Animal Control Officer
About The Position
Enforces State laws and regulations and County animal control ordinances; investigates complaints; patrols assigned areas; and performs other duties related to humane animal protection and control. Patrols assigned area to enforce animal control ordinances; responds to citizens’ complaints concerning animal care and control problems; issues warnings and citations to violators; captures and impounds stray domestic and exotic animals. When possible, researches vaccination information to locate owner; explains ordinances and discusses violations with pet owners; investigates animal bite and attack cases and arranges for proper care, quarantine, and/or observation of the animal; removes dead animals/rodents and transports to state agencies for testing of diseases if needed. Responds to emergency calls for sick and injured animals and obtains veterinarian care if required; performs field inspections of proper animal care for commercial and private owners. Maintains records and prepares reports related to animal control activities; appears in court to testify regarding violations; maintains animal control vehicles, issued equipment, and kennels. Assists external agencies and private owners with the capturing and rescuing of animals; relocates wildlife to non-populated areas; assists with the retrieval of animals during protective custody cases; performs educational workshops for area students; and trains animal control officer trainees.
Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Ability to obtain and maintain ACO 1 and ACO 2 certifications within three (3) months of hire
- Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing
- Ability to operate a motor vehicle and equipment, including hand radio, catch-all pole, lead rope, and humane traps
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees and the public
- Ability to operate various word-processing, spreadsheet, database, and other software programs
- Ability to prepare accurate, complete and legible reports and to present detailed, accurate, and objective oral presentations and responses to questions
- Possess and maintain a valid New Mexico Class D Driver’s License
Nice To Haves
- Working knowledge of animal control ordinances and regulations
- Working knowledge of animal collection and control methods
- Knowledge of investigative methods and techniques
- Skill in training and instruction
- Skill in the care and handling of animals without inflicting injury
- Skill in records management
Responsibilities
- Patrols assigned area to enforce animal control ordinances
- Responds to citizens’ complaints concerning animal care and control problems
- Issues warnings and citations to violators
- Captures and impounds stray domestic and exotic animals
- Researches vaccination information to locate owner
- Explains ordinances and discusses violations with pet owners
- Investigates animal bite and attack cases and arranges for proper care, quarantine, and/or observation of the animal
- Removes dead animals/rodents and transports to state agencies for testing of diseases if needed
- Responds to emergency calls for sick and injured animals and obtains veterinarian care if required
- Performs field inspections of proper animal care for commercial and private owners
- Maintains records and prepares reports related to animal control activities
- Appears in court to testify regarding violations
- Maintains animal control vehicles, issued equipment, and kennels
- Assists external agencies and private owners with the capturing and rescuing of animals
- Relocates wildlife to non-populated areas
- Assists with the retrieval of animals during protective custody cases
- Performs educational workshops for area students
- Trains animal control officer trainees
Benefits
- County paid pre-employment physical
- County paid drug/alcohol screening
- County paid criminal background screening
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
