Animal Control Officer

Horn Lake Utility System; Horn Lake, Northern (MS, KY); On-site; USD 28,000 - 42,000; Part time

Job summary

The City of Horn Lake is seeking an Animal Control Officer I/II/III to enforce city and state animal control laws, educate the public on pet responsibility, and ensure animal and public safety. The position involves responding to inquiries, investigating violations, capturing stray animals, and maintaining shelter operations.

Roles vary by level and require handling emergency situations, reporting, and operating control equipment as part of a team of city staff.

Qualifications

• Basic computer hardware and software knowledge.
• Ability to speak, read and write English.
• Willingness to handle a variety of animals.
• Learn to enforce pertinent laws and ordinances.
• Operate animal control equipment.

Responsibilities

• Respond to routine inquiries and complaints concerning animal problems.
• Investigate violations and issue warnings or citations as required.
• Capture and transport animals to the animal shelter.
• Maintain shelter equipment and inventory.
• Prepare daily, monthly, and annual reports.

Skills

Basic computer skills

English proficiency

Communication

Tools

Animal control equipment

Job description

Location: 6520 Center St E, Horn Lake, MS 38637

Hours: Full Time

Job Description:

Job Description - Animal Control Officer Part Time

Purpose of Position

Enforce city and state laws pertaining to animal control; ensure that complaints are handled efficiently and effectively; educate the public in pet responsibility and ensure the protection and safety of animals and people in the City.

Essential Functions

These duties are a representative sample; position assignments and detailed work instructions may vary.

Animal Control Officer I

Under close supervision, performs the following essential functions:

• Responds to routine inquiries and complaints concerning animal problems or violations of animal control ordinances, including but not limited to animals running at large; bites, property damage, or injuries; maintains effective and efficient public relations when dealing with citizens.
• Investigates violations of animal control ordinances and issue warnings or citations as required.
• Investigate complaints of unwanted or escaped animals or those causing nuisances; captures and transports animals to the animal shelter.
• Maintains normal availability by telephone or radio for consultations on major emergencies or routine animal control questions,
• Carries out duties in conformance with Federal, State, and City laws and ordinances.
• Maintains contact with supervisory personnel to coordinate investigative activities, provides mutual assistance during emergency situations and provides general information about Animal Control activities.
• Prepares daily, monthly, and annual reports of activities; prepares and maintains records.
• Oversees the maintenance of the city’s shelter equipment including officer equipment; maintains inventory.
• Participates in emergency rabies control programs and organizes rabies clinics.
• Operates various equipment including assigned vehicle, animal capture equipment (traps, catch poles), radio, cellular phone, first aid equipment, self-defense weapons (spray, etc), bite stick and computer.
• Adheres to safe work practices and procedures.
• Maintains all assigned equipment to ensure proper functioning.
• Feeds, waters and cares for animals in the shelter.
• Drives vehicle to perform one or more essential functions.
• Performs other duties of a similar or related level as necessary or assigned.

Animal Control Officer II

Under minimal supervision, performs the following essential functions:

• Performs all essential functions of the Animal Control Officer I.
• Responds to more complex inquiries and complaints.
• If applicable, provides leadership and oversight to Animal Control Officer I in daily operations; promotes teamwork and professionalism.
• Exhibits advanced knowledge and provides training and oversight of the Animal Control Officer I when necessary.
• Performs other duties of a similar or related level and assists with special projects as necessary or assigned.

Animal Control Officer III

Under minimum supervision, performs the following essential functions

• Performs all essential functions of the Animal Control Officer I and II.
• Enforces City and State animal regulations including but not limited to, cruelty to animals, dangerous/vicious animals, and animal bites, including dogs, cats, livestock and fowl.
• Patrols assigned city areas, contains and picks-up stray, sick/injured and/or unwanted and captured domestic animals, transporting them to the appropriate destination.
• Performs emergency animal rescue service, emergency night call service, and animal first aid when required.
• Serves and responds to court summons as necessary and represents City at court.
• Responds to and investigates complaints from citizens concerning domestic animals.

Animal Control Officer I

Knowledge of:

• Basic computer hardware and software applications

Ability to:

• Speak, read and write the English language.
• Communicate effectively verbally and write clearly, accurately, concisely, legibly, and with correct English grammar, construction and spelling.
• Demonstrate an aptitude for animal control work and a willingness to handle a variety of animals.
• Learn basic animal control and care principles, processes, procedures and practices.
• Learn to operate animal control equipment.
• Learn and enforce pertinent Federal, state, and local laws, ordinances and department rules and regulations.
• Learn the basic first aid.
• Learn the geographical layout of the City.
• Learn modern office processes and procedures.
• Understand and carry out verbal and written instructions.
• Observe, assimilate, remember, record and recall pertinent facts and details.
• Prepare and maintain accurate and complete records.
• Analyze problems and have the potential to rationally and calmly take appropriate action in both routine and non-routine situations; exercise good judgment and make sound decisions in a variety of circumstances.
• Interact courteously with the general public; interact with various cultural and ethnic groups in a tactful and effective manner.
• Handle stressful situations in a professional manner, including angry or difficult individuals; accurately assess situations and people and secure cooperation whenever possible.
• Endure verbal and mental abuse when confronted with the hostile views and opinions of individuals encountered in an antagonistic environment.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Maintain a high level of professionalism and confidentiality.
• Work outside normal business hours.
• Collects fees established by the City.

Internal & External Contacts

Internal Contacts

Frequently interacts with other administrative employees

External Contacts

Frequently interacts with the general public; occasionally interacts with court personnel, law enforcement agencies, and other organizations.

Physical Activities and Work Environment

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable otherwise qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Required Physical Activities

While performing the essential functions of this job the employee is frequently required to talk, hear, sit, stand, walk, bend, stoop, kneel; and is occasionally required to taste, smell, run, climb, balance, crouch and crawl; is frequently required to liftand carry up to 25 pounds. The