Animal Control Officer
- Full-Time
- Tallahassee, FL
- Leon County, FL
- Posted 3 years ago – Accepting applications
Job Description
General Description of DutiesInitial salary may be up to 15% above the minimum salary based on verified related education, experience, and training above the minimum requirements.
The purpose of this position is to enforce Leon County Animal Control Ordinances.
NOTE: The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. The Job Description Questionnaire (JDQ) reflects a more detailed description of the position. Neither the job description nor the JDQ constitutes an employment agreement. Both are subject to change as the needs of the County and requirements of the job change.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Patrols a designated area in an animal control vehicle to locate and impound nuisance animals. Makes reasonable efforts to locate, confine or impound all loose or owner relinquished animals. Provides written notification to known or suspected owners that a complaint has been filed and/or that the animal was impounded. Uses professionally recognized methods of capture, restraint, and handling of animals. Maintains accurate records of daily activities. Maintains animal control vehicle in a clean and orderly fashion, cleaning carriers and animal boxes after each animal is removed. Traps will be cleaned after they are pulled. Adheres to all related safety standards, obeying traffic laws and safety policies, and immediately reports any injuries or job-related illnesses to appropriate staff. Maintains uniform and personal appearance in a professional and clean manner. Develops and maintains skills, proficiency and knowledge in animal control by successfully completing four (4) hours of continuing education or job related training on a bi-annual basis.
Responds to and attempts to resolve citizen complaints concerning animals in violation of the Animal Control Ordinance. Responds to priority service requests. Responds to routine service requests within eight (8) hours or less, except when unable to respond within time limit for reasons beyond control of the Officer. Issues citations in accordance with violation of applicable laws and Division policies. Assists other Officers in responding to uncompleted calls, if needed, and in locating, restraining, confining, or impounding animals and to locate owners. Coordinates with appropriate staff to dispatch calls in a timely manner to another Officer when unable to respond to service requests within eight (8) hours or less. Provides notification to complainants upon completion of service request. Attends all court sessions in uniform presenting a professional appearance. Provides truthful, thorough, and accurate testimony and evidence for cases in which the Officer is involved.
Investigates animal bite and rabies suspect cases, which includes rabies quarantines and the preparation of rabies specimens for laboratory testing. Conducts initial investigation of bites and rabies suspects. Follows up on bite cases in which animals are not vaccinated after the quarantine ensuring compliance with vaccination requirements. Accurately and thoroughly documents all relevant information about suspect animal, and its known or suspected owner, in the Division's database and the Animal Service Center's database. Completes investigation as soon as possible; if unable to do so for reasons beyond the control of the Officer, the Officer shall complete the investigation immediately upon contacting victims and owners. Checks rabies vaccination status of all animals, including those belonging to complainants, witnesses and owners. Prepares rabies specimens for laboratory testing and submits specimens for shipment to State lab as soon as possible.
Conducts inhumane care/animal cruelty investigations. Conducts initial investigation within 24 hours of receipt of information. Leaves written 24-hour notices when animals are suspected of being abandoned, unless the animal is without shelter or water, in adverse weather, or is ill, injured or in obvious distress. In such cases, the animal shall be impounded pursuant to applicable laws and policies. Conducts follow-up contact within prescribed time limit to ensure owner compliance with directives to take corrective action. Documents pertinent follow-up information as it becomes available. Accurately completes initial case file or report and submits findings into the Division's database upon completion of the investigation. Attends all court sessions, presenting a professional appearance in uniform, providing truthful, thorough and accurate testimony and evidence for cases in which the Officer is involved. Documents findings by taking photos or vides of the scene.
Locates, impounds, and transports diseased or injured animals to veterinary clinics and the animal shelter. Obtains immediate veterinary care for all impounded, diseased, ill or injured animals at the Animal Service Center, if available; if not, at a local veterinary clinic. Immediately impounds owner-released animals for euthanasia, if necessary, and obtains immediate veterinary care also. Provides veterinary clinics with required forms.
Conducts dangerous/aggressive animal investigations. Conducts initial investigation of petition within 24 hours of assignment by contacting petitioner, pet owner and witnesses referenced in the petition. Coordinates with Lead Officer or other Animal Control personnel if unable to complete investigation due to planned absence, or other pertinent conflict. Submits completed report within seven (7) days to the Director for review; if unable to do so for reasons beyond the control of the Officer, the Officer must notify the Director. Handles cases and conducts inspections in which an animal is pre-determined dangerous or aggressive. Provides written notification and delivers to the pet owner. Impounds animal pending housing compliance, final appeal hearing or final disposition of animal. Attends hearings on cases in which the Officer investigated or participated in uniform and in a professional manner, and provides truthful, thorough and accurate testimony and other evidence.
