Animal Control Officer - Parttime

Lander County Sheriff's OfficeLander County, NV
Onsite

About The Position

This is a temporary position while the current part-time Animal Control Officer is deployed in military service. Under general supervision, enforces local animal control ordinances and applicable Nevada State Statutes. Cares for animals at the animal shelter. Responds to complaints about animals and patrols jurisdiction to control the number of stray, unlicensed, mistreated, or dangerous animals; euthanizes and disposes of animals.

Requirements

  • Must possess and maintain a valid Nevada driver's license.
  • Must possess and maintain a Nevada Euthanasia Technician License or the ability to obtain one within six months of hire is required.
  • Completion of high school or General Education Development (GED) Certificate.
  • One year of experience in the care and handling of animals or nine months of formal training as a veterinary technician/assistant.
  • At least six months of experience working with extensive public contact.
  • Strength and stamina to drive and walk for long distances.
  • Stamina and flexibility to bend, squat, twist, reach, walk, and run on irregular surfaces.
  • Strength and stamina to regularly chase, control, lift, and carry live and dead animals.
  • Strength, stamina, and dexterity to climb to heights.
  • Ability to carry or move cages, food, and equipment.
  • Ability to work in confined spaces.
  • Hearing to perceive spoken communications in noisy environments.
  • Coordination and dexterity to perform several tasks simultaneously when handling animals.
  • Manual dexterity, motor skills, and cognitive ability to write reports and complete forms either by hand or via computer.
  • Periodic moving or lifting of objects weighing up to 50 pounds and occasional moving of objects weighing up to 100 pounds.
  • Ability to learn the applicable provisions of state, federal, and local laws and ordinances, as well as agency rules and regulations.
  • Ability to enforce laws, ordinances, and regulations with firmness, tact, and impartiality.
  • Ability to perform work requiring good physical condition.
  • Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing.
  • Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective and courteous working relationships with the public, peers, supervisors, and others.
  • Ability to observe situations analytically and objectively.
  • Ability to record events and interactions clearly and completely with attention to relevant details.
  • Ability to write and record information gained when interviewing victims, suspects, and witnesses.
  • Ability to react quickly and calmly in emergencies.
  • Ability to exercise sound judgment in evaluating situations and in making decisions.
  • Ability to assess situations and take actions expeditiously.
  • Ability to learn the lay-out and geography of the jurisdiction to which assigned.
  • Basic knowledge and ability to appropriately use agency computers and software programs.
  • Ability to interview victims and witnesses.
  • Ability to handle, capture, and control animals humanely and effectively.
  • Ability to give chase on foot.
  • Ability to assess animal behavior and make effective decisions regarding the handling or capturing of animals.
  • Ability to identify symptoms and behaviors associated with common domestic animal diseases and routine injuries.
  • Ability to prepare accurate and thorough reports.
  • Ability to give relevant, concise, and accurate testimony or depositions.
  • Ability to operate county vehicles, radios, and other animal control tools and equipment.
  • Ability to handle and account for money.
  • Ability to read maps and follow directions.
  • Ability to meet special divisional requirements.

Nice To Haves

  • Knowledge of Modern concepts, principles, and practices of animal control.
  • Knowledge of materials, equipment, and tools used in the care and shelter of animals.
  • Knowledge of relevant laws, ordinances, codes, and policies related to animal control, treatment, licensing, and disposal.
  • Knowledge of methods of subduing animals and protecting onlookers.
  • Knowledge of care and handling of various types of animals.
  • Knowledge of safety precautions and hazards arising out of the handling of sick and/or aggressive animals.
  • Knowledge of techniques to diffuse anger or hostility of others.
  • Knowledge of first aid and CPR techniques.
  • Knowledge of animal shelter operations and maintenance.
  • Knowledge of basic animal first aid.

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 on foot or 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.
  • Conducts initial investigation of complaints regarding animal cruelty and investigates animal bites, arranging for appropriate identification and quarantine.
  • Seizes domestic animals that are unlicensed or found running at large or are being harbored in violation of applicable laws; transports injured animals to the animal shelter or other care facilities; removes dead animals from public and private properties.
  • Explains local laws, ordinances, and codes relating to the control and care of animals and to the filing of complaints, and shelter policies to members of the public.
  • Testifies in court regarding citations, disposition of complaints, etc.
  • Euthanizes impounded animals which are not claimed within the time mandated by state law or governmental policy and violent or potentially harmful animals.
  • Maintains records and daily reports.
  • Operates humane traps, mobile radios, and related animal control tools and equipment; ensures equipment is properly maintained.
  • Assists local law enforcement agencies regarding impounded vehicles containing animals, and also evictions or law enforcement actions where animals may be involved.
  • Assists in the control of infestation and spread of disease among animals by identifying diseased animals and submitting blood samples to labs for testing.
  • Cleans and disinfects shelter kennels, cages, dog runs, and other areas used by animals; feeds and cares for animals at the shelter; maintains shelter premises in a clean condition to prevent the spread of contagious diseases.
  • Collects fees; arranges for adoption and redemption of animals.
  • Promotes public awareness regarding animal ordinances and appropriate care and handling by conducting public workshops and clinics.
  • Performs first aid for those injured by animals and provides basic first aid to injured animals.
  • Performs various office support activities.
  • Performs other duties as required by the Sheriff.
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