Animal Control Officer

Santa Fe County • Santa Fe, NM

6d

About The Position

The Animal Control Officer enforces State laws and regulations and County animal control ordinances, investigates complaints, patrols assigned areas, and performs duties related to humane animal protection and control. The position responds to animal-care and control concerns, captures and impounds animals, investigates bites and attacks, responds to animal emergencies, and conducts field inspections. It also maintains records, prepares reports, testifies in court, maintains vehicles and equipment, assists agencies and owners with animal rescue, relocates wildlife, conducts educational workshops, and trains animal control officer trainees.

Work is performed occasionally in an office and frequently outdoors in varied weather. The role may involve exposure to dust, fumes, airborne particles or allergens, hazardous materials, excessive noise, hostile individuals, and hazardous or moving equipment. Protective clothing and equipment are required. Evening, holiday, and weekend work, as well as overnight travel, is required. The selected candidate must pass County-paid pre-employment physical, drug/alcohol, and criminal background screenings; hold and maintain a valid New Mexico Class D driver’s license; and obtain and/or maintain required certifications.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Ability to obtain and maintain ACO 1 and ACO 2 certifications within three months of hire.
• Working knowledge of animal control ordinances, regulations, and animal collection and control methods.
• Knowledge of investigative methods and techniques.
• Skill in training and instruction, humane animal care and handling, and records management.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing; prepare accurate, complete, and legible reports; and deliver detailed, accurate, objective oral presentations and respond to questions.
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle and equipment, including a 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 word-processing, spreadsheet, database, and other software programs.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a valid New Mexico Class D Driver’s License.
• Ability to meet physical demands, including lifting over 100 pounds, and vision requirements for long and short distances.
• Ability to work evenings, holidays, and weekends and undertake overnight travel.
• Must pass a County-paid pre-employment physical, drug/alcohol screening, and criminal background screening.
• Must obtain and/or maintain all required certifications.

Responsibilities

• Patrol assigned areas to enforce animal control ordinances.
• Respond to citizens’ complaints concerning animal care and control problems; explain ordinances and discuss violations with pet owners.
• Issue warnings and citations to violators.
• Capture and impound stray domestic and exotic animals; research vaccination information when possible to locate owners.
• Investigate animal bite and attack cases and arrange appropriate care, quarantine, or observation.
• Remove dead animals and rodents and transport them to state agencies for disease testing when needed.
• Respond to emergency calls for sick and injured animals and obtain veterinary care when required.
• Perform field inspections of animal care for commercial and private owners.
• Maintain records and prepare reports related to animal control activities.
• Appear in court to testify regarding violations.
• Maintain animal control vehicles, issued equipment, and kennels.
• Assist external agencies and private owners with capturing and rescuing animals.
• Relocate wildlife to non-populated areas.
• Assist with retrieval of animals during protective custody cases.
• Conduct educational workshops for area students.
• Train animal control officer trainees.

What This Job Offers

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