Animal Control Officer I

Nassau County Board of County Commissioners•Nassau County, FL

About The Position

Responsible field work enforcing the County animal control ordinance and state laws relating to animals under Chapter 828 of the Florida Statutes. The position helps protect the public from diseased, problem, and vicious stray animals and ensures that impounded animals are treated humanely. Work includes rotating shifts, after-hours call-ins, weekends, holidays, and work during State of Emergencies. The role involves daily exposure to heat and cold and may be required to work in a safety-sensitive capacity based on an emergency declaration or operational need. The officer patrols the County and may also patrol Fernandina Beach, Hilliard, and Callahan. Duties include responding to animal-related complaints and emergencies, enforcing ordinances and statutes, handling and caring for animals, educating the public, documenting cases, and working with law enforcement, public health agencies, veterinarians, and the courts. The position also includes maintaining assigned vehicles, equipment, facilities, and records, and assisting with kennel work and animal care as needed. Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED and one year of animal control and/or public health experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. Florida Animal Control Officer and Euthanasia certifications must be obtained and maintained within six months of hire. A valid State driver's license is required. The employee must reside or move within 45 minutes of the Animal Services Facility within 120 days of hire. Applications are subject to a criminal background check. Nassau County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Drug Free Workplace; the position is eligible for Veterans’ Preference in accordance with applicable laws.

Requirements

High school diploma or general equivalency diploma, plus one year of experience in animal control and/or public health, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
Obtain and maintain Florida Animal Control Officer Certification and Euthanasia Certification within six months of hire.
Possess a valid State driver’s license.
Reside or move within 45 minutes of the Animal Services Facility within 120 days of hire.
Ability to work alone and take initiative without direct supervision.
Ability to plan, organize, and prioritize daily assignments and develop daily, short-term, and long-term goals.
Ability to learn and use new skills and information to improve performance and efficiency.
Knowledge of County procedures, governmental agency functions and relationships, and applicable laws, ordinances, standards, and regulations.
Knowledge of occupational hazards and job safety precautions.
Knowledge of professional terminology and proper English usage, punctuation, spelling, and grammar.
Ability to maintain effective relationships with County personnel, other professionals, and the public.
Ability to communicate effectively, make sound decisions, and read and interpret complex materials.
Ability to assemble and analyze information and prepare concise, clear, and effective written reports and records.
Ability to react calmly and quickly in emergencies.
Ability to perform the listed physical activities, including lifting and carrying up to 75 pounds and running fast for at least 50 yards.

Responsibilities

Patrol the County and, when assigned, the City of Fernandina Beach, Town of Hilliard, and Callahan.
Pick up and impound stray or at-large animals, including trapped animals.
Educate the public about animal care and treatment.
Remove animals from inhumane conditions and deliver them to the animal facility for treatment and care.
Set humane live traps and ensnare and handle stray or dangerous animals.
Investigate complaints, determine whether violations occurred, and take appropriate action under County ordinances and Florida Statutes.
Issue warnings and citations for violations of state and county ordinances.
Investigate animal bites, cruelty, and neglect; conduct preliminary investigations and file reports.
Apprehend, impound, euthanize, and dispose of diseased, unhealthy, problem, and vicious animals.
Prepare animals for laboratory submission in accordance with County and State ordinances.
Work with the Sheriff’s Office, Health Department, other agencies, and veterinarians.
Interact fairly and tactfully with the public, including during emotional or stressful situations.
Testify in court as a witness or plaintiff on behalf of the County.
Collect evidence, including photographs.
Maintain records and prepare written reports concerning animals impounded, adopted, redeemed, relinquished, or destroyed.
Respond to the emergency operation center when activated and directed.
Maintain assigned vehicles, equipment, and facilities.
Assist with kennel cleaning and maintenance, animal feeding and care, and answering phones as needed.
Operate radio equipment.
Attend work regularly, follow attendance policies, and provide adequate notice for vacation and leave requests.
Perform related duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to balance workloads.