Animal Control Officer

Lake County Government • Leadville, CO

12d

About The Position

Responsible for enforcing County laws regarding stray, dangerous, nuisance and unwanted domestic animals; investigates complaints; patrols assigned areas; captures animals; performs other duties related to humane animal protection and control.

The Lake County Sheriff's Office is looking for a P.O.S.T certified Law Enforcement Officer, with a strong desire to serve our community with professionalism and honesty. Must possess good communication skills and a commitment to our core values of Integrity, Service and Excellence. The ability to connect with a diverse community in a rural setting, preferably with bilingual proficiency and a desire for public service.

Requirements

• Animal Control Officer certification and at least one (1) year of previous job experience as an Animal Control Officer AND two (2) years of experience in experience with animals in a shelter or animal control function.
• High School Education/GED; OR an equivalent combination of education.
• Colorado Driver’s License
• Knowledge of: Behavior and handling of common domestic animals.
• Methods and equipment used in the care and control of animals.
• State and local laws and ordinances pertaining to the proper care and control of animals.
• Safety practices related to the work.
• Basic species and breed identification of a variety of domestic animals.
• Basic symptoms and behavior associated with rabies and other common diseases of animals.
• Health and hygiene of animals.
• Techniques for dealing with a variety of individuals, at all levels of responsibility, in person and over the telephone, often where relations may be confrontational or strained.
• Communicating effectively in oral and written forms.
• Skill in: Handling and controlling animals humanely and effectively under stressful or emergency circumstances.
• Assessing animal behavior and making effective decisions regarding handling the animal.
• Identifying symptoms and behaviors associated with rabies and other common domestic animal diseases.
• Maintaining accurate and legible records and preparing basic reports using Microsoft Office applications.
• Using initiative and independent judgment within established procedural guidelines; contributing effectively to the accomplishment of team or work unit goals, objectives and activities.
• Speaking English effectively to communicate in person or over the telephone.
• Dealing successfully with the public, in person and over the telephone, often where relations may be confrontational or strained.

Nice To Haves

• Current P.O.S.T, applicable instructor skills certifications will be considered for incentive bonuses to salary. (Firearms, arrest control, driving skills, other)
• Spanish/English bilingual skills incentive. A supplemental pay increase to salary is available for bilingual skills demonstrated through testing.

Responsibilities

• Investigates complaints from the public and other agencies regarding nuisance, stray, uncontrolled, dangerous or diseased animals.
• 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.
• Performs shelter duties as required; reports need for supplies and maintenance.
• 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.
• May testify in court regarding citations and disposition of complaints.
• Maintains records and prepares daily reports related to work performed.
• 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.
• May speak to and meet with a variety of community, business and educational organizations to further goals of the program.
• Maintains records of work performed and materials used.
• 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 team.
• Represents the County with dignity, integrity, and a spirit of cooperation in all relationships with staff and the public

Benefits

• Overtime opportunities paid at time and a half, after 80 in hours in a 14-day work period.
• County employees can also receive an annual allowance for health and wellness costs.
• End of Year bonus. Based on months of service within the year.
• Duty Firearm will be provided.
• All uniform, belts, holsters, and other equipment, including ballistic body armor and plates, with the exception of footwear, are provided. Ballistic armor is replaced every five years at no cost to the employee.
• Culture of personal and professional development through skills instructor courses, education, higher learning, etc.
• Advanced Education Pay. Up to 6% salary increase for applicable college education completed.

What This Job Offers

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