Receives and maintains records regarding services to the public and others, and dispatch service requests. Accurately and completely enters service requests into data base for dispatch to Animal Control Officers. Dispatches routine service requests to Animal Control Officers within 30 minutes or less, and dispatches Priority One service requests to Animal Control Officers as soon as the assigned Officer is available. Maintains a daily log for the number of phone calls received to include other pertinent information.
OTHER IMPORTANT OR MARGINAL DUTIES
None
DIFFICULTY
Position requires independent judgment. Work involves numerous deadlines and the completion of reports and other records for dissemination. Problem solving is continuous and involves interaction with the public in resolving animal related issues and neighborhood disputes. Difficult or analytical thinking is done, for example, when making proper determination when presented with conflicting information or evidence in routine and in determining the appropriate course of action to take when confronted with combative and uncooperative citizens.
RESPONSIBILITY:
Supervision Received
Position requires independent judgment in resolving citizen complaints, prioritizing services to the public, addressing competing demands, and the use of discretion in enforcement situations.
Supervision of Others
None.
INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL CUSTOMER CONTACT
Contacts are with the public, supervisor, co-workers, other division or program personnel, Leon County Sheriff's Office, Leon County Schools, and Clerk of Court offices.
EQUIPMENT AND TOOLS USED
Personal computer; word processing, animal control dispatch system, and database software, truck; fax; typewriter; animal carriers and nets; two-way radio systems; cameras, hypodermic needles; et cetera.
WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Work entails physical effort. These efforts include standing, walking, running, chasing, climbing, and lifting heavy animals. Employee may be exposed to inclement weather, dangerous or diseased animals, and angry citizens.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of animal control laws, policies, procedures, and protocol. Knowledge of animal breeds, animal behavior, animal handling and animal temperament. Knowledge of dispatch and two-way radio systems. Knowledge of Windows based computer operating systems and word processing software. Skilled in applying laws, policies, and guidelines when conducting investigations and when engaged in other enforcement actions. Knowledge of English grammar, punctuation, spelling, and syntax. Knowledge of notary public and public records laws. Skilled in verbal and written communications. Skilled in applying diplomacy, fairness and firmness in resolving routine and complex citizen complaints. Skilled in public speaking and conducting interviews during an investigation. Ability to manage, prioritize, and resolve multiple tasks of a demanding nature. Ability to respond tactfully, accurately, and thoroughly to citizen requests for services. Ability to exercise sound reasoning and good judgement in analyzing and applying information in enforcement situations. Ability to follow appropriate procedures for rabies testing. Ability to effectively use animal control equipment. Ability to accurately gauge animal weights, convert formulas for immobilizing chemicals, and load immobilizing chemicals into equipment. Ability to accurately use chemical immobilizing equipment, including firearm types. Ability to effectively and efficiently handle citizen requests. Ability to exercise sound judgment and reasoning. Ability to drive a vehicle. Ability to lift, carry, pull, and struggle with large, heavy, aggressive, uncooperative, injured, unconscious, or dead animals up to 75 pounds.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
This position requires a high school diploma or equivalent and six months of related experience; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Must possess a valid Florida Driver's license and a favorable driving record.
Must complete the Basic 40-hour ACO Certification Course within the appropriate timeframe.
All Leon County employees (regular full-time and part-time, OPS, and PRN) are required to work before, during and after a Declared Local State of Emergency (DLSOE). Participation is considered a condition of employment.
COMPETENCY PROGRESSION PLAN:
At the discretion of the Animal Control Director, employees assigned to the Animal Control Officer class may progress to the Senior Animal Control Officer classification based on knowledge, skills, and abilities, acquired and utilized, performance, and length of time employed. When vacancies occur, employees may be hired as either an Animal Control Officer or a Sr. Animal Control Officer, based on level of training and experience.
SELECTION GUIDELINES
Formal application, rating of education and experience; oral interview and reference check.
FLSA STATUS: Position is Non-exempt. Analysis: this is work that involves the enforcement of the Animal Control Ordinances of the County.
Revision History: October 1, 1997; December 13, 1999; May 30, 2000; May 6, 2002; October 4, 2002; August 21, 2008; June 17, 2013; June 20, 2013; September 24, 2013; June 2, 2017.
Apply to this Job
The purpose of this position is to enforce Leon County Animal Control Ordinances.
