Animal Control Officer

City of Orangeburg; Orangeburg (SC); On-site; USD 43,191 - 52,790; Full time

Job summary

A local government entity is seeking an Animal Control Officer in Orangeburg, SC. The officer will enforce animal control ordinances, respond to complaints, and manage stray animal captures. Ideal candidates possess a High School Diploma and preferably have experience in law enforcement or animal control. Responsibilities include caring for animals, investigating violations, and maintaining public relations. Applicants must possess a valid South Carolina driver’s license and be able to achieve euthanasia certification within 12 months.

Qualifications

• Background in law enforcement or animal control experience preferred.
• Proficiency in operating tools and equipment.
• Ability to communicate effectively.

Responsibilities

• Patrols streets to locate and capture stray animals.
• Responds to complaints regarding animal problems.
• Cares for and feeds animals in temporary kennels.
• Investigates violations and issues citations.

Skills

Animal handling

Communication

Problem solving

Judgment

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Animal patrol vehicle

Police radio

Job description

Purpose of Classification

The purpose of this classification is to enforce Animal Control ordinances, answer inquiries and promote public relations by performing the following duties. This position works under the supervision of the Special Operations Division Commander or his designee. This position has limited supervisory functions.

Location and Classification

City of Orangeburg, South Carolina

Classification Specification

Animal Control Officer

Pay Grade 6

Annual Pay: $47,991.00

Essential Functions

• Patrols streets to locate stray animals and promptly captures animals and transports them to an animal shelter.
• Responds to complaints concerning animal problems or violations of animal control ordinances, including but not limited to animals running at large, bites, property damage, or injuries.
• Removes dead, injured or dangerous animals from streets and residential premises.
• Cares for, and feeds animals in department’s temporary kennels.
• Performs and assists with euthanasia.
• Investigates violations of animal control ordinances and issues warnings or citations as required.
• Appears in court to testify regarding animal control cases. Works closely with public interest groups and businesses to promote improved care and control of animals.
• Coordinates a public relations program in order to foster public awareness of ordinances regarding animal controls and humane treatment of animals.
• Processes a variety of documentation associated with department/division operations, within designated timeframes and per established procedures: receives and reviews various documentation; reviews, completes, processes, forwards or retains as appropriate; prepares or completes various forms, reports, correspondence, and other documentation; compiles data for further processing or for use in preparation of department reports; and maintains computerized and/or hardcopy records.
• Operates a personal computer to enter, retrieve, review or modify data, utilizing word processing, spreadsheet, database, Internet, e‑mail, or other software; and operates general office or other equipment as necessary to complete essential functions.
• Operates or uses various equipment associated with animal control and law enforcement in order to complete work assignments.
• Communicates with supervisor, other employees, the public, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems.

Additional Functions

Other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

High School Diploma or GED equivalent required. Background in law enforcement or animal control experience preferred; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job. Proficiency in operating the tools and equipment listed below. Ability to learn the applicable laws, ordinances, and department rules and regulations. Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing, ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with subordinates, peers, supervisors and the public.

Ability to exercise sound judgment in evaluating situations and in making decisions. Ability to follow verbal and written instructions; ability to meet the special requirements listed below as well as the ability to learn City geography.

Specific License or Certification Required

Must possess and maintain a valid South Carolina driver’s license throughout employment. Euthanasia Certification within 12 months. National Animal Control Academy (Levels 1 and 2) certification or equivalent preferred.

Specific Knowledge, Skills, or Abilities

Must be able to demonstrate proficiency in performance of the essential functions and learn, comprehend, and apply all City or departmental policies, practices, and procedures necessary to function effectively in the position.

Tools and Equipment Used

Animal patrol vehicle, animal capture equipment, police radio, baton, handcuffs, first aid equipment.

Performance Aptitudes

• Data Utilization: Requires the ability to review, classify, categorize, prioritize, and/or analyze data. Includes exercising discretion in determining data classification, and in referencing such analysis to established standards for the purpose of recognizing actual or probable interactive effects and relationships.
• Human Interaction: Requires the ability to work with and apply principles of persuasion and/or influence over others to coordinate programs or activities of a project, and resolve typical problems associated with the responsibilities of the job.
• Equipment, Machinery, Tools, and Materials Utilization: Requires the ability to operate, maneuver, and/or control the actions of equipment, machinery, tools and/or materials requiring complex and/or rapid adjustments.
• Verbal Aptitude: Requires the ability to utilize a wide variety of reference, descriptive, and/or advisory data and information, such as accident and incident reports, arrest and search warrants, and investigative reports.
• Mathematical Aptitude: Requires the ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. May include counting, recording of counts, and basic measuring.
• Situational Reasoning: Requires the ability to exercise judgment, decisiveness and creativity in situations involving the evaluation of information against sensory, judgmental, or subjective criteria, as opposed to that which is clearly measurable or verifiable.

ADA Compliance

• Physical Ability: Tasks require the ability to exert moderate, though not constant physical effort, typically involving some combination of climbing and balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, and prolonged standing, and which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of moderate weight (12-20 pounds).
• Sensory Requirements: Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate colors or shades of colors, sounds, odor, depth, texture, and visual cues or signals. Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.
• Environmental Factors: Performance of essential functions may require exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such as dirt, dust, pollen, odors, wetness, humidity, rain, fumes, smoke, temperature and noise extremes, hazardous materials, fire, unsafe structures, heights, confined spaces, machinery, vibrations, electric currents, traffic hazards, bright/dim lights, toxic agents, animal/wildlife attacks, animal/human bites, explosives, firearms, water hazards, violence, disease, pathogenic substances, or rude/irate customers.

The City of Orangeburg is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. THE CITY OF ORANGEBURG IS AN AT-WILL EMPLOYER.