Animal Control Officer I

Jackson County, NC; Sylva (NC); On-site; USD 36,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Jackson County seeks an Animal Control Officer to enforce animal and rabies control laws, handle impounded animals, and supervise shelter operations. This position involves on-call after hours, night and weekend work to meet department needs.

The role requires training in rabies control, euthanasia, and animal care, with collaboration with local humane societies and veterinary partners to ensure public safety and animal welfare.

Qualifications

• Requires knowledge of county and state animal and rabies laws.
• Ability to manage animal records and licensing documents.
• Strong interpersonal skills for community outreach and enforcement.

Responsibilities

• Receive animals into the Jackson County Animal Shelter and document intake.
• Maintain records of animals impounded or released, and fees collected.
• Release animals to owners or adopt to the public.
• Vaccinate, test, and administer medications to animals in care.
• Enforce dog control ordinances and state rabies laws through patrolling.

Skills

Judgement

Public interaction

Record keeping

Animal handling

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

This position performs protective, preventive, investigative, and beginning level administrative work to enforce animal control laws within the county. Will consider trainee appointments. Grade 15

Work Schedule

Forty (40) hours per week with a current schedule based on department needs and supervisor approval. This position is considered on call for after hour emergencies, outbreaks, etc. The person in this position is required to work nights and weekends when necessitated.

• Responsible for receiving animals into the JCAS and completing documentation associated with theseanimals
• Daily supervises the preparation and maintenance of records of animals impounded or released to the JCAS, records of cases involving animal bites, collection and accounting for fees and fines collected
• Releases animal to claiming owners, adopts unclaimed animals to the public
• Vaccinates, performs medical tests, and administers necessary medication to animals in the care of JCAS
• Ensures that all treatment given to the animal is accurately documented in the animal’s medical record per state law
• Assisting local humane society in the transportation of animals to Spay/Neuter Clinics
• Transporting animals to local veterinarians for treatment and health checks prior to transfers
• Assigns work duties to volunteers and/or community service workers assigned to the JCAS
• Daily responsible for the enforcement of the Jackson County Dog Control Ordinance and North Carolina State Statutes concerning animal and rabies control by patrolling the county to locate unvaccinated and stray animals and issuing warnings of ordinance violations to owners of animals not in compliance
• Pick up stray animals and animals at large to reduce over population of unwanted animals within jurisdiction
• Vaccinates animals against rabies
• Performs euthanasia on sick and unwanted animals. Investigates complaints of animal bites and takes steps to assure confinement relating to bites as required by State Law
• Captures or destroys animals suspected of being rabid and arranges for shipment for laboratory analysis
• Investigates complaints concerning animal nuisances and takes proper steps for abatement if justified
• Maintains food and supplies inventory as well as ordering of necessary equipment, medical, and cleaning supplies
• Meets with community organizations regarding services and to develop cooperation between the JCAS and the public
• Responsible for establishing and maintaining good relations with all sectors of the community, including humane and private veterinary groups on behalf of the Animal Shelter and County government
• Assists at Animal Control Shelter in the care of animals by arranging for the adoption of animals; the care and feeding of animals in custody; and the cleaning and maintenance of animal cages
• Participating in Public Health Preparedness activities as directed by agency management; this employee will be expected to work as needed during public health emergencies, which may result in extended hours and long work shifts
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor, Health Director, Deputy Health Director, or Environmental Health Director.

Required Minimum Training:

Position requires graduation from high school or equivalent and one year of experience as an Animal Control Officer, security officer, or related law enforcement role; or an equivalent combination of training and experience. Valid North Carolina Driver’s license required.

Additional Training/Experience:

• Certified Euthanasia Technician (CET)
• Certified Rabies Vaccinator (CRV)
• Certified National Animal Control Association (NACA)

• Job requires comprehensive knowledge of county and state laws relating to animal and rabies control.
• Thorough knowledge of animal collection and disposal method.
• Ability to exercise sound judgement and deal tactfully with a wide range of public contacts while enforcing state laws and county ordinances pertaining to animal and rabies control.
• Fundamental knowledge of animal health and behavior and the ability to administer required medications, vaccinations, and tests.
• Certified in rabies vaccinations, performance of euthanasia, and animal cruelty investigations.

Statement of Equal Employment Opportunity

Jackson County recognizes its continued success in meeting the needs of its citizens requires the full and active participation of talented and committed individuals, regardless of their gender, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, disability or political affiliation. It is the policy of the County to foster, maintain, and promote equal opportunity by use of a systematic, consistent recruitment program, and to identify and attract the most qualified applicants for employment with the County. This policy is to be achieved by announcing all position vacancies, by evaluating all applicants using the same criteria, and by applying testing methods through the NC Career Works Office. Selection decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, disability, age, or sexual orientation.