Animal Control Officer

Clay County Board of County Commissioners

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The primary function of the Animal Care and Control Officer is specialized enforcement and investigative work enforcing County Animal Services Ordinances. This position is responsible for investigating animal cruelty and neglect charges and performing related duties to promote compliance with Clay County ordinances regulating animal treatment. The position requires on-call availability, including nights, weekends and holidays.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED equivalent
Minimum of one year of experience in the area of animal control, veterinary medicine, public health or law enforcement
Must become certified as an Animal Control Officer within one year of employment.
Must complete Euthanasia Certification course within eighteen months of employment.
On-call availability, including nights, weekends and holidays.
Valid Florida Driver’s License with a clean driving record.
Any combination of education and experience may be substituted, so long as it provides the desired skills, knowledge and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
Knowledge of procedures and guidelines for emergency situations
Excellent communication and active listening skills
Demonstrate sound judgment and critical thinking skills
Thorough knowledge of methods and techniques to administer first aid to animals
Considerable knowledge of County ordinances regulating animal control and related legal procedures
Ability to comprehend and enforce County ordinances and to comprehend and utilize legal and court procedures as they relate to animal services
Knowledge of testing procedures of rabid animals
Considerable knowledge of the Clay County geographical area
Ability to follow appropriate decapitation procedures
Ability to deal effectively with the public, especially during emotional or stressful situations and to de-escalate situations using positive communication skills
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing

Responsibilities

Patrols assigned areas, driving an animal-transport vehicle, to enforce laws pertaining to animals.
Respond to and investigate complaints of animal bites, dangerous animals, animal cruelty, and animal nuisance and determine if there is a violation; take appropriate actions to comply with ordinances.
Picks up and impounds stray or at-large animals; aids animals in distress by feeding starving animals and freeing trapped animals.
Removes animals from inhuman conditions and drives vehicle to transport animals to shelter for treatment and care.
Prepares written investigative reports, issues warning notices or citations and takes sworn statements that may result in court action.
Conducts preliminary investigations and files reports on cruelty and animal neglect complaints.
Works closely with other humane and law-enforcement agencies on incidents involving animals.
Provides care and maintenance of assigned vehicles, equipment and facilities.
Performs on-call work as needed.
Performs other duties as assigned.