Animal Control Officer

City of Indianapolis and Marion County; Indiana (PA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Indianapolis and Marion County seeks an Animal Care Services officer to respond to citizen requests, apprehend animals, and enforce municipal code. The role includes investigating bites and animal incidents, issuing citations, and testifying in court.

The position requires driving and handling animals, maintaining records, and assisting other law enforcement branches as needed. Training in NACA and IDACS is provided upon employment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED is required.
• Pre-employment physical/agility test, drug screen, background check, and written aptitude/psychological test are required.
• One year of law enforcement experience or one year of animal-related experience.
• Must be 21+ and possess a valid Indiana driver’s license with a good driving record.
• Ability to drive a 1-ton van and handle animals over 50 pounds.
• Must obtain NACA certification and IDACS certification upon employment.
• Must be able to learn applicable laws and evidence processing techniques.
• Strong computer skills in systems listed above and MS Office.

Responsibilities

• Respond to citizen requests for service and/or complaints.
• Apprehend and impound animals at large or in violation of municipal code.
• Investigate animal bites/attacks and care- or violation-related cases.
• Issue citations and testify in court; provide testimony for the Division.
• Maintain daily activity logs, records, and incident reports.
• Inspect pet shops, kennels, breeders, and licensing compliance.
• Euthanize animals when needed and prepare samples for rabies testing.
• Maintain assigned vehicle, gear, and safety equipment.

Skills

Community relations

Investigation procedures

Interview techniques

Court testimony

Verbal and written communication

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

IDACS

NCIC

JUSTIS

Tiburon

Excel

Word

Job description

Agency Summary

Animal Care Services protects and promotes the health, safety, and welfare of pets and livestock in Marion County. The agency works with animal rescue organizations both locally and nationally.

Job Summary

In this position, the incumbent will respond to citizen requests for service and/or complaints regarding animals. The position requires the apprehension and impoundment of animals that are at large or being kept in violation of municipal code. The incumbent in this position will investigate animal bites and/or attacks, care and treatment violations, and dog fighting cases. This position must issue summons and citations to residents of Indianapolis/Marion County for violations of State law and the Indianapolis Municipal Code and will testify in a court of law on behalf of the Division of Animal Care and Control. Incumbents will also provide assistance to other branches of local law enforcement as needed.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The City of Indianapolis Marion County is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status. We value diversity in perspectives and experiences among colleagues and the residents of this city of whom we serve.

Key Responsibilities

• Ability to effectively address hostile situations involving citizens
• Ability to handle all types of animals, including stray animals, animals with aggressive temperaments, and vicious animals.
• Maintains daily records of each animal impounded (e.g., tags, location, description, etc.) to ensure that impounded animals are returned to rightful owner.
• Patrols assigned district for animals that are in violation of Indianapolis Municipal Code and state laws.
• Investigates all assigned animal related incidents/complaints and provides follow-up on reports of animal bites and attacks.
• Maintains confidentiality when necessary regarding animal investigations.
• Issues citations and court summons regarding violations of local or state law involving animals and provides testimony in court.
• Maintains a daily activity log, including the time assignments are received and completed, records out of service time, and any individual initiated incidents that arise in the field.
• Inspects pet shops, kennels, breeders, and special events for licensing and suitable conditions for animals.
• Euthanizes animals and when necessary prepares a specimen for the State Board of Health for rabies testing.
• Maintains assigned vehicle in a clean and sanitary condition and ensures proper working condition on a daily basis.
• Maintains and is responsible for uniform(s), weapons, tools, and equipment supplies (bolt cutters, tranquilizer, dog/cat stick, dog/cat cage, stretcher, darts, guns, etc) while following all job site safety regulations.

This list of duties and responsibilities is not intended to be all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties or responsibilities that management may deem necessary from time to time.

Qualifications

High school diploma and /or GED. Successfully complete a pre-employment physical/agility test, drug screen, background check, and a written aptitude/psychological test. One (1) year prior law enforcement experience (i.e., law enforcement, traffic enforcement, security, public safety, corrections, and criminal justice) and/or one (1) year of animal-related experience as a Veterinarian Technician, Kennel Attendant, or in a related area. Must be at least 21 years old and possess a valid Indiana driver's license with a good driving record. Ability to drive a 1-ton van and pass driving and physical examination and possess ability and physical strength to handle, control, and load animals in excess of 50 pounds. Must be qualified to receive and maintain special police and deputy sheriff powers, including the successful completion of any necessary training. Must have or be able to attain NACA (National Animal Control Association) certification upon employment. Must not have been dishonorably discharged from the military. Must obtain and maintain IDACS (Indiana Data and Communication System) certification. Incumbent must possess the ability to learn and apply applicable criminal and civil laws and evidence processing techniques. Must be knowledgeable in community relations, law enforcement, investigative procedures, and interview techniques. Must be knowledgeable in law enforcement information systems (IDACS/NCIC, JUSTIS, Tiburon), city geographies, police report writing, police radio procedures, codes, and skill in operation of issued equipment and weapons (e.g., tranquilizer gun, chemical spray, etc.) Must have keen computer skills in all systems reflected above and including EXCEL, Word, etc. Must possess and demonstrate a high degree of organizational, planning, and problem solving skills. Must possess and demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively whether verbal and/or in written form and effectively present court testimony. Possess the ability to hear, visual acuteness, and mobile use of hands, feet, etc.

Position Requirements

Position requires employee to spend 95% of time traveling within the city. Exposure to all types of weather conditions and contact with unpredictable hazards and dangers associated with animal control (e.g., wild animals, disease-infested animals, and dangerous locations) will be encountered. May be required to work overtime, which includes weekends and holidays.