Animal Control Officer (Grade 7)

Yuma County•Yuma, AZ

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Under general supervision, performs work of moderate difficulty enforcing laws and ordinances concerning animal care and rabies control. This position has department-specific responsibility and acts as the County Enforcement Agent for Animal Control. The role involves communicating professionally with the public, co-workers, and work contacts, and operating a motor vehicle safely to patrol assigned areas. Responsibilities include enforcing County and State ordinances related to animal regulations such as cruelty, neglect, noise, bite incidents, quarantine, animals at large, and licensing/vaccination requirements. The officer will issue warnings, citations, and quarantine notices, respond to animal care calls, inspect premises, capture and impound animals, provide first aid, and examine injured or ill animals. Duties also include removing animals from hazardous situations, disposing of deceased animals, investigating alleged violations, collecting and presenting evidence, preparing court documentation, testifying in court, and generating accurate reports and daily work records. The position requires maintaining assigned vehicles and equipment, reporting malfunctions, and coordinating with other emergency services and law enforcement agencies. Additionally, the role involves assisting with rabies vaccination clinics, preparing specimens for analysis, providing public information on animal control laws and care, and performing other assigned duties. Regular and reliable attendance is required, and the position includes on-call emergency after-hours coverage as assigned.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
Two (2) years experience in animal control, law enforcement, veterinary clinic or animal shelter, OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Must possess and maintain valid Arizona driver’s license.
Requires successful completion of a background check.
Knowledge of County policies and procedures.
Knowledge of State and local laws, statutes and ordinances related to animal care and rabies control.
Knowledge of practices and techniques in the welfare and humane treatment of animals.
Knowledge of physical and behavioral characteristics of animals.
Knowledge of common disease symptoms, cause, and procedures.
Knowledge of animal restraint techniques and equipment.
Knowledge of sanitizing practices of animal quarters.
Knowledge of the geography, roads, and streets of Yuma County.
Knowledge of methods and techniques of investigation including rules of evidence, laws of arrest and court procedures.
Skill in interpreting, enforcing and applying state and local laws relating to animal control and humane treatment of animals.
Skill in identifying various types of animals, recognizing abnormal behavior and disease symptoms.
Skill in capturing, controlling, caring and transporting animals.
Skill in the safety and efficient use of equipment, tools and aids utilized in performance of animal control and care activities.
Skill in preparing accurate records and reports.
Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with employees, other agencies, and the public.
Skill in exercising patience, care and compassion in dealing with animals.
Skill in enforcing regulations with firmness, maintaining composure, and working effectively under stressful and emergency situations.
Skill in dealing impartially with people of different social, economic, and ethnic backgrounds.
Skill in following and communicating written and verbal instructions.
Ability to assess and prioritize multiple tasks, projects and demands.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, other agencies and the public and law enforcement.
Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
Ability to lift 25 to 50 lbs.
Ability to bend, walk and stoop.
Ability to perform the essential functions of the job specifications with or without a reasonable accommodation.

Responsibilities

Acts as the County Enforcement Agent for Animal Control.
Communicates and acts in a professional manner with the public, co-workers, and work contacts.
Operates a motor vehicle safely and in accordance with vehicle operation requirements to patrol an assigned area.
Patrols all unincorporated areas of the County to enforce and monitor County and State ordinances pertaining to animal regulations including animal cruelty, neglect, excessive noise, bite incidents, quarantine, animal at large, and license and vaccination requirements.
Issues warnings, citations, and quarantine notices to animal owners.
Responds to routine and emergency animal care calls.
Inspects animal premises, examines animals, determines appropriate action.
Captures, impounds and transports animals.
Dispenses first aid treatment to animals.
Examines injured and ill animals to select treatment disposition.
Removes animals from a variety of hazardous situations.
Disposes deceased animals.
Responds to citizens' complaints and investigates alleged violations.
Interviews witnesses.
Collects, maintains and presents evidence on cases.
Prepares court documentation, and testifies in court.
Generates accurate and precise reports for calls received and maintains complete, accurate daily work records on appropriate forms.
Maintains assigned vehicle, and equipment used during performance of work assignments.
Reports any vehicle/equipment malfunctions or unsafe problems and arranges for repair or replacement.
Assists and coordinates with other emergency service personnel and law enforcement agencies.
Assists with Humane Society of Yuma clinics for rabies vaccinations.
May prepare specimen for rabies analysis.
Provides information to the public on State and local laws governing animal control, and general animal care and treatment information.
Provides emergency after-hours on-call coverage as assigned.
Performs other duties as assigned.