Animal Control Officer

Teller County Sheriff's Office • Divide, CO

3d • Onsite

About The Position

Teller County’s Sheriff’s Office is seeking a full-time Animal Control Officer to enforce animal-related laws to protect public safety and animal welfare. Duties include, but are not limited to, patrolling for stray or dangerous animals, responding to complaints, investigating bites and cruelty cases, and handling emergency care. The role involves issuing citations, preparing reports, collaborating with agencies, and educating the public and maintaining accurate records.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Basic experience in the care of animals
• Any acceptable combination of education, training and experience that provides the listed knowledge, skills and abilities may be substituted.
• Knowledge of County ordinances and regulations and State statutes regarding animals and animal control; the care of animals; principles and processes for providing excellent customer service, including customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
• Skilled in administration of euthanasia and/or tranquilizers and perform the proper treatment for animals; organize and carry out an effective animal control program; establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, officials, and the public.
• Ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally; establish and maintain effective and professional working relationships with co-workers, other county departments, representatives of other agencies and organizations, and the public.
• Ability to write and read; able to hear, see and speak.
• Ability to run and have the agility to capture animals; ability to lift and carry fifty (50) pounds; ability to maintain good physical condition; ability to operate a vehicle.
• Ability to work outdoors and to work under adverse weather conditions.
• Possession of and ability to maintain a valid Colorado driver’s license.

Nice To Haves

• Ability to quickly learn County ordinances and regulations and State statutes regarding animals and animal control

Responsibilities

• Patrol in neighborhoods at random for dogs in violation of animal control ordinances and in response to complaints of dogs and other animals at large.
• Respond to calls regarding livestock, and other unusual animals running at large or posing a threat to the health, welfare, and safety of the community, seeking means to control or impound the animals as necessary.
• Apprehend and impound stray dogs and other animals in violation of animal control ordinances, or issue summonses and complaints to the owner or keeper of said animals. Ability to make appropriate determination if probable cause before charging any person(s) with a violation.
• Respond to citizen requests for pick-up service of confined/stray dogs.
• Facilitate rabies quarantine procedures in cooperation with health department and other agencies; enforce state and County health department laws regarding rabies vaccination requirements.
• Investigate reports of animal attacks against humans or other animals.
• Respond to calls on injured animals and if needed administer first aid; transport the animal to veterinarian for treatment or to the shelter for care; obtain corroborating veterinary statements as needed.
• Perform emergency euthanasia for sick/injured animals in the field and may assist with euthanasia of sick/injured animals in the shelter as required.
• Rescue animals in distress; perform investigations of reports on animal cruelty, neglect, and abuse.
• Make report to resolve situations by educating the party on the needs of the animal, or by issuing summons and complaint if warranted; gather evidence for prosecution if warranted; make follow-up visit to determine welfare of animal as necessary.
• Take signed complaints from citizens, and serve officer-initiated complaints, in response to animal ordinance violations.
• Secure necessary search and seizure warrants and court orders; make court appearances and testify as necessary; perform citizen contacts regarding delinquent animal licenses.
• Keep records of daily activities and make reports as necessary; participate in regular and special training and education programs to gain new ideas and information leading to the greater efficiency, effectiveness, and courtesy of an animal control officer.
• Perform other animal control and welfare activities as related to performance of duties.

Benefits

• Two Meritain Aetna health plans to choose from –the County pays 50% to 100% of the premium depending on the plan you choose
• HSA plan – the County contributes $1,250 for employee only and $2,500 for employee plus one or more dependents
• Telehealth/Teledoc options – access quality healthcare from the comfort of your home, during your lunch break or while traveling
• Dental, Vision and Prescription drug coverage
• Basic and voluntary life coverage
• 401a retirement plan – employees contribute 4% and the County matches 8%. You are fully vested in five years.
• 457b deferred comp plans – both pre- and post-tax options available
• Time Off: Paid vacation, sick, 12 holidays, 1 floating holiday
• Aflac, wellness programs, EAP, education assistance, employee discounts, uniform allowance

What This Job Offers

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