Animal Control Officer, PT (20-29 hours)

City of Ames•50010, IA

12d•Onsite

About The Position

The City of Ames is looking to fill an opening for a part-time Animal Control Officer position with the Animal Control division of the Police Department. Under general supervision of the Animal Control Supervisor, this position performs duties related to the enforcement of city and state animal control ordinances and regulations, while also performing other related work as required. This position is part-time (20-25 hours per week) with a rotating weekly schedule. The schedule is subject to change as coverage is needed due to influx of animal intake and staffing limitations. Each employee is expected to continually strive to bring shared values to life through our Excellence Through People organizational culture. ETP values include: committing to continuous improvement; inspiring creativity and innovation; being customer driven; making data-driven decisions; committing to diversity, equity and inclusion; championing employee involvement; striving for excellence; having fiscal stewardship; acting with honesty and integrity; exhibiting leadership; choosing a positive attitude; respecting one another; promoting safety and wellness; and cultivating teamwork. For leaders, this includes creating a work culture that brings these values to life. For all employees, this includes maintaining a Total City Perspective. The purpose of ETP is to deliver exceptional services to the public at the best price, and for employees to experience an enjoyable and stimulating work environment.

Requirements

High School diploma, HiSet, or GED.
At least six months of full-time experience (or an equivalent amount of part-time experience) in caring for animals in an animal care facility.
Possession of a valid driver's license and satisfactory driving history.
Knowledge of the various species of common animals; knowledge of the characteristics of animal behavior; knowledge of humane animal handling, treatment and care of animals; some knowledge of the principles and methods of medicating and humanely euthanizing animals.
Knowledge of work-related safety standards and procedures and the ability to interpret and follow those standards and procedures.
Skill in the safe operation of a City vehicle; skill in the safe transportation of animals.
Skill in assessing situations to offer and provide best assistance.
Skill to provide calm interactions with animals in stressful situations.
Skill in offering support and taking appropriate action in a team environment.
Ability to exercise discretion and good judgement in providing efficient, responsive, and excellent animal care services; ability to use good judgment, problem-solving and making sound decisions.
Ability to handle animals humanely and effectively under stressful situations; handle aggressive, sick or injured animals and recognize normal and abnormal behavior and signs of disease or illness in animals.
Ability to effectively communicate and work with a wide variety of people, personalities and emotions; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public.
Ability to maintain a strong commitment to integrity and fairness; ability to learn applicable city and state ordinances and regulations.
Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions; ability to perform the essential job functions in an organized, compassionate and self directed manner.
Ability to use a computer to perform work-related tasks; ability to maintain accurate, complete and up-to-date records.

Nice To Haves

Currently enrolled in Animal Science, Animal Ecology, Criminal Justice, or related field of study or completion of at least one of these degrees.
Work experience in animal control or animal shelter facilities.
While volunteer experience may be considered, paid regular work experience is preferred.
Trained/certified to perform, or experience performing, euthanasia by injection on domestic and wild animals.

Responsibilities

Provides quality animal control services to the community, demonstrates excellent customer service, communication and problem solving skills; responds to citizens' calls for assistance with domestic, exotic and wild animals that are lost, found, creating a nuisance or being treated cruelly; mediates between complainants and owners; provides assistance to animals reported as sick or injured; removes animals from places which are difficult to access such as in trees, under houses, on roofs, etc.; provides education to citizens and owners on the humane and responsible care and treatment of animals; files charges and testifies in court in cases of violation of state or local ordinances; maintains records, enters data into a database, searches records for information, generates reports, completes workday activity reports and disposition of animals picked up; performs follow-up investigations as needed.
Sanitizes all animal housing areas; vaccinates, deworms and medicates animals as instructed; euthanizes animals; assists in "Lost and Found" activities; provides assistance to, and maintains a good working relationship with volunteers; maintains supply inventory; maintains a clean and organized work environment.
Patrols streets to promote safety by reduction of stray animals and noise complaints; locates animals reported to have bitten humans or other animals; tranquilizes animals; retrieves deceased animals; administers medication to animals; opens and closes Animal Shelter as needed; maintains records on other shelter activities; assist in adoptions and performs customer service duties with the public at the shelter.