Animal Control Officer PT

Under general supervision, performs a variety of duties involved in the enforcement and communication of animal services codes, ordinances, and regulations; ensures public safety by capturing and caring for wild, vicious, and/or injured animals in both the City of Westminster and the City of Stanton; and performs related work as required.

• Patrols areas within the City and enforces animal services codes, ordinances, and regulations; investigates reports of animal abuse; issues citations; collects fees; takes other appropriate actions.

• Captures and impounds unlicensed, stray, and uncontrolled animals; transports animals to shelter; arranges for proper storage and humane care.

• Picks up dead or injured animals; provides aid to injured animals; transports animals to veterinarian for treatment or euthanasia; medicates and vaccinates animals to be adopted.

• Responds to calls from citizens for animal services; investigates complaints involving animals; investigates reports of dogs, cats, or other animals creating nuisances.

• Determines whether calls meet the criteria for emergency response and call out and how quarantines should be handled; evaluates and authorizes immediate care of euthanasia for sick and injured animals, emergency seizure of animals, and owner relinquishments in the field; determines whether a criminal complaint and/or dangerous/vicious dog investigation should be initiated.

• Assists Police Department with animal related issues.

• Establishes and maintains positive community relations through programs, demonstrations, and public assistance regarding humane animal services, including wildlife issues, adoption procedures, and enforcement of animal regulations; speaks at school and other meetings, and answers specific and general questions.

• Identifies and investigates animal related crimes; interviews witnesses, collects evidence, writes reports, and testifies in court.

• Investigates reports of animal bites; completes state mandated quarantines as necessary.

• Answers questions regarding the enforcement of animal services, regulations, adoption, and licensing policies and procedures.

• Prepares reports and cases; maintains records, logs, and files of activities.

• Performs routine maintenance and animal care duties at the shelters.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• Methods and techniques of handling, collection, impoundment, and registration of a variety of wild and domestic animals in various conditions.

• Identification of various breeds of dogs, cats, and other domestic animals.

• Principles of animal behavior and care.

• Principles, practices, methods, and techniques of code violation investigation and compliance.

• Practices for documenting inspections, correcting violations, and carrying through on Court procedures.

• Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility.

• California Animal Laws Handbook and the California Pet Shop Law Guide.

• Occupational hazards and standard safety practices necessary in the area of animal services.

• Techniques and practices of public speaking and making presentations before small groups.

• Principles of record keeping and reporting.

• Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment and applications related to the work.

• English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation.

• Techniques for dealing with and solving the problems presented by a variety of individuals from various socio-economic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds, in person and over the telephone.

• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.

Ability to:

• Recognize normal and abnormal animal behavior.

• Handle potentially dangerous animals in a safe manner.

• Inoculate and medicate animals, after completion of the appropriate training.

• Interpret and apply applicable Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations pertaining to animal services.

• Effectively respond to calls for services.

• Prepare, maintain, and update accurate and detailed documentation of inspection findings and other written materials, records, logs, and reports.

• Effectively represent the City in meetings with governmental and regulatory agencies, community groups, property owners, business owners, and the public.

• Operate and maintain a variety of animal control equipment.

• Operate a two-way radio.

• Maintain accurate records and files of work performed.

• Understand and carry out oral and written instructions.

• Organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.

• Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and software programs.

• Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing.

• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and legal guidelines in politically sensitive situations.

• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent and one (1) year of experience in the enforcement and communication of animal services codes, ordinances, and regulations and the humane care and handling of animals.  College-level coursework in animal health care and experience with a public agency are desirable.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California Driver's License by time of appointment.
• PC 832, Chemical Immobilization and Investigation & Prosecution of Cruelty Cases certifications are desirable.

Examination: Only those candidates whose qualifications best meet the needs of the City will be invited to participate in the examination process. The examination process may consist of any or all of the following components: written examination, practical skills evaluation, and oral interview. Eligible candidates will be notified when testing dates have been established.

This posting is open on a continuous bases and can close without prior notices, interested applicants are encouraged to apply.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must possess mobility to work in the field; strength, stamina, and mobility to perform light physical work, to climb and descend vehicles, and to operate varied tools and equipment; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone or radio.  The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas to identify problems or hazards.  Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate above-mentioned tools and equipment.   Positions in this classification bend, stoop, kneel, reach, and climb to perform work and inspect work sites.   Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 25 pounds.

ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS

Employees work in the field and are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes.   Employees may interact with upset staff, public and/or animals and private representatives, and contractors, in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

Updated on 4/19/22 for Physical Demands and Environmental Elements