Animal Control Officer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Equal Opportunity Employer

Reasonable accommodations for disabilities

Job summary

A local government is seeking an Animal Control Officer to enforce animal control ordinances, respond to inquiries, and manage public relations. The role involves patrolling areas to capture stray animals, issuing citations, and testifying in court. Qualifications include a High School Diploma or GED, with preference for candidates with law enforcement or animal control experience. Basic communication and judgment skills are essential, and a valid South Carolina driver’s license is required for employment.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent required.
• Background in law enforcement or animal control experience preferred.
• Ability to communicate effectively with the public.

Responsibilities

• Patrol streets to locate stray animals and transport them to a shelter.
• Respond to complaints regarding animal control violations.
• Investigate animal control ordinance violations and issue citations.

Skills

Communication skills

Judgment and discretion

Ability to learn laws and ordinances

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Euthanasia Certification

Tools

Animal patrol vehicle

Animal capture equipment

Police radio

Job description

City of Orangeburg, South Carolina

Classification Specification

ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER
Pay Grade 6
Pay Range: $47,991.00

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. It has limited supervisory functions.

Essential Functions

• Patrol streets to locate stray animals and promptly capture animals and transport them to an animal shelter.
• Respond to complaints concerning animal problems or violations of animal control ordinances, including animals running at large, bites, property damage, or injuries.
• Remove dead, injured, or dangerous animals from streets and residential premises.
• Care for and feed animals in the department’s temporary kennels.
• Perform and assist with euthanasia.
• Investigate violations of animal control ordinances and issue warnings or citations as required.
• Appear in court to testify regarding animal control cases.
• Work closely with public interest groups and businesses to promote improved care and control of animals.
• Coordinate a public relations program to foster public awareness of ordinances regarding animal controls and humane treatment of animals.
• Process a variety of documentation associated with department/division operations, within designated timeframes and per established procedures.
• Operate a personal computer to enter, retrieve, review, or modify data, using word processing, spreadsheet, database, Internet, e‑mail, or other software.
• Operate or use various equipment associated with animal control and law enforcement to complete work assignments.
• Communicate with supervisor, other employees, the public, and others as needed to coordinate work activities and 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 combination of education, training, and experience that provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities. Proficiency in operating listed tools and equipment. Ability to learn applicable laws, ordinances, and department rules. Communication skills (oral and written). Sound judgment and ability to follow instructions. 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

Demonstrate proficiency in performance of essential functions and ability to learn, comprehend, and apply all City or departmental policies, practices, and procedures.

Tools and Equipment Used

• Animal patrol vehicle
• Animal capture equipment
• Police radio
• Baton, handcuffs, first aid equipment

Performance Aptitudes

• Data Utilization: Review, classify, prioritize, and analyze data, exercise discretion in classification.
• Human Interaction: Apply persuasion to coordinate programs and resolve typical problems.
• Equipment, Machinery, Tools, and Materials Utilization: Operate and control equipment requiring complex adjustments.
• Verbal Aptitude: Utilize reference, descriptive, and advisory data in reports and investigations.
• Mathematical Aptitude: Perform basic arithmetic and recording tasks.
• Situational Reasoning: Exercise judgment, decisiveness, and creativity in evaluating information.

ADA Compliance

• Physical Ability: Moderate physical effort, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, standing, lifting 12–20 pounds.
• Sensory Requirements: Perceive colors, sounds, odors, textures, visual cues; communicate orally.
• Environmental Factors: Exposure to adverse conditions including dust, pests, weather extremes, hazardous materials, violence, disease, and weapons.

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.