NOTE: The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. The Job Description Questionnaire (JDQ) reflects a more detailed description of the position. Neither the job description nor the JDQ constitutes an employment agreement. Both are subject to change as the needs of the County and requirements of the job change.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Patrols a designated area in an animal control vehicle to locate and impound nuisance animals. Makes reasonable efforts to locate, confine or impound all loose or owner relinquished animals. Provides written notification to known or suspected owners that a complaint has been filed and/or that the animal was impounded. Uses professionally recognized methods of capture, restraint, and handling of animals. Maintains accurate records of daily activities. Maintains animal control vehicle in a clean and orderly fashion, cleaning carriers and animal boxes after each animal is removed. Traps will be cleaned after they are pulled. Adheres to all related safety standards, obeying traffic laws and safety policies, and immediately reports any injuries or job-related illnesses to appropriate staff. Maintains uniform and personal appearance in a professional and clean manner. Develops and maintains skills, proficiency and knowledge in animal control by successfully completing four (4) hours of continuing education or job related training on a bi-annual basis.
Responds to and attempts to resolve citizen complaints concerning animals in violation of the Animal Control Ordinance. Responds to priority service requests. Responds to routine service requests within eight (8) hours or less, except when unable to respond within time limit for reasons beyond control of the Officer. Issues citations in accordance with violation of applicable laws and Division policies. Assists other Officers in responding to uncompleted calls, if needed, and in locating, restraining, confining, or impounding animals and to locate owners. Coordinates with appropriate staff to dispatch calls in a timely manner to another Officer when unable to respond to service requests within eight (8) hours or less. Provides notification to complainants upon completion of service request. Attends all court sessions in uniform presenting a professional appearance. Provides truthful, thorough, and accurate testimony and evidence for cases in which the Officer is involved.
Investigates animal bite and rabies suspect cases, which includes rabies quarantines and the preparation of rabies specimens for laboratory testing. Conducts initial investigation of bites and rabies suspects. Follows up on bite cases in which animals are not vaccinated after the quarantine ensuring compliance with vaccination requirements. Accurately and thoroughly documents all relevant information about suspect animal, and its known or suspected owner, in the Division's database and the Animal Service Center's database. Completes investigation as soon as possible; if unable to do so for reasons beyond the control of the Officer, the Officer shall complete the investigation immediately upon contacting victims and owners. Checks rabies vaccination status of all animals, including those belonging to complainants, witnesses and owners. Prepares rabies specimens for laboratory testing and submits specimens for shipment to State lab as soon as possible.
Conducts inhumane care/animal cruelty investigations. Conducts initial investigation within 24 hours of receipt of information. Leaves written 24-hour notices when animals are suspected of being abandoned, unless the animal is without shelter or water, in adverse weather, or is ill, injured or in obvious distress. In such cases, the animal shall be impounded pursuant to applicable laws and policies. Conducts follow-up contact within prescribed time limit to ensure owner compliance with directives to take corrective action. Documents pertinent follow-up information as it becomes available. Accurately completes initial case file or report and submits findings into the Division's database upon completion of the investigation. Attends all court sessions, presenting a professional appearance in uniform, providing truthful, thorough and accurate testimony and evidence for cases in which the Officer is involved. Documents findings by taking photos or vides of the scene.
Locates, impounds, and transports diseased or injured animals to veterinary clinics and the animal shelter. Obtains immediate veterinary care for all impounded, diseased, ill or injured animals at the Animal Service Center, if available; if not, at a local veterinary clinic. Immediately impounds owner-released animals for euthanasia, if necessary, and obtains immediate veterinary care also. Provides veterinary clinics with required forms.
Conducts dangerous/aggressive animal investigations. Conducts initial investigation of petition within 24 hours of assignment by contacting petitioner, pet owner and witnesses referenced in the petition. Coordinates with Lead Officer or other Animal Control personnel if unable to complete investigation due to planned absence, or other pertinent conflict. Submits completed report within seven (7) days to the Director for review; if unable to do so for reasons beyond the control of the Officer, the Officer must notify the Director. Handles cases and conducts inspections in which an animal is pre-determined dangerous or aggressive. Provides written notification and delivers to the pet owner. Impounds animal pending housing compliance, final appeal hearing or final disposition of animal. Attends hearings on cases in which the Officer investigated or participated in uniform and in a professional manner, and provides truthful, thorough and accurate testimony and other evidence.
Receives and maintains records regarding services to the public and others, and dispatch service requests. Accurately and completely enters service requests into data base for dispatch to Animal Control Officers. Dispatches routine service requests to Animal Control Officers within 30 minutes or less, and dispatches Priority One service requests to Animal Control Officers as soon as the assigned Officer is available. Maintains a daily log for the number of phone calls received to include other pertinent information.
