Animal Control Officer

City of Farmington • Farmington, NM

22h • Onsite

About The Position

The City of Farmington is seeking an Animal Control Officer (Job Position #114) to join the Police Department. This is a regular, full-time position responsible for enforcing City Animal Control and Park Ranger ordinances. The role involves patrolling streets and parks, responding to animal-related complaints, impounding animals, and assisting with public safety and ordinance enforcement. The position requires working varied shifts, including weekends and holidays, and maintaining effective working relationships with the public and colleagues. The officer will use various modes of transportation for patrols, including vehicles, golf carts, bicycles, and on foot.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Valid state driver's license with an acceptable driving record for the past three years or state of current residency.
• Working knowledge of computers and electronic data processing.
• Comprehensive knowledge of word processing with emphasis in Word and Excel software packages.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Ability to follow verbal and/or written instructions.
• Excellent public relations skills.
• Ability to handle vicious animals and irate or intoxicated citizens.
• Ability to lift up to fifty (50) pounds to load animals into a truck.
• Knowledge of and concern with animals.
• Ability to work all shifts, including weekends and holidays.
• Subject to on-call and rotating shifts.
• Ability to learn applicable laws, ordinances, and department rules and regulations.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with subordinates, peers, supervisors, and the public.
• Ability to work under stress and handle stressful situations.
• Ability to meet deadlines.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment in evaluating situations and making decisions.
• Ability to learn the City's geography.
• Must pass extensive background check.
• Must pass background check.
• Subject to the City of Farmington's Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy (pre-employment, post-accident, random, reasonable suspicion, return to duty, and follow-up testing).

Nice To Haves

• Previous experience as a veterinarian assistant and/or security guard or law enforcement experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Enforce all City Animal Control and Park Ranger ordinances, including writing citations and making court appearances.
• Patrol streets to locate and capture stray animals, transporting them to an animal shelter.
• Patrol City parks to prevent vandalism, ensure appropriate behavior, and enforce ordinances.
• Check equipment operation and security at Parks and Recreation facilities.
• Respond to complaints regarding animal issues such as animals at large, bites, property damage, or injuries.
• Remove dead, injured, or dangerous animals from public and private premises.
• Determine the health status of animals.
• Work assigned shifts, handling difficult and emergency situations independently.
• Maintain radio or telephone availability for emergency consultations.
• Conform duties to City laws and ordinances.
• Coordinate with police communication personnel for investigations and mutual assistance.
• Perform shift work, including days, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, officials, and the public.
• Perform patrols using motor vehicles, golf carts, bicycles, and on foot.
• Assist officers with vehicle tows at accident scenes and other arrest situations involving vehicles.
• Assist certified patrol officers with traffic control at accident scenes and special events.
• Investigate private property non-injury accidents, take statements, and write reports.
• Maintain confidential departmental information.
• Tag vehicles being sold illegally within the City.
• Inspect Business Licenses and food vendors for state and local licenses.
• Renew Trespass Authority within the City.
• Turn on ball field lights when needed.
• Perform crossing guard duties as needed.
• Enforce priority permit holders at Parks facilities.
• Maintain departmental equipment, supplies, and facilities.
• Serve as a member of various employee committees.

Benefits

• Medical insurance (implied by health insurance)
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid holidays
• Paid time off (implied by "Regular, Full-Time" status and general employment practices)

What This Job Offers

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