Animal Services Officer

City of Stockton•Stockton, CA

18h•Onsite

About The Position

The Animal Services Officer works in the Animal Services Section of the Stockton Police Department under general supervision. This journey-level civilian position, with limited peace officer authorities, enforces City laws regarding stray, dangerous, and nuisance domestic and wild animals; investigates complaints; patrols assigned areas; captures animals; and performs other work related to humane animal protection and service. The role is distinct from Animal Services Assistant, which focuses on care of impounded animals without field enforcement duties, and Senior Animal Services Officer, which provides lead direction to shelter operations. The incumbent works a flexible schedule and may be required to work shifts or alternative schedules, occasional evenings and weekends, and be available for 24-hour emergency call back. Work is primarily outdoors, generally loud, and may involve all weather conditions and exposure to infectious animal diseases, animal wastes, bites, allergens, hazardous materials, and cleaning chemicals. The position is represented by the Stockton City Employees' Association Bargaining Unit and is classified as for-cause Civil Service employment. Before appointment, candidates may be required to pass a background investigation, including fingerprinting, and a medical examination including a back evaluation. Candidates must be willing to obtain pre-exposure rabies vaccination and medically required revaccination. Continued employment requires obtaining specified certifications and permits within the stated deadlines. Employees are disaster service workers and may be required to report for or remain on duty during emergencies or disasters.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Two years of experience in animal care or services or law enforcement.
Valid California driver's license.
Must possess or obtain a California Penal Code 832 Certificate within 12 months of appointment.
Must possess or obtain required training under Title 16, Section 2039 of the California Code of Regulations and California Corporations Code Section 14502 within 18 months of appointment; Section 14502 recertification must be maintained.
Must possess or obtain a Veterinary Assistant Controlled Substances Permit (VACSP) within 12 months of appointment.
Willingness to obtain pre-exposure rabies vaccination and, when medically required, revaccination shots.
Willingness to work shifts or alternative schedules and be available for 24-hour emergency call back.
Knowledge of species and breed identification; symptoms and behavior associated with rabies and other common animal diseases; animal behavior and handling; animal care and service methods and equipment; animal-related state and local laws; safe work practices; and basic math and recordkeeping.
Skill in humane animal handling and capture, customer service, assessing animal behavior, operating City vehicles and animal-services equipment, reading maps, maintaining records, following instructions, exercising independent judgment, communicating clearly, and maintaining effective working relationships.
Ability to meet the described mobility, lifting, vision, dexterity, hearing, talking, concentration, decision-making, and environmental requirements of the position.
Must be able to tolerate the administration of euthanasia to animals.
Must be willing to work outdoors in all weather conditions and around infectious animal diseases, animal wastes, animal bites, allergens, and industrial cleaning and disinfecting chemicals.

Nice To Haves

Additional coursework or training in animal control, animal behavior, public relations, and/or law enforcement is desirable.

Responsibilities

Investigate public and agency complaints concerning nuisance, stray, uncontrolled, dangerous, wild, or diseased animals.
Conduct initial investigations of animal cruelty complaints and investigate animal bites, arranging identification and quarantine as appropriate.
Explain animal-related local laws, codes, ordinances, complaint procedures, and shelter policies to the public.
Issue citations for violations and patrol assigned areas using City vehicles.
Capture and confine wild, stray, and unlicensed animals for impounding; remove dead animals from public and private property; and transport injured animals.
Testify in court regarding citations and complaint dispositions.
Release impounded animals to owners and process adoptions.
Participate in animal care and feeding and, as required, clean and maintain shelter facilities.
Assist other agencies and City departments with animal services and handling.
Maintain records and prepare daily reports.
Operate humane traps, mobile radios, and related animal services tools and equipment.
Identify symptoms of common animal diseases and recommend veterinary care, isolation, or euthanasia.
Immobilize animals using euthanasia chemicals and equipment and euthanize animals by injection when necessary.
May act in place of the Senior Animal Services Officer on a relief basis.
May assist the public at the counter, answer inquiries, collect redemption, boarding, and license fees, and process animal release or adoption paperwork.