NORTH OGDEN CITY

POSITION DESCRIPTION

ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER

July 2011

Essential Job Functions

The Animal Control Officer performs and undertakes work related to enforcing city ordinances pertaining to animal control. He or she executes moderately difficult duties and performs related work and assignments as required.

Accountability/Supervision

The Animal Control Officer works under the general supervision of the Detective Sergeant.

Employment Status

The employee filling this position is non-exempt and is “at will”.

Job Duties

  1. The Animal Control Officer performs basic animal control services including control of stray or lost animals, responding to animal complaints, and assuring compliance with licensing requirements.
  1. Investigates complaints of animals that are creating a nuisance.
  1. Attempts to keep the peace between complainants and animal owners.
  1. Takes animals to shelter, and maintains the City’s temporary shelter; locates animals that have bitten humans or other animals.
  1. Arranges for quarantine of animals.
  1. Impounds animals in violation of city ordinances.
  1. Issues citation for failure to comply with applicable laws.
  1. Conducts searches for illegally kept animals.
  1. Handles difficult animals.
  1. Prepares case reports and testifies in court pertaining to animal violations.
  1. Must be available at all hours of the day and night.
  1. Have good communication and computer skills.
  1. Keeps records and prepares reports on animals picked up and related work activities.
  1. Prepares and submits monthly reports of activities.
  1. Confers with immediate supervisor on problems pertaining to his work.
  1. Must be able to lift heavy or awkward objects weighing upwards of 50 lbs.
  1. Answers telephone and respond to calls.
  1. Issues pet licenses, explains fees, answers general questions regarding the shelter, animals and city ordinances.
  1. Maintains equipment.
  1. Conducts annual rabies clinic.
  1. Conducts lectures in schools and community when necessary.
  1. Assists officers with identifying and tagging vehicles impeding snow removal.
  1. Assists with crossing guard duties as needed.
  1. Acts as custodian of evidence and records; maintains the evidence room.
  1. Attends civic club meetings, churches, schools and other places of public gatherings to explain the activities and functions of the police department and animal control, and to establish favorable public relations as directed.
  1. Performs other duties as required by state law or city ordinance, or as assigned by a superior officer.

Essential Job Requirements

The Animal Control Officer must have the ability to:

  1. Establish and maintain cooperative working relations with other city employees, other law enforcement agencies, civic leaders and the general public.
  1. Become thoroughly familiar with the policies, procedures, rules and regulations of the department pertaining to all matters within the area of responsibility.
  1. Understand and execute moderately complex oral or written directions, and to prepare clear and comprehensive written reports.
  1. Maintain confidentiality of information and restrict the use of such information to work duties.
  1. Address all violators in a firm, courteous manner in order to develop public respect and confidence in the officer and the department.
  1. Acquire a good working knowledge of effective modern methods of animal control and violator identification.
  1. Obtain the facts of a case and interview and interrogate effectively.
  1. Defend against physical attacks from persons or animals.

Education, Experience, and Training Requirements

  1. Must be 21 years of age or older.
  1. Must be a high school graduate or have a GED equivalent.
  1. Must consent to a thorough background investigation.
  1. Candidates must be able to successfully complete the training program prescribed by the department, which may include being POST certifiable as Category II Peace Officer.
  1. Must have working knowledge of animal species, characteristics and care.

Working Conditions

Functions of the position are generally performed in a controlled environment, but subject to all seasonal and weather extremes, and a lot of travel.

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