Sheriff's Office - Animal Control Officer

Park County Government; Fairplay (CO); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Park County Government oversees the Sheriff’s Office in Fairplay, Colorado, and seeks an Animal Control Officer to enforce county resolutions and state statutes, with responsibilities including licensing, reporting, and transporting animals for euthanasia when necessary.

The role requires obtaining a BAP commission within two years, complying with park policies, and maintaining records. On-call shifts and emergency readiness are part of the duties.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• One year animal control or related experience preferred; BAP certification preferred (or must be able to obtain BAP certification within 2 years).
• POST certification is preferred.
• Must be 18 years or older.
• Must consent to and pass a background check.
• Valid Colorado Drivers License

Responsibilities

• Enforce County Animal Control resolutions and state statutes; issue penalties and summons (no arrest powers).
• Maintain accurate records of licenses, fees, and impounded animals.
• Testify in court when required; prepare written reports substantiating violations.
• Maintain knowledge of applicable laws and park county policies.
• Oversee facility operations and care for animals at the Animal Control Facility.
• Respond to emergencies as essential personnel when required.
• Work 10- or 12-hour shifts and provide 24/7 coverage as needed.
• Collaborate with support services for funds, records, and equipment.

Skills

Legal knowledge

Report writing

Communication

Calm under pressure

Decision making

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

BAP certification within 2 years

POST certification preferred

Valid Colorado Driver's License

Tools

Firearms

Job description

Sheriffs Office

Sheriff's Office - Animal Control Officer

Description

Under the direction of the supervisor, this position is primarily responsible for enforcing specific resolutions and/or ordinances enacted by Park County to regulate and control the domestic animal population for the safety and welfare of the public.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Shall be a compliance enforcement officer for Park County and shall obtain within 2 years and hold a commission as an animal protection officer through the Bureau of Animal Protection (BAP). Commission shall be for companion small animal and equine protection.


• Will have the power to enforce County Animal Control Resolutions 95-11, Park County Ordinances 03-01 and State animal control statutes. This enforcement power is limited to issuance of Penalty Assessments and Summons, with no arrest powers.


• Shall maintain a good working knowledge of all County Resolutions, Ordinances and appropriate State Statues. Will fairly enforce those resolutions, ordinances and statutes respecting the public’s constitutional rights. Shall prepare appropriate written reports to substantiate all violations cited, and be prepared to testify on behalf of the County and State in court, including cruelty cases.


• Will be required to know and follow all Park County Sheriff’s Office Policies and Procedures.


• Will be responsible for the issuance of Park County Dog Licenses, keeping accurate records on all licenses issued. Will be responsible for all money received and turn that deposit over to Support Services.


• Will be responsible for collecting Impound fees and Park County Resolution Summon fees, keep accurate records of all monies received and will turn those monies over to Support Services.


• Shall be responsible for maintaining, in good working condition, any vehicle issued him/her and notify the Supervisor of any repairs necessary. Will also be responsible for any other animal control equipment, office equipment, and supplies issued to the officer.


• Shall be responsible for maintaining the Park County Animal Control Facility, keeping the facility clean at all times. Will be responsible to oversee that all pens and cages are cleaned daily. Will also clean all pens and cages daily if necessary. Will be responsible for supervising part‑time officers, auxiliary officers and any volunteers or community service workers who are assigned to cleaning duties at the facility.


• Will work scheduled on‑call shifts.


• Will be responsible for overseeing that all animals are fed and proper care is given in a humane manner, keeping accurate records on all animals taken into custody at the Animal Control Facility.


• Shall be responsible for transporting animals to be euthanized when not claimed or adopted. Shall be responsible for the disposal of euthanized dog and cat carcasses. In addition to carcasses of euthanized animals, will also dispose of any dog or cat carcasses found on public property with owner identification.


• Will answer directly to the Animal Control Officer Supervisor.


• This position may be required to respond as essential personnel during an emergency as Emergency Services Function (ESF) 13-Public Safety and Security.


• Must be able to work assigned sheets to meet the needs of the department to provide 24‑7 coverage which includes holidays, weekends and night shifts


• All other related duties as may be assigned.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Knowledge of or ability to learn applicable local, state and federal laws and applicable county ordinances


• Knowledge of first aid and medical procedures and practices


• Knowledge of or ability to learn County geography and surrounding areas including roads, streets, landmarks, buildings and similar feature


• Knowledge of and skill in use of firearms, adhering to the policies and procedures established to carry the firearm as it relates to the duties of this position


• Skill in use of other job‑related equipment


• Ability to make decisions in a timely manner under critical or stressful situations


• Ability to understand and exchange verbal/written instruction or information and maintain a calm demeanor during a time of crisis and when dealing with persons who may be hysterical, abusive, incoherent, intoxicated or excited.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Ability to read and review documents, reports and training materials


• Ability to observe activities while on patrol and at crime scenes


• Ability to use close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision and depth perception


• Ability to regularly talk and hear; communicate effectively in person, in writing and over a radio or via telephone


• Ability to discuss situations and make presentations to the public and to testify in court

Physical Effort/Dexterity

• Requires occasional moderate to heavy physical activity, especially when transporting animals; must be able to lift or move 50 lbs.


• Ability to occasionally climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; and taste or smell


• Ability to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and to reach with hands and arms


• Ability to control or restrain animals


• Ability to operate a computer keyboard and various types of computer


• Ability to safely operate a vehicle

Environmental Factors: The County is rural with paved and unpaved mountain roads. Environmental conditions of the position may include exposure on an occasional basis to dangerous animals and/or potentially aggressive residents. Work is frequently conducted outside in hot/cold temperatures, in wet/dry conditions and through uneven terrain or in undesirable locations. Extreme wind, snow and ice conditions occur during winter months. There is moderate exposure to loud noises.

Work Schedule: Work is performed on a 10‑hour or 12‑hour shift schedule depending on department needs.

Job Location: Park County Sheriff's Office, Fairplay, Colorado 80440; there is a substation in Bailey, Colorado and Lake George, Colorado

Qualifications

General Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or equivalent


• One year animal control or related experience preferred; BAP certification preferred (or must be able to obtain BAP certification within 2 years)


• POST certification is preferred


• Must be 18 years or older


• Must consent to and pass a background check


• Valid Colorado Drivers License

Special Requirements

• Bureau of Animal Protection Commission must be obtained within 2 years of date of hire.


• Must complete a minimum of 10 hours/year training through the BAP in order to maintain certification.


• Must complete 32 hours of continuing education every two years for the Bureau of Animal Protection.


• Must be able to pass background check including: background investigation, psychological evaluation, physical examination, drug screen


• Must be able to meet department proficiency standards for specialized equipment including: Firearms

Miscellaneous Information

Park County is an EEO employer.