Animal Control Officer 1

Class Characteristics

Under direction, to perform animal control field and office work in accordance with State and County laws and regulations; to respond to and investigate animal related complaints and violations to transport, impound, care for and dispose of animals; to do other work as required.

Distinguishing Characteristics

The Dog Services Division administers the County’s animal control program to enforce State and County laws and regulations governing the care, control, impounding, protection, licensing and disposal of animals. The Division also operates and maintains the County’s animal shelter which houses stray, dangerous, and abandoned dogs.

The Animal Control Officer 1 enforces ordinances while demonstrating tact and maintaining cooperative relationships with the public. The incumbent responds to public inquiries, investigates and works to resolve complaints and violations, and impounds and transports dogs to the shelter. The Animal Control Officer 1 works independently and receives direction from the Animal Control Officer 2 and the Animal Services Manager.  

The Animal Control Officer 1 differs from Animal Control Officer 2 which has leadwork responsibilities, and from the Animal License Enforcement Officer which performs office and limited field work to enforce dog licensing requirements and issue citations for licensing violations.

Typical Tasks

Duties may include but are not limited to the following:

1. Investigates violations and complaints from the public including violations of dogs at large, aggressive dogs, neglect, bites, barking dogs, and other animal related issues investigates reports of livestock damage by dogs; prepares files and complaints; completes and maintains accurate and timely investigation reports; documents actions taken and enters and retrieves data from database. 
2. Works to resolve dog related complaints by educating and advising parties, offering direction on animal care, negotiating resolutions, and/or issuing warnings, citations for violations, and recommendations for restitution and/or restrictions to be imposed at hearing; communicates with the public in the field, by phone and by mail/email; handles field interactions with dog owners that may have fractious dogs and/or may be emotional/upset due to enforcement contact from Dog Services; interviews and obtains both oral and written witness statements; gathers evidence; prepares cases; presents cases for and testifies at hearings and in court; coordinates with other agencies for case resolution.
3. Coordinates enforcement hearings process and presents cases to the Hearings Officer; represents the County’s legal position advising Hearings Officer of issues related to the case; makes oral arguments and cross examines parties; prepares and presents evidence; proposes recommendations and restrictions; develops general legal strategies the resolution of for multi-violation complaints, cases, and issues.
4. Impounds stray and deceased dogs for transport; contains and captures biting and dangerous dogs for quarantine and court proceedings; picks up injured dogs; administers basic first aid and transports animals to veterinarian or the shelter; operates equipment used to handle and transport dogs and equipment carried for personal safety; safety; coordinates with County’s Public Health Division as needed when quarantining dogs and complies with their requirements and processes. 
5. Responds to public inquiries and provides information explaining local laws and ordinances and other information related to the care, treatment, quarantine, and impounding of animals; presents information to the public about the characteristics and care of animals, shelter operations, field activities and regulations; attends outreach events to educate the public on laws, licensing and responsible dog ownership.

Required Knowledge and Skills

Working knowledge of: Laws, regulations and policies pertaining to dog control; methods and techniques of canine care and handling; typical canine diseases and injuries; techniques of impounding stray, injured and fractious dogs; rules of evidence and procedures in compliance hearings; principles and techniques of negotiation; investigative procedures and practices; reporting and recordkeeping techniques; basic math and grammar.

Skill to: Evaluate complaints and violations, apply legal principles, and identify resolutions; present cases at compliance hearings; communicate effectively and respectfully, both orally and in writing; prepare accurate and concise reports and records; deal courteously and effectively with the public; comprehend and explain the laws and regulations governing the licensing, quarantine and impounding of dogs; safely operate a motor vehicle; safely apprehend and transport injured, frightened or sick dogs; operate and maintain equipment used to capture or subdue animals; work independently; establish and maintain effective working relationships with County staff, other agencies legal professionals, and the public.

Working Conditions

Duties require walking, stepping, twisting, squatting, reaching overhead, and the ability to lift up to 80 pounds having awkward size and shape, carry up to 50 pounds and 40 pounds while climbing stairs, and push/pull 50 pounds. Duties also involve exposure to loud noises, slippery and/or uneven surfaces, confined spaces and/or poor lighting, ammonia fumes, adverse weather conditions, hostile or angry people, and sick, injured, agitated, frightened or aggressive animals. Duties in the field are typically performed independently with radio oversight from the County’s Department of Communications (C-COM).

As needed, required to participate in 24 hours/day emergency program services.

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum qualifications are used as a guide for establishing the minimum experience, education, licensure, and/or certifications required for employment in the classification. The following minimum qualifications are established for this classification. Additional minimum qualifications and special conditions may apply to a specific position within this classification and will be stated on the job announcement.

Experience: A minimum of one (1) year of related experience that would provide the required knowledge and skills to perform the responsibilities of this position.

Licenses/Certifications: None required.

Pre-Employment Requirements

Must pass a pre-employment drug test.

Must successfully pass a criminal history check which may include national or state fingerprint records check.

Employment is contingent upon passing a post-offer physical assessment. Accommodation requests will be reviewed on an individual basis in compliance with State and Federal legislation.

Driving is required for County business to accomplish work.  Incumbents must possess a valid driver's license, and possess and maintain an acceptable driving record throughout the course of employment.

CLASSIFICATION NO. 169
Established: 12/84
Revised: 8/15, 8/26
Edited: 7/18
FLSA: Non-Exempt
EEO: 4