Animal Control Officer I

Protects the safety and rights of the public and the welfare of animals.

Essential functions are fundamental job duties. They do not include marginal tasks which are also performed but are incidental to the primary functions. 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, nor does every position allocated to the class necessarily perform every duty listed. Personal characteristics required of all employees such as honesty, industry, sobriety and the ability to get along with others, are presumed qualities and may not be listed specifically.

• Responds to complaints and picks up stray animals, placing them in the shelter, and if necessary, in quarantine. • Responds to complaints and acts as intermediary in disputes between neighbors, relating to animal problems. • Patrols problem areas for stray dogs or cats and checks for valid rabies tags. • Advises animal owners of county regulations and issues citations for violations. • Answers telephone and radio to field complaints from the public regarding animal problems. • Performs technical and clerical duties in support of the kennel and field operations. • Investigates animal bites and obtains necessary information to locate animals and/or owners of animals in such cases. • Investigates complaints of animal cruelty and violations of this complaint. • Collects and prepares necessary evidence and affidavits for court cases, relative to citations and other violations of the ordinance; appears and testifies in court regarding ordinance violations. • Picks up diseased and/or injured animals and transports them to the necessary locations. • Responds to calls for emergency animal assistance and disaster relief after hours. • Interacts with the public in an effective and courteous manner. • Must demonstrate commitment to our mission, vision, values and goals and represent the County in a professional, dignified manner at all times both in actions and appearance. • May have a role in the County's disaster preparation and/or disaster recovery efforts, as designated in the County Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan; may be required to work before, during and/or after an emergency. • Must be able to meet minimum attendance standards. • Performs related duties as required.

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL, VISUAL AND COMMUNICATION SKILLS: The physical requirements are that of heavy work and include exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects. The work requires considerable and strenuous physical exertion, such as long periods of standing; walking over rough, uneven or rocky surfaces; recurring bending, crouching stooping, stretching reaching or similar activities; recurring lifting of moderately heavy items over 50 pounds; or defending oneself or others against physical attack. The work may require specific, but common, physical characteristic and abilities, such as above average agility or dexterity. Must be able to physically control highly active/aggressive animals using available equipment. Requires repetitive motion of the wrists, hands and/or fingers. Requires fingering to including picking, pinching, typing or otherwise working primarily with fingers rather than with the whole hand as in handling. Requires grasping by applying pressure to an object with the fingers and palm. Required to operate a motor vehicle in the performance of job functions.