Animal Control & Welfare Officer

City of Columbia; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 38,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Columbia is seeking an Animal Control Officer to patrol the city, investigate nuisance and abusive animal reports, and enforce ordinances. You will respond to stray and diseased animal calls, capture and transport animals to the shelter, assist law enforcement, issue citations, and maintain licensing records.

Position requires a high school diploma or GED, two years of relevant experience, a valid SC Driver’s License and Humane Euthanasia certification.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Two years of relevant prior experience.
• Valid South Carolina Class “D” Driver’s License.
• S.C. Humane Euthanasia certification.
• Knowledge of basic math for calculating ratios, rates and percentages.
• Ability to gather, organize, analyze, examine or evaluate data and may prescribe action.

Responsibilities

• Patrols areas of the City on foot or in assigned vehicles to detect violations of city and state laws and ordinances pertaining to animal control.
• Investigates complaints of dogs, cats or other animals creating nuisances and takes appropriate action.
• Investigates reports of animal abuse; files charges as appropriate; prepares cases for prosecution and provides court testimony.
• Responds to calls regarding stray, vicious and/or diseased animals; responds to calls regarding animal bites; performs preliminary investigations.
• Captures and transports stray, sick, injured or potentially rabid animals to the shelter for appropriate processing, care and treatment, and quarantine as necessary.
• Assists law enforcement personnel in situations involving animals as requested.
• Issues warnings and citations for violations of City ordinances governing the care and keeping of animals.
• Works with other Animal Control staff to ensure that the animals at the shelter are properly maintained and cared for; assists with animal shelter operations and maintenance as scheduled.
• Performs euthanasia of animals as necessary.
• Enforces pet licensing for dogs and cats that belong to City residents.
• Assesses, collects, receipts and records various fines and fees.
• Provides public education regarding animal control; explains ordinances related to the care and keeping of animals.
• Assists in coordinating department activities with the Department of Health and Environmental Control and other agencies as appropriate.
• Maintains assigned vehicles and equipment.
• Maintains records of daily work activities.
• Performs routine clerical duties as required, including but not limited to greeting and assisting customers, preparing forms, reports and correspondence, entering and retrieving computer data, answering the telephone, copying and filing documents, etc.;
• Attends training, meetings, workshops, etc., as necessary to maintain job knowledge, skills and required certifications; and
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Data analysis

Public safety

Communication skills

Documentation

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Animal control equipment

Cameras

Computer literacy

Job description

City of Columbia is seeking an Animal Control Officer to patrol the city, investigate nuisance and abusive animal reports, and enforce ordinances. You will respond to stray and diseased animal calls, capture and transport animals to the shelter, assist law enforcement, issue citations, and maintain licensing records.

Position requires a high school diploma or GED, two years of relevant experience, a valid SC Driver’s License and Humane Euthanasia certification.