the public when providing information and carrying out enforcement activities.
• Operate firearms safely.
• Exercise good judgment in handling potential hostile individuals/situations.
• Write or print legibly using correct spelling and grammar.