Animal Care Specialist

Gaston County Animal Care and Enforcement was established to provide for the health and safety of citizens and protect them from animals and the threat of animals. The mission of Animal Care and Enforcement is not only to enhance the safety of citizens, but also to ensure the proper care and treatment of animals. This is accomplished through animal-related services which reflect our professionalism and a concern for responsible pet ownership.

The duties listed below are not all of the duties that may be assigned but are those that are considered as essential for an employee to perform.

• Patrol assigned area for violations and respond to reports of violation of animal related laws.

• Respond to citizen complaints regarding animal bites, cruelty investigations, public nuisance, wildlife animals, rabies suspects, and sick or injured animals.

• Investigate reported incidents of suspected or actual rabies situations and determine whether action is warranted.

• Remove, package, and process animal heads for delivery to State Lab for rabies analysis and complete required documentation.

• Use computer to verify shot record, complaint history, and any prior warnings/civil citations or criminal summons/warrants against responsible party.

• Educate the general public and animal owner by explaining the responsibilities of pet ownership and animal control laws through both citizen programs and while investigating complaints.

• Perform minor repairs to traps to maintain operational readiness.

• Apprehend and transport stray, unwanted, and diseased or injured animals to the County Animal Shelter; complete required paperwork and data entry on all impounded animals; take photo of all impounded animals and place on shelter website.

• Appear in court, civil hearings, and administrative hearings to testify on action taken.

• Perform animal vaccination and euthanasia.

• Assist with shelter cleaning and upkeep.

• Perform other related job duties as assigned.

Graduation from an accredited high school or GED equivalency AND a minimum of 1 year of experience in the apprehension, care, or disposal of animals required. Knowledge of County geography and County and State laws related to humane animal control. Ability to interact with the public and other agencies and ability to communicate effectively. Work is very heavy work requiring exerting in excess of 100 lbs. of force occasionally and/or in excess of 50 lbs. of force to move objects. Requires standing, walking, balancing, climbing, crawling, crouching, kneeling, lifting, mental acuity, requires sensitivity to change and responsiveness to changing goals, priorities and needs. A valid driver's license, without restrictions, is required.Minimally qualified applicants will start at 25% of the salary range: $20.53/hr

The candidate selected must undergo and pass a drug screening test prior to employment.