Animal Control Officer

Elko County • Elko, NV

19h • Onsite

About The Position

Under general supervision, enforces animal control ordinances and laws. Responds to complaints about animals and patrols jurisdiction to control the number of strays, unlicensed, mistreated, or dangerous animals. Impounds animals as necessary.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent
• 1-year experience in the care and handling of animals or 9 months of formal training as a veterinary technician/assistant
• 6 months experience working with extensive public contact
• Must maintain a valid Nevada drivers license
• Knowledge Concepts, principles, and practices of animal control.
• Knowledge Materials, equipment, and tools used in the care and shelter of animals.
• Knowledge Relevant laws, ordinances, codes, and policies related to animal control, treatment, licensing, and disposal.
• Knowledge Basic methods of subduing animals and protecting onlookers.
• Knowledge Basic care and handling of various types of animals.
• Knowledge Safety precautions and hazards arising out of the handling of sick and/or aggressive animals.
• Knowledge Basic first aid.
• Skills Demonstrating excellent interpersonal skills especially in dealing with the public.
• Skills Managing time effectively.
• Abilities Assess situations and take action expeditiously.
• Abilities Keep accurate records of all animals impounded.
• Abilities Communicate and interact courteously and effectively with the general public, other law enforcement personnel, and animal care providers.
• Abilities Assess animal behavior and make effective decisions regarding the handling and capturing of animals.
• Abilities Operate County vehicles, radios, and other animal control tools and equipment.
• Abilities Read maps and follow directions.
• Abilities Handle and account for money.
• Abilities Maintain all reports received involving animals, including all reports of animal bites and the time of the report, person making the report, and the disposition of each such case.
• Abilities Prepare and serve written citations of persons accused of violating the provisions of this chapter and the provisions of the animal control ordinance of the County.
• Abilities Appear in court and testify as may be required in regard to the performance of the duties of Animal Control Officer.

Responsibilities

• Enforces state statutes and local ordinances regulating the control, conduct, and keeping of various animals; issues citations for violations of ordinances and laws.
• Patrols jurisdiction in a public vehicle to control the number of unlicensed, stray, and/or feral animals.
• Investigates complaints from the public, local law enforcement officers, and other agencies regarding nuisance, stray, uncontrolled, dangerous, or diseased animals.
• Assists other agencies regarding impounded vehicles containing animals, and also evictions or law enforcement actions where animals may be involved.
• Conducts initial investigation of complaints regarding animal cruelty and investigates bites, arranging for appropriate identification and quarantine.
• Collect charges and fees related to the issuance of licenses for the pounding and keeping of any animal.
• Explains local laws, ordinances, and codes relating to the control and care of animals and to the filing of complainants.
• Testifies in court regarding citations, disposition of complaints, etc.
• Operates humane traps, mobile radios, and related animal control tools and equipment, ensuring equipment is properly maintained.
• Destroy any animal lawfully impounded which is determined to be by reason of injury or disease or other cause unfit for further use or which is determined to be dangerous or inimical to human life or public safety.
• Seizes, impounds, and safely keeps domestic animals that are unlicensed or found running at large or being harbored in violation of applicable laws and ordinances; transports injured animals to the animal shelter or other care facilities; removes dead animals from public and private properties.
• Destroy in a humane manner or otherwise dispose of, at the owner’s expense, any animal whose owner requests destruction or disposal.
• Enforce the provisions of Title 7, Chapter 2, of the Elko County Code, as necessary.
• Comply with Elko County Policies and Department Procedures.
• Accurately complete work assignments in a timely manner.
• Advise supervisor of project/work status.
• Communicates tactfully, both orally and in writing, with co-workers and the general public.
• Listens carefully and responds appropriately.

What This Job Offers

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