Animal Control Officer

City of Yuma • City of Yuma, AZ

22h • Hybrid

About The Position

Under basic supervision, this job classification performs animal control and animal related law enforcement activities for the Yuma Police Department (YPD) to safeguard citizens from dangerous and nuisance animals; investigates animal related violations of state and Federal laws and local ordinances. The ideal candidate will have strong communication and problem-solving skills, the ability to remain calm under pressure, and experience working with animals, enforcing regulations and providing excellent customer service.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent
• One year of combined experience in animal welfare, customer service (preferably involving direct public contact), and/or code enforcement; OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Must successfully pass a polygraph and background investigation.
• Knowledge of City policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of General safety practices, and animal handling, capture, and restraint techniques, tools, and equipment.
• Knowledge of Symptoms of common animal diseases.
• Knowledge of Principles of record keeping and records management.
• Knowledge of Regional animal care resources available to citizens.
• Knowledge of Geography, roads, and landmarks of City and surrounding areas.
• Skill in Capturing, controlling, containing, and transporting sick, injured, and rabid animals.
• Skill in Care, maintenance and safe operation of specialized animal control tools and equipment.
• Skill in Understanding and applying City, State, and Federal statutes, ordinances, codes and regulations.
• Skill in Exercising patience, care and compassion in dealing with animals, and when interacting with people of different social, economic, and ethnic backgrounds.
• Skill in Following and communicating verbal and written instructions.
• Skill in Operating a personal computer utilizing standard and specialized software.
• A valid Arizona State Driver's License is required.

Responsibilities

• Patrols City to check animal populations for dangerous and nuisance animals, strays, and wildlife.
• Enforces state and Federal laws and local ordinances governing animal control issues.
• Responds to complaints and calls for service; captures, contains, transports, and impounds animals.
• Transports animals to Humane Society shelter; picks up and disposes of dead animals.
• Investigates nuisance complaints and calls on animal control code violations; interviews complainant and witnesses; notifies owners and involved parties of animal violations and corrective actions; writes reports and issues citations within scope of authority.
• Investigates request of service for animal cruelty charges; seizes animals as allowed by Arizona Statutes.
• Provides animal-related information to public, including questions regarding animal care and regulations.
• Maintains assigned vehicle and equipment according to Department standards.
• Assists and coordinates with other emergency services personnel, outside organizations, and local law enforcement organizations.
• Prepares reports and maintains records and files.
• Presents animal control enforcement cases to courts and hearings.
• Supports the relationship between the City and the public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with citizens, visitors, and City staff; promotes the City goals and priorities, vision, values and the “Yuma Way”, and complies with all City policies and procedures.
• Maintains absolute confidentiality of work-related issues and City information; performs other duties as required or assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED