About the position
The Animal Care and Protective Services division is actively seeking an Animal Services Officer Senior. This is technical work at the lead worker level in enforcing animal care and control laws involving the apprehension of stray, free roaming, injured, and diseased animals; investigation of animal cruelty complaints; issuance of warning notices and citations; educating the public and performing related administrative support duties. Work requires the knowledge of applicable laws, techniques, methods, and procedures used in animal code enforcement, animal capture, restraint, and care which involve the use of specialized skills and equipment, which are learned on the job or through specialized training. Trains, oversees, and guides employees and functions as team lead. Work schedule involves weekend, subject to on-call and call-out assignments, and/or rotating shifts. The work is performed primarily in a field and limited office environment, where there are some risks and hazards due to the handling of vicious, ill, infectious, and rabid animals but the hazards are known, somewhat predictable and mostly controllable.
Responsibilities
- Trains, oversees, and guides the work of others.
- Enforces local ordinances and state statutes pertaining to animal care and control laws.
- Responds to and resolves complaints from the public relating to animal care and control.
- Captures, detains, controls, and transports stray, dangerous, injured, or dead animals.
- Investigates animal cruelty complaints.
- Issues the more complex citations and warnings requiring additional communication and explanation to the public.
- Assigns and completes various daily activities including setting up the dispatch board and labeling and assigning incoming and emergency calls.
- Uses chemical capture methods in apprehending animals.
- Prepares and maintains various records and reports using a computer.
- Performs basic animal care including vaccinations, medications, and other medical care.
- Performs euthanasia as taught by the FACA (Florida Animal Control Association) approved class.
- Collects evidence, including photographs for court process.
- Educates community members on city ordinances, state statutes, and pet retention strategies.
- Operates standard office equipment and a motor vehicle.
Requirements
- Four years of education and/or experience in enforcement of animal care and control laws.
- At least one year of experience working in an animal related field.
- Officer Certification (FL Animal Control Association) is required prior to appointment.
- Euthanasia Technician Certification must be obtained prior to completion of probation.
- A valid driver's license is required prior to appointment.
Nice-to-haves
- FL Chemical Immobilization Training Certification depending on assignment may be required.
Benefits
- Four weeks off during the first year of employment.
- Twelve paid holidays and a personal leave day.
- Low and no cost health insurance options.
- Dental, vision, life insurance, and flexible spending plans available.
- Eligibility for Federal Student Loan Forgiveness after ten years of public service.
