Animal Control Officer

City of St. Joseph•Saint Joseph, MO

About The Position

Enforces City Animal Control ordinances to ensure the safety and protection of citizens and the humane treatment of animals. Educate the public on ordinances and proper care of animals. No supervisory or budgetary responsibilities.

Requirements

Ability to obtain the skills appropriate for the safe capture and care of all species of animals (within probationary period).
Skills in customer service, problem solving, time management, investigation and report writing.
Knowledge of City ordinances pertaining to animals, zoonotic diseases, sanitation & disinfectant procedures, chemical capture, and euthanasia procedures (within probationary period).
Knowledge of appropriate care of various species of animals (within probationary period).
Knowledge of personal property rights (within probationary period).
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in written form.
Ability to work independently using good problem-solving skills and judgement.
Ability to prioritize work.
Valid driver's license required.
Ability to learn the various breeds of cats and dogs (within probationary period).
Ability to work various hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Ability to be on-call and respond to emergencies within an established timeframe.
Ability to obtain certification from the Missouri Animal Control Association within 18 months of employment.
High school diploma or equivalent required.
All applicants must pass a drug screening and criminal background check prior to employment.
Any job offer made by the City is contingent upon the applicant passing the drug screening and background check.

Nice To Haves

Previous animal control experience helpful but not required.

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 ordinances relating to the care and control of animals, filing of complaints, and policies of the shelter to the public.
Issues citations for violations of applicable regulations; patrols assigned areas.
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.
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 to the animal owner.
Maintains records of work performed and materials used.
Assists in euthanasia of unwanted animals, cleaning kennels and building maintenance.
Transports adopted animals to clinics for pre-release, spay/neuter procedures.
Maintains shelter equipment and performs basic operator maintenance on vehicles.
Assists Police Department, Fire Department and other city departments on special cases related to animal control.
Tranquilizes vicious animals as needed.
Inventories animals, equipment, and supplies.
Performs various office duties including answering telephone, receiving, and dispatching information on complaints, maintains records and logs of incoming animals and handling the sale and redemption of animals as needed.
Performs all other related duties as assigned.