OTHER IMPORTANT OR MARGINAL DUTIES
None
DIFFICULTY
Position requires independent judgment. Work involves numerous deadlines and the completion of reports and other records for dissemination. Problem solving is continuous and involves interaction with the public in resolving animal related issues and neighborhood disputes. Difficult or analytical thinking is done, for example, when making proper determination when presented with conflicting information or evidence in routine and in determining the appropriate course of action to take when confronted with combative and uncooperative citizens.
RESPONSIBILITY:
Supervision Received
Position requires independent judgment in resolving citizen complaints, prioritizing services to the public, addressing competing demands, and the use of discretion in enforcement situations.
Supervision of Others
None.
INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL CUSTOMER CONTACT
Contacts are with the public, supervisor, co-workers, other division or program personnel, Leon County Sheriff's Office, Leon County Schools, and Clerk of Court offices.
EQUIPMENT AND TOOLS USED
Personal computer; word processing, animal control dispatch system, and database software, truck; fax; typewriter; animal carriers and nets; two-way radio systems; cameras, hypodermic needles; et cetera.
WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Work entails physical effort. These efforts include standing, walking, running, chasing, climbing, and lifting heavy animals. Employee may be exposed to inclement weather, dangerous or diseased animals, and angry citizens.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of animal control laws, policies, procedures, and protocol. Knowledge of animal breeds, animal behavior, animal handling and animal temperament. Knowledge of dispatch and two-way radio systems. Knowledge of Windows based computer operating systems and word processing software. Skilled in applying laws, policies, and guidelines when conducting investigations and when engaged in other enforcement actions. Knowledge of English grammar, punctuation, spelling, and syntax. Knowledge of notary public and public records laws. Skilled in verbal and written communications. Skilled in applying diplomacy, fairness and firmness in resolving routine and complex citizen complaints. Skilled in public speaking and conducting interviews during an investigation. Ability to manage, prioritize, and resolve multiple tasks of a demanding nature. Ability to respond tactfully, accurately, and thoroughly to citizen requests for services. Ability to exercise sound reasoning and good judgement in analyzing and applying information in enforcement situations. Ability to follow appropriate procedures for rabies testing. Ability to effectively use animal control equipment. Ability to accurately gauge animal weights, convert formulas for immobilizing chemicals, and load immobilizing chemicals into equipment. Ability to accurately use chemical immobilizing equipment, including firearm types. Ability to effectively and efficiently handle citizen requests. Ability to exercise sound judgment and reasoning. Ability to drive a vehicle. Ability to lift, carry, pull, and struggle with large, heavy, aggressive, uncooperative, injured, unconscious, or dead animals up to 75 pounds.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
This position requires a high school diploma or equivalent and six months of related experience; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Must possess a valid Florida Driver's license and a favorable driving record.
Must complete the Basic 40-hour ACO Certification Course within the appropriate timeframe.
All Leon County employees (regular full-time and part-time, OPS, and PRN) are required to work before, during and after a Declared Local State of Emergency (DLSOE). Participation is considered a condition of employment.
COMPETENCY PROGRESSION PLAN:
At the discretion of the Animal Control Director, employees assigned to the Animal Control Officer class may progress to the Senior Animal Control Officer classification based on knowledge, skills, and abilities, acquired and utilized, performance, and length of time employed. When vacancies occur, employees may be hired as either an Animal Control Officer or a Sr. Animal Control Officer, based on level of training and experience.
SELECTION GUIDELINES
Formal application, rating of education and experience; oral interview and reference check.
FLSA STATUS: Position is Non-exempt. Analysis: this is work that involves the enforcement of the Animal Control Ordinances of the County.
Revision History: October 1, 1997; December 13, 1999; May 30, 2000; May 6, 2002; October 4, 2002; August 21, 2008; June 17, 2013; June 20, 2013; September 24, 2013; June 2, 2017.
Leon County Government offers an extensive benefit package for FULL TIME employees. EXECUTIVE LEVEL employee benefits are determined through contract negotiations. Below are some of the highlights.
- Medical Insurance-Employer and Employee Contributions
- Voluntary Dental Insurance
- Voluntary Vision Insurance
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Group Term Life Insurance-Employer Paid
- Voluntary Supplemental Life Insurance
- Voluntary Long Term Disability Insurance
- Voluntary Legal Insurance
- Voluntary Individual Insurance Coverages with AFLAC & Colonial
- State of Florida Retirement Plan-Employer & Employee Contributions
- Voluntary 457(b) Deferred Compensation Savings for Retirement
- Retirement Savings Match-for-employees earning less than $50,000
- Annual Leave Accrual
- Sick Leave Accrual
- 3 Personal Days
- Paid Parental Leave
- Tuition Assistance Program
- Employee Assistance Program
- Loans At Work Program