Animal Control Officer

City of Gulfport • Gulfport, MS

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Animal Control Officer answers complaints and enforces ordinances that regulate the keeping of small animals to protect life and property. This role involves apprehending, impounding, and caring for stray animals. The work carries an element of danger, requiring the incumbent to act independently and exercise discretion in emergencies.

Requirements

• Must be a citizen of the United States and an elector of the county in which they reside.
• Must meet bona fide occupational residency requirements determined by the civil service commission or governing authority.
• Considerable knowledge of animal care and handling.
• Knowledge of Mississippi State Law on animal welfare.
• Knowledge of the municipality's leash law and city ordinances regulating small animals.
• Ability to analyze situations quickly and objectively to determine proper courses of action, considering hazards and circumstances.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to meet, talk, and deal effectively with the public.
• Ability to cope with situations firmly, courteously, tactfully, and with respect for the rights of others.
• Skills to read animal body language.
• Knowledge of how to handle scared, injured, and aggressive animals.
• High school graduate or acceptable equivalent.
• Considerable experience in the control and care of animals.
• On-the-job training as necessitated by work assignments.
• Must possess a valid Mississippi Driver's License.

Responsibilities

• Patrols the city in a radio-equipped vehicle to ensure humane care and handling of animals.
• Responds to animal-related complaints.
• Apprehends and impounds stray animals using a tranquilizing gun or animal control pole.
• Picks up and disposes of dead or injured animals.
• Lodges animals in a pound or licensed veterinary hospital for observation in bite cases.
• Destroys dangerous animals in the field using firearms.
• Preserves, packs, and forwards the brains of suspected rabid animals to a regional laboratory for testing.
• Inspects vaccination certificates.
• Investigates complaints concerning animal abuse and non-compliance with animal ordinances.
• Informs the public about city ordinances related to animals.

What This Job Offers

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