Animal Management Officer

City of Arvada; Arvada (CO); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Arvada seeks an Animal Control Officer to respond to and investigate animal-related code violations, capture animals, and prepare cases for court. You will educate the public on ordinances and responsible pet ownership while maintaining accurate records.

Must have or obtain Colorado Animal Control Officer Certification and a valid driver’s license. Prior customer service in a high-pressure setting is required; duties include driving city vehicles and coordinating with multiple

Qualifications

• Must possess current Colorado Animal Control Officer Certification or obtain within one year of hire.
• Two years customer service experience in a high-pressure environment required.
• Ability to work alone and in a team with strong communication and data entry skills.

Responsibilities

• Respond to and investigate animal-related code violations to determine valid actions.
• Capture or confine domestic animals, livestock and wildlife as needed.
• Gather evidence, issue citations, prepare cases and testify in court when required.
• Maintain police records with clear documentation and monthly reports.
• Educate owners about ordinances and responsible pet ownership while ensuring safety.

Skills

Communication skills

Data entry

Typing

Teamwork

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Colorado Animal Control Officer Certification

Tools

Heat laser thermometer

Digital camera

Microchip reader

Job description

Starting salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity. The range listed reflects the entire range and typical placement is entry to mid range.

All positions close Friday morning at 12:01am.

Essential Job Functions

• Responds to and investigates allegations of municipal code violations related to animals including those that are stray, sick, vicious, injured, or dead to determine validity of complaints and determine the appropriate course of action to mitigate the problem.
• Captures controls or confines domestic animals, livestock, and wildlife.
• Collects evidence, issues citations, conducts follow-up, prepares cases, authors search warrants, and testifies in court hearings and trials.
• Documents call for service, completes reports, and maintain related information in police records management system.
• Demonstrates a high level of ethics, integrity, and confidentiality.
• Uses specialized safety equipment to ensure personal safety such as a Conducted Electrical Weapon, catch pole and snappy snare.
• Interacts with the public via phone, electronic mail, in writing or in person to ascertain complaints and to provide or gather information related to complaints, enforcement, and other city codes.
• Transmits clearly and concisely on police radio and follows proper radio procedure.
• Exercises initiative and judgment as well as makes decisions and problem solves in a variety of situations.
• Performs informal mediation and makes referrals to formal mediation.
• Consults, interacts, and coordinates with a variety of city departments.
• Prepares monthly statistical reports for general patrol and park enforcement activity.
• Prepares and completes educational presentations for schools or other community members.
• Educates owners and complainants about current ordinances in effect and responsible pet ownership.
• Frequently operates a personal or City-owned motor vehicle to drive to and from work locations throughout the City.

Other Job Functions

• Operates an emergency city vehicle equipped with a SWAB unit with only side mirrors (designed to carry animals) in normal and high-profile situations.
• Performs euthanasia as necessary using Schedule III drugs and/or assists with euthanasia decisions.
• Assists patrol with traffic control, evacuations, and transportation of large pieces of evidence/found property.
• Participates in miscellaneous city committees, attends neighborhood meetings and special events.
• Assists with training of new hires.
• Utilizes hazing devices such as pepper ball guns to displace menacing wildlife.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Ability to work alone and in a team environment. Ability to complete general office duties including data entry, filing and copying. Ability to use special equipment to capture evidence such as a heat laser thermometer, digital camera, microchip reader or other small tools. Ability to effectively communicate information, both verbally and in writing, to support organizational objectives and interact with all levels of personnel within the city in a positive and cooperative manner. Must be able to operate a motor vehicle.

License & Certification

Must possess current Colorado Animal Control Officer Certification through the Animal Welfare Association of Colorado (AWAC), or obtain within one (1) year from date of hire. Must successfully complete all annual and as-needed in-service training and certification requirements. A valid Colorado driver's license and acceptable driving record is required. Must obtain and maintain a Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Certification.

Education

Degree High School/GED Education Required Yes Work Experience Related Human relations and interpersonal communication skills as demonstrated . Two (2) years customer service experience in a high-pressure work environment required. Proficiency in computer and typing.

Work Experience

Preferred: One (1) year experience related to animal management, or an environment designated for the treatment, care and placement of animals preferred.

Other Qualifications

Position is subject to an extensive background check, which may include fingerprinting, a polygraph examination, verification of employment and education, a review of criminal and driving records, reference checks, and other relevant factors as required. Must obtain and maintain a Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Certification. Associates degree preferred.

Physical Demands

Strenuous to extreme physical effort that includes frequent use of heavy objects (e.g., 50+ pounds) and may also use heavy tools or require strenuous application in awkward positions. Individuals in strenuous positions must successfully complete a physical examination to ensure their fitness for duty.

Hazards

Occasional hazards that are predictable or well protected against (Hazardous waste, ladders, cleaning supplies, trips and falls).

Work Environment

Regular exposure to heat and noise along with working outside in the elements.

The City of Arvada offers a robust Total Rewards package.

Vision

We Dream Big and Deliver

Mission

We are dedicated to delivering superior services to enhance the lives of everyone in our community.

Values

Innovation: We excel in creativity, flexibility and the use of best practices while valuing diverse backgrounds, ideas and perspectives.

Passion: We are a high performing, inclusive team inspiring each other to pursue excellence.

Opportunity: We value our diversity, embrace possibilities, face challenges, persevere and take action to deliver quality results.

The City’s Core values are in every employee’s individual Performance Plan which helps us to reinforce our expectations for living and working by our Core Values. Every City employee is expected to perform his/her job to the highest professional standards. This includes upholding the City’s values with integrity and accountability, acting in a manner that is respectful and inclusive towards others, and adhering to the City’s policy on employee conduct as detailed in the personnel rules sec. 70-143.

The City is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

We have consistently received Top Workplace awards since 2012. Most recently, we received USA Today's Top Workplaces Award.