Animal Resources & Care Officer
About The Position
This is specialized enforcement and investigative work enforcing County Animal Services Ordinances in the Alachua County Animal Resources & Care Department. An employee assigned to this classification investigates animal cruelty and neglect charges and performs related duties to promote compliance with Alachua County ordinances regulating animal treatment. Work is performed under the direction of a higher level supervisor and is reviewed through conferences, reports and observation of the results obtained. This is an emergency essential classification. Upon declaration of a disaster and/or emergency, all employees in this classification are required to work. Exudes a positive customer service focus. Advocates building organizational culture through aligning decisions with the County's core values.
Requirements
- Graduation from high school or equivalent and one year of experience in the area of animal control, veterinary medicine, code enforcement or law enforcement; or any equivalent combination of related training and experience.
- Must provide a means of being contacted by phone.
- A Valid Florida Driver License is required and a Motor Vehicle Record that meets the requirements of Alachua County policy #6-7; Motor Vehicle Records will be reviewed prior to employment.
- Incumbents must meet all Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) requirements/ prerequisites to handle controlled substances.
- Must successfully pass both the forty hour minimum standards training course (Animal Control Officer Certification) and successfully pass the Euthanasia Technician Certification Course, valid in the State of Florida, within six (6) months of the date of hire.
- Successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen & physical examination and successful completion of all applicable background checks pre-hire and ongoing are required.
Nice To Haves
- Applicants within six months of meeting the minimum education/experience requirements may be considered for trainee status.
Responsibilities
- Observes and reports violations of Animal Services Ordinances to appropriate individuals for further consideration.
- Investigates complaints, determines if there is a violation and takes appropriate actions to comply with ordinances.
- Picks up and impounds stray or at-large animals; traps, chases, and captures animals as needed.
- Aids animals in distress by feeding starving animals and freeing trapped animals.
- Removes animals from inhumane conditions and transports animals to the shelter for treatment and care using a County vehicle.
- Prepares written investigative reports, issues warning notices or citations, and takes sworn statements that may result in court action.
- Conducts preliminary investigations and files reports on cruelty and animal neglect complaints.
- Works closely with other humane and law enforcement agencies on incidents involving animals.
- Provides care and maintenance of assigned vehicles, equipment and facilities.
- Performs humane euthanasia of designated animals in accordance with department policy, applicable laws and regulations, and best practices.
- Prepares rabies specimens for laboratory tests by decapitating and placing specimens in biohazard containers.
- May transport rabies specimen.
- Performs the duties listed, as well as those assigned, with professionalism and a sense of urgency.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
