Animal Control Officer

County of Chester, South Carolina; Chester (SC); On-site; USD 38,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

County of Chester, South Carolina seeks an Animal Control Officer to enforce local animal laws, investigate complaints, and patrol assigned areas. The role includes capturing stray animals, transporting injured wildlife, and testifying in court when necessary.

Strong communication and knowledge of animal care are essential. The position requires a High School Diploma/GED and at least one year of animal care experience, plus the ability to drive county vehicles and operate related equipment.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED and one year of animal care experience.
• Ability to drive county vehicle and operate basic equipment.
• Knowledge of local animal ordinances and safety practices.
• Strong report writing and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Investigates complaints about nuisance, stray, or dangerous animals.
• Patrols assigned areas and responds to emergencies.
• Captures and impounds animals and arranges care for injured animals.
• Explains local laws and licenses to the public; may issue citations.

Skills

Animal handling

Investigation skills

Report writing

Communication

Education

High School Diploma/GED

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY:

Responsible for enforcing County laws regarding stray, dangerous, nuisance and unwanted domestic animals; investigates complaints; patrols assigned areas; captures animals.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

This class specification lists the major duties and requirements of the job and is not all-inclusive. Incumbent(s) may be expected to perform job-related duties other than those contained in this document and may be required to have specific job-related knowledge and skills.

• Investigates complaints from the public and other agencies regarding nuisance, stray, uncontrolled, dangerous or diseased animals.
• Drives a County vehicle to reach various work sites, attend meetings and respond to emergencies; performs inspection of vehicle and reports maintenance issues.
• Conducts investigations of complaints regarding animal cruelty and neglect; investigates animal bites, arranging for appropriate identification and quarantine.
• Explains local laws, codes and ordinances relating to the care and control of animals, filing of complaints, and policies of the shelter to the public; sells rabies vaccination, microchip, or sterilization vouchers to animal owners.
• Issues citations for violations of applicable regulations; patrols assigned areas operating County vehicles.
• Captures stray and unlicensed animals for impounding; removes dead animals from public and private properties; transports injured animals and provides for their care.
• Testifies in court regarding citations and disposition of complaints.
• Operates humane traps, mobile radios, cellular phones, and related animal control tools and equipment.
• Identifies basic symptoms of common animal diseases and recommends veterinary medical care of isolation to the animal owner.
• Assists other agencies and County departments in animal control and handling.
• Completes and maintains reports of work performed.
• Contributes to the efficiency and effectiveness of the unit's service to its customers by offering suggestions and directing or participating as an active member of a work team.
• Demonstrates courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with public and staff; acts in a manner that promotes a harmonious and effective workplace environment.

ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER

QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Education and Experience:

High School Diploma/GED AND one (1) year of animal care experience; OR an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Required Knowledge and Skills

Knowledge of:

• Behavior and handling of common domestic or wild animals.
• Methods and equipment used in the care and control of animals.
• State and local laws and ordinances pertaining to the proper care and control of animals.
• Safety practices related to the work.
• Basic species and breed identification of a variety of domestic and common wild animals.
• Basic symptoms and behavior associated with rabies and other common diseases of animals.
• Record-keeping principles and practices.
• Techniques for dealing with the public, in person and over the telephone, often where relations may be confrontational or strained.
• Investigative techniques regarding animal cruelty and neglect.
• Methods of search and seizure.
• Computer applications related to the work.

Skill in:

• Handling, capturing and controlling animals humanely and effectively under stressful or emergency circumstances.
• Assessing animal behavior and making effective decisions regarding handling or capturing the animal.
• Identifying symptoms and behaviors associated with rabies and other common domestic animal diseases.
• Operating county vehicles, radios, cellular phones, and other animal control tools and equipment.
• Reading maps and following directions.
• Maintaining accurate records and preparing basic reports.
• Using initiative and independent judgment within established procedural guidelines.
• Contributing effectively to the accomplishment of team or work unit goals, objectives and activities.
• Communicating effectively in oral and written forms.
• Working successfully with a variety of individuals from various socio‑economic, ethnic and cultural backgrounds, often where relations may be confrontational or strained.

REQUIRED CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, AND REGISTRATIONS:

Continued employment is contingent upon all required licenses and certificates being maintained in active status without suspension or revocation.

Driver’s license.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Strength and mobility to work in a typical field or shop maintenance setting, including operating hand and power tools; stamina to perform sustained physical labor, including standing, walking, climbing and working in confined or awkward spaces; strength to lift and maneuver materials and equipment weighing up to 100 pounds with proper equipment; vision to read printed materials; and hearing and speech to communicate in person or over a radio or telephone.

Work is subject to exposure to extreme weather conditions, animal bites and scratches, biohazards, dust and noxious odors.