Animal Protection Officer

Lafayette Recruitment Team • Lafayette, CO

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The City of Lafayette is a full-service city that provides a wide range of services to its community, including Police, Fire, Public Works, Economic Development, Parks and Recreation, and the Library and Community Arts Center. The City's mission is to recruit, develop, and retain a diverse, well-qualified, and professional workforce that reflects the unique personality of the community it serves. This Animal Protection Officer position patrols the City, enforces animal protection ordinances, responds to calls about stray or dangerous animals, investigates cruelty allegations, and educates the public. The officer serves as the City’s primary contact for all wildlife and domestic animal concerns, advising the public on responsible pet ownership, safety, and appropriate methods for addressing nuisance animals. The officer inspects animals for signs of injury or disease and transports sick or injured animals to appropriate care facilities.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Six (6) months or more of training beyond High School.
• One (1) year of progressively responsible experience in working with animals; or a combination of experience and education that results in the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is required.
• Must possess a valid Colorado Class "R" driver's license with a safe driving record.
• Ability to obtain Wildlife Euthanasia Certification within 6 months of hire.
• Demonstrated skill in the operation of equipment necessary to perform the functions of the job.
• Detail oriented and accurate when writing reports, issuing warnings, filling out forms and maintaining records.
• Ability to handle animals effectively and perform physical tasks associated with the assignments.
• Ability to observe and reason through various situations.
• Ability to remember facts and details.
• Ability to enforce the law.
• Ability to read and interpret ordinance and other information.
• Ability to prepare complete and accurate forms and maintain records.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with other employees.
• Ability to deal with potentially dangerous situations when encountered by irate individuals, sick or dangerous animals.

Nice To Haves

• Preference for certifications on basic animal handling training and animal welfare.
• Preference for specialized training in animal cruelty investigations.

Responsibilities

• Patrols the City, finding, apprehending, and impounding stray/at-large animals.
• Responds to and investigates complaints of stray animals, animal cruelty/neglect, and animal nuisances.
• Issues warnings/summonses when necessary.
• Performs minor maintenance and care of assigned department vehicle including fuel, fluid checks, and cleaning.
• Provides information to citizens and visitors and creates a positive public image to improve community relations for the City and Police Department.
• Serves as the City's contact for all wildlife and domestic questions and concerns; advises public on safety and viable options for removal of nuisance animals.
• Prepares field and counter reports as directed.
• Assists in directing traffic and aiding motor vehicle owners as needed.
• Inspects animals for vaccination and proper registration (licensing).
• Examines animals for injuries or disease and delivers to care facility.
• Picks up and disposes of dead animals.
• Maintains current knowledge on animal-related topics.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision
• 401A Retirement Plan (10.2% City, 8% Employee, immediately 100% vested upon hire)
• Life Insurance (One year’s salary up to $150,000. AD&D coverage in equal amount)
• Tuition Assistance (up to $5000 per year for approved expenses)
• Employee Assistance Program (free counseling, travel assistance, legal aid, etc)
• Short and Long-Term Disability
• Bilingual Pay
• Deferred Compensation and Roth Options
• Voluntary Life Insurance/AD&D
• Identity Theft Program
• Recreation Center Pass
• Wellness Punch Card (100 punches per year to use at golf course, waterpark, etc)
• 80 hours Vacation in first year
• Sick Leave
• Floating Holiday Leave
• 11.5 paid City holidays
• FMLA, Parental and Bereavement Leave

What This Job Offers

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