Animal Control Officer

About the position

This is technical, investigative, and community engagement work supporting Animal Services while performing code enforcement activities for the City of Tallahassee. Incumbents investigate citizen complaints to ascertain compliance with, and enforcement of, municipal codes, ordinances, and statutes that promote public safety, support animal welfare, mitigate the spread of infectious disease, and improve quality of life. This includes the capture, detention, and disposition of abandoned, stray, uncontrolled, or dangerous animals. Work is performed in response to citizen complaints or emergency circumstances, as well as during routine patrols. Duties are performed in accordance with established ordinances, policies, and procedures. Work is performed under the general supervision of a superior; however, the incumbent is expected to exercise independent judgment and discretion, tact, patience, and self-control under trying circumstances in performing work. Performance is evaluated based on oral and written reports, observations, and by results obtained.

Responsibilities

• Investigate citizen complaints regarding animal control and code enforcement.
• Capture, detain, and dispose of abandoned, stray, uncontrolled, or dangerous animals.
• Ensure compliance with municipal codes, ordinances, and statutes related to animal welfare.
• Perform routine patrols to monitor animal control issues.
• Exercise independent judgment and discretion in various situations.

Requirements

• Possession of a high school diploma or an equivalent recognized certificate.
• Three years of professional work experience in animal control enforcement, animal care and handling, law enforcement, or code enforcement.
• Completion of Florida recognized Animal Control Officer certification with two years of professional work experience in relevant fields.
• Demonstrate responsible pet ownership and care via presentation of veterinary records.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in community engagement and public safety.
• Knowledge of municipal codes and animal welfare regulations.

Benefits

• Paid vacation, sick leave, parental, and catastrophic illness leaves.
• Defined benefit pension and defined contribution plans.
• Paid holidays and tuition reimbursement.
• Medical, dental, vision, life, long-term disability, pre-paid legal, critical illness, and auto insurance plans.