Animal Control Officer

Coweta, City of•Police Department, OK

21h•Onsite

About The Position

The Animal Control Officer performs routine and complex public safety work in the enforcement of City and State animal control ordinances and laws. This role involves patrolling city limits, responding to animal-related complaints, apprehending stray or at-large animals, and ensuring compliance with animal control regulations. The position also includes responsibilities for the care and maintenance of the Animal Control Facility and its inhabitants, as well as investigating animal cruelty and bite incidents.

Requirements

Knowledge of principles and practices of effective customer service.
Knowledge of correct English usage, including spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
Knowledge of City ordinances and state laws regarding all aspects of animal control.
Working knowledge of animal restraint and care techniques.
Ability to handle stress effectively without it interfering with performance.
Ability to organize, set priorities, and exercise sound independent judgment within areas of responsibility.
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
Ability to effectively deal with angry or difficult citizens.
Proficiency in operating animal capture equipment, two-way radio, pager, dart gun, first aid equipment, computer, telephone, fax machine, and copy machine.
Must be capable of driving a motor vehicle to travel to other locations on a frequent basis.
Ability to work outdoors, occasionally in adverse weather conditions.
Ability to establish and maintain highly effective working relationships with other employees and the public.
Ability to identify various animals and their behavior patterns.
Ability to exercise sound judgment in evaluating situations and in making decisions.
Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
Ability to learn City's geography.
Ability to explain regulations to the public in a courteous and tactful manner.
Graduation from a high school or GED equivalent.

Nice To Haves

Any equivalent combination of experience and education may be considered.

Responsibilities

Patrol city limits and receive and respond to animal complaints, including animals at large, stray, vicious, abandoned, nuisance or abused.
Apprehend stray or at large animals for impoundment.
Monitor violations of animal control city ordinances and state laws.
Clean and sanitize the shelter kennels, cages, and dishes; provide maintenance and upkeep of the Animal Control Facility.
Care for shelter animals.
Facilitate the adoption of shelter animals.
Apprehend diseased or injured animals.
Determine ownership of animals at large.
Handle vicious animals or displeased citizens while utilizing officer safety.
Offer suggestions to animal owners to aid in compliance with laws and ordinances.
Investigate incidences of animal cruelty, dog bites, and dog attacks.
Compile a variety of data regarding animal control activities; prepare reports on activities.
Maintain records and files of the Animal Control Facility and the animals housed there; log all incidents concerning animal control operations.
Testify in court regarding animal control cases if needed.
Remove dead, injured or dangerous animals from roadways and residential property.
Work an assigned shift using own judgment in deciding course of action; expected to handle difficult and emergency situations without assistance.
Maintain normal availability by two-way radio, pager, or telephone for consultation on major emergencies.
Maintain contact with police supervisory personnel to coordinate investigation activities, provide mutual assistance during emergency situations, and provide general information concerning department activities.
Maintain departmental equipment, supplies, and facilities.
Coordinate and/or assist in the euthanization and proper disposal of animals.
Issues warnings or citations as required; serve various criminal or civil notices or papers related to the enforcement of animal control ordinances.
Perform related tasks as required.