Animal Welfare Officer

City of Enid•Enid Animal Shelter, OK

10d

About The Position

The Animal Welfare Officer safeguards the public by limiting unwanted animal populations and promoting responsible pet ownership. The role captures and removes stray, uncontrolled, abused, or otherwise at-risk animals; supports their humane care; enforces animal-related laws; and maintains records, facilities, vehicles, and equipment. The officer responds to public inquiries, works with City personnel and other departments, and provides court testimony as needed. The position provides co-worker leadership through motivation, team building, and feedback, but supervises no positions. Employment is conditional on meeting the stated age and background requirements, completing post-offer pre-employment screening and physical examination, complying with the City’s substance abuse policy and random testing, holding an acceptable Oklahoma driver’s license, and signing a confidentiality agreement. The regular schedule is an eight-hour shift, typically 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, with overtime and on-call duty as required. Work is outdoors in changing weather and may involve loud noise, biting animals, poison ivy, and bio-chemicals. The physical demands are rated heavy and include occasionally lifting or carrying 50 pounds, pushing or pulling up to 100 pounds, and ascending or descending a 21-inch step.

Requirements

Must be at least 21 years of age.
No felony convictions.
Complete post-offer, pre-employment drug screening and physical examination/medical history check.
Pass a pre-employment criminal background check and polygraph.
Comply with the City of Enid substance abuse policy, including random drug and alcohol testing.
Possess a valid Oklahoma driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
Sign a confidentiality agreement.
High school diploma or GED, plus six months of related experience and/or training, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Complete the Oklahoma Animal Control Academy within 24 months.
Maintain 16 hours of continuing education per year after completing the Academy.
Knowledge of city streets, animal care, and animal capture techniques.
Ability to use an animal snare, snake tongs, traps, tranquilizer gun, and shotgun.
Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and work accurately with attention to detail.
Good communication and public relations abilities.
Basic typing and computer application skills; ability to operate a telephone, PC, copier, and other basic business machines.
Ability to assist and support others.
Manual dexterity sufficient to reach and handle items, work with fingers, and perceive attributes of objects and materials.
Normal vision, with or without corrective lenses.
Ability to lift and carry 50 pounds occasionally, exert a maximum pushing and pulling force of 100 pounds, and ascend or descend a 21-inch step.
Ability to read and interpret safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals; write routine reports and correspondence; and speak effectively with customers.
Ability to solve practical problems and interpret written, oral, diagrammed, or scheduled instructions.
Ability to perform basic math, including arithmetic with two-digit numbers and calculations involving money, weight, or distance.
Ability to work outdoors in changing weather and in loud conditions, with exposure to biting animals, poison ivy, and bio-chemicals.

Nice To Haves

Advancement to the intermediate level is associated with four to six years of related work experience, additional coursework, ability to fill in for the Animal Control Manager for short periods, basic Word and Excel skills, job-related safety knowledge, and valid CPR certification.
Advancement to the advanced level is associated with seven or more years of related work experience, an associate's degree or equivalent in a related field, ability to fill in for the Animal Control Manager for extended periods, intermediate Word and Excel skills, conversational Spanish, and Euthanasia Technician Certification.

Responsibilities

Capture and remove stray, uncontrolled, or abused animals from undesirable conditions, using nets, nooses, or tranquilizer darts as necessary.
Euthanize rabid, unclaimed, or severely injured animals.
Remove deceased animals from shelter premises.
Examine animal licenses and inspect establishments housing animals for compliance with laws.
Examine animals for injuries, disease, or malnutrition and arrange necessary medical treatment.
Investigate reports of animal attacks or cruelty by interviewing witnesses, collecting evidence, and writing reports.
Operate a city vehicle to respond to calls and transport animals and equipment.
Issue warnings or citations for animal-related offenses, or contact police to report violations and request arrests.
Provide court testimony as needed.
Remove captured animals from service vehicles and place them in shelter cages or other enclosures.
Supply animals with food, water, and personal care.
Write activity reports and maintain files of animal impoundments and dispositions.
Collect monies due to the City for services associated with impoundment.
Answer public phone inquiries concerning animal control operations and pet adoption.
Adjust controls to regulate temperature and humidity in animal quarters, nurseries, or exhibit areas.
Clean, organize, and disinfect animal quarters and equipment, including pens, cages, yards, leashes, and feeding containers.
Maintain facilities, including the office, grounds, vehicles, and equipment.
Provide assistance to other departments as needed.
Perform other duties as required.
Work overtime and be on call as required.