Animal Services Officer

Franklin County•Louisburg, NC

About The Position

Franklin County is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Animal Services Officer to promote animal welfare, ensure public safety, and support a responsible and caring community. The position captures and confines stray and rabid animals and enforces regulations concerning animal vaccination, control, and care. It also assists animal shelter personnel with shelter maintenance and the care of impounded animals. Independent judgment and initiative are required, particularly when determining appropriate action for injured or vicious animals. The employee works under close supervision of the Animal Services Director. Work is evaluated through observation, record review, and consultation with supervisory personnel. The position is subject to indoor and outdoor environmental conditions; narrow passageways, crawl spaces, and areas that may cause claustrophobia; fumes, poor ventilation, carbon monoxide and other conditions affecting the respiratory system or skin; high places; significant noise; and OSHA blood-borne pathogen standards. The position works rotating, 24-hour on-call shifts to provide 24/7 emergency response. Compensation is $44,133–$46,340, determined based on experience and qualifications. Franklin County offers medical and dental insurance; elective supplemental insurance options including short-term disability, vision, and voluntary term life; local government retirement; a 401(k) with a 4% employer contribution and no employee match requirement; paid leave including 13 county-observed holidays per year; and an employee wellness program that includes a county-sponsored gym and employee assistance program.

Requirements

Completion of high school and some experience with animals, or an equivalent combination of education, experience, and training.
Possession of a valid driver’s license.
Obtain an Animal Euthanasia Certification within six months of hire.
Obtain a Certified Rabies Vaccinator Certification within six months of hire.
Receive a series of rabies prophylactic vaccines within three months of hire.
Attend state and national trainings held out of town, which may require short periods away from home.
Working knowledge of methods for capturing and handling animals.
Working knowledge of animal care and disease regulations.
General knowledge of the Animal Services Ordinance and federal and state laws pertaining to animals.
Ability to stay organized and maintain accurate, current records.
Ability to deal tactfully, courteously, and firmly with the public.
Ability to deescalate irate citizens while maintaining a professional manner.
Ability to maintain effective working relationships with other employees.

Responsibilities

Investigate violations of county ordinances and North Carolina General Statutes pertaining to animals.
Respond to calls for service involving animals that pose a threat to public safety or health, including emergency calls dispatched through 911 communications.
Investigate domestic animal bites to humans and quarantine domestic animals for rabies observation in accordance with North Carolina General Statutes.
Investigate possible rabies exposure from wildlife to domestic animals or humans.
Investigate allegations of animal cruelty, neglect, abuse, and abandonment.
Assist law enforcement officers when animals are involved.
Attend court proceedings related to animal matters.
Issue warnings and civil citations for violations of county ordinances and North Carolina state laws.
Work rotating, 24-hour on-call shifts to provide 24/7 response to animal-related emergencies.
Capture and contain stray domestic animals using suitable humane techniques.
Transport wounded, sick, and injured animals to the shelter for care or disposition.
Euthanize diseased, vicious, and unclaimed animals in the prescribed manner.
Prepare rabies specimens and ensure their timely delivery to the laboratory for testing.
Assist shelter personnel with maintaining shelter cleanliness and caring for impounded animals.
Maintain daily activity logs, case reports, documentation, and animal records.
Maintain the assigned vehicle, including upkeep, service, sanitation, and cleanliness.
Educate the public through events, presentations, and one-on-one encounters to promote responsible pet ownership.
Support and promote animal services’ lifesaving efforts and programs.
Perform related duties as required and assist with Animal Shelter Attendant and Animal Care Technician duties when necessary.