Animal Control Officer

County of Chester, South Carolina•Chester, SC

6d•Onsite

About The Position

Responsible for enforcing County laws regarding stray, dangerous, nuisance and unwanted domestic animals; investigates complaints; patrols assigned areas; captures animals. This class specification lists the major duties and requirements of the job and is not all-inclusive. Incumbent(s) may be expected to perform job-related duties other than those contained in this document and may be required to have specific job-related knowledge and skills.

Requirements

High School Diploma/GED AND one (1) year of animal care experience; OR an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
Knowledge of behavior and handling of common domestic or wild animals.
Knowledge of methods and equipment used in the care and control of animals.
Knowledge of State and local laws and ordinances pertaining to the proper care and control of animals.
Knowledge of safety practices related to the work.
Knowledge of basic species and breed identification of a variety of domestic and common wild animals.
Knowledge of basic symptoms and behavior associated with rabies and other common diseases of animals.
Knowledge of record-keeping principles and practices.
Knowledge of techniques for dealing with the public, in person and over the telephone, often where relations may be confrontational or strained.
Knowledge of investigative techniques regarding animal cruelty and neglect.
Knowledge of methods of search and seizure.
Knowledge of computer applications related to the work.
Skill in handling, capturing and controlling animals humanely and effectively under stressful or emergency circumstances.
Skill in assessing animal behavior and making effective decisions regarding handling or capturing the animal.
Skill in identifying symptoms and behaviors associated with rabies and other common domestic animal diseases.
Skill in operating county vehicles, radios, cellular phones, and other animal control tools and equipment.
Skill in reading maps and following directions.
Skill in maintaining accurate records and preparing basic reports.
Skill in using initiative and independent judgment within established procedural guidelines.
Skill in contributing effectively to the accomplishment of team or work unit goals, objectives and activities.
Skill in communicating effectively in oral and written forms.
Skill in working successfully with a variety of individuals from various socio-economic, ethnic and cultural backgrounds, often where relations may be confrontational or strained.
Driver’s license.

Responsibilities

Investigates complaints from the public and other agencies regarding nuisance, stray, uncontrolled, dangerous or diseased animals.
Drives a County vehicle to reach various work sites, attend meetings and respond to emergencies; performs inspection of vehicle and reports maintenance issues.
Conducts investigations of complaints regarding animal cruelty and neglect; investigates animal bites, arranging for appropriate identification and quarantine.
Explains local laws, codes and ordinances relating to the care and control of animals, filing of complaints, and policies of the shelter to the public; sells rabies vaccination, microchip, or sterilization vouchers to animal owners.
Issues citations for violations of applicable regulations; patrols assigned areas operating County vehicles.
Captures stray and unlicensed animals for impounding; removes dead animals from public and private properties; transports injured animals and provides for their care.
Testifies in court regarding citations and disposition of complaints.
Operates humane traps, mobile radios, cellular phones, and related animal control tools and equipment.
Identifies basic symptoms of common animal diseases and recommends veterinary medical care of isolation to the animal owner.
Assists other agencies and County departments in animal control and handling.
Completes and maintains reports of work performed.
Contributes to the efficiency and effectiveness of the unit's service to its customers by offering suggestions and directing or participating as an active member of a work team.
Demonstrates courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with public and staff; acts in a manner that promotes a harmonious and effective workplace environment.