Animal Control Officer

Santa Fe County; Santa Fe (NM); On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Santa Fe County is seeking an Animal Control Officer to enforce county animal control ordinances and respond to citizen complaints. The role involves capturing and impounding animals, reporting findings, and coordinating with veterinarians and state agencies as needed.

The officer will perform field inspections, maintain records, testify in court, and participate in training of trainees. Evening and weekend work, plus ability to lift over 100 lbs, are required.

Qualifications

• Working knowledge of animal control ordinances and regulations.
• Knowledge of investigative methods and techniques.
• Ability to obtain ACO 1 and ACO 2 certifications within three months of hire.
• Ability to lift over 100 lbs.
• Evening, holiday, and weekend work required.

Responsibilities

• Patrols assigned area to enforce animal control ordinances and responds to complaints.
• Issues warnings and citations; captures and impounds stray animals.
• Researches vaccination information and educates pet owners about ordinances.
• Investigates bite/attack cases and coordinates care, quarantine, or observation.
• Maintains records and prepares reports; testifies in court when required.

Skills

Ordinances & regulations

Investigation methods

Communication skills

Records management

Vehicle operation

Public relations

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

AC0 1 and ACO 2 certifications within 3 months

Job description

Enforces State laws and regulations and County animal control ordinances; investigates complaints; patrols assigned areas; and performs other duties related to humane animal protection and control.

• Patrols assigned area to enforce animal control ordinances; responds to citizens’ complaints concerning animal care and control problems; issues warnings and citations to violators; captures and impounds stray domestic and exotic animals.
• When possible, researches vaccination information to locate owner; explains ordinances and discusses violations with pet owners; investigates animal bite and attack cases and arranges for proper care, quarantine, and/or observation of the animal; removes dead animals/rodents and transports to state agencies for testing of diseases if needed.
• Responds to emergency calls for sick and injured animals and obtains veterinarian care if required; performs field inspections of proper animal care for commercial and private owners.
• Maintains records and prepares reports related to animal control activities; appears in court to testify regarding violations; maintains animal control vehicles, issued equipment, and kennels.
• Assists external agencies and private owners with the capturing and rescuing of animals; relocates wildlife to non-populated areas; assists with the retrieval of animals during protective custody cases; performs educational workshops for area students; and trains animal control officer trainees.

Knowledge/Skills:

• Working knowledge of animal control ordinances and regulations; of animal collection and control methods.
• Knowledge of investigative methods and techniques.
• Skill in training and instruction.
• Skill in the care and handling of animals without inflicting injury.
• Skill in records management.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing. Ability to operate a motor vehicle and equipment, including hand radio, catch-all pole, lead rope, and humane traps.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees and the public.
• Ability to operate various word-processing, spreadsheet, database, and other software programs.
• Ability to prepare accurate, complete and legible reports and to present detailed, accurate, and objective oral presentations and responses to questions.

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Ability to obtain and maintain ACO 1 and ACO 2 certifications within three (3) months of hire.

Working Conditions:

Work is performed occasionally in an office environment and frequently outdoors in varied weather conditions with exposure to dust, fumes, airborne particles and/or allergens. Work involves high risk or potentially dangerous situations, exposure to hazardous materials, excessive noise, hostile individuals, and work near hazardous/moving equipment or machinery. Work requires the use of protective clothing, equipment, devices or materials. While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly is required to stand, walk, and sit; use hands to finger, handle or feel; reach with hands or arms; stoop, kneel or crouch; and talk or hear. Ability to lift over 100 lbs. Clarity of vision at long distance and short distance is required. Evening, holiday, and weekend work is required. Overnight travel is required.

Conditions of Employment:

Selected candidate must submit to and pass a County paid pre-employment physical and drug/alcohol screening. Additionally, selected candidate must submit to and pass a county paid criminal background screening. Selected candidate must possess and maintain a valid New Mexico Class D Driver’s License as incumbent shall be appointed to drive a County vehicle during the performance of his/her duties. Candidate must obtain and/or maintain all certifications required.