Animal Control Officer

NOTICE TO APPLICANT

This position will close at 12: 00AM MST on the End Date. End Date: May 27, 2025.

You must ensure your application reflects the correct and current information for your work experience, hours worked per week per position, education, personal information, etc.

Only the information provided on this application is evaluated when determining compensation.

**This is a Bargaining Unit Position**

**An Individual whose qualifications exceed the minimum qualifications for the job may be hired above the minimum of the range based on full years of related work experience as presented on the application.**

Job Description

PURPOSE SUMMARY.  Reporting to the Manager, Animal Control, performs animal control enforcement duties, enforces animal control ordinances and with Sheriff’s Department coordination - state statutes, captures/restrains a variety of stray, vicious, injured, wild and stray or unwanted domesticated dogs and/or cats using humane methods to minimize injury to animals while maintaining safety.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES. 

1. Patrols assigned areas to locate animals in violation of animal regulations, laws, and ordinances.

• Safely captures and removes stray, uncontrolled, or abused animals from undesirable conditions using nets, catch poles, leases, muzzles, and traps as necessary.

• Scans captured animals for microchip using issued microchip scanner and contacts animal owners to attempt to return animal prior to impound.

• Places captured animals in animal control vehicles and transports animals to impound facility.

• Impounds animals and completes required paperwork to ensure accurate accountability of all animals impounded.

• Cleans and sanitize animal control cages after each impound to clean bodily fluid, blood and to eliminate spread of zoonotic diseases.

• Verifies validity of animal and permit licenses in accordance with regulations and issues warnings or citations for non-compliance.

• Conducts investigation of complaints concerning treatment of animals; discuss compliance plan with owner and/or refers to law enforcement in accordance with department procedures for state statute violations.

• Initiates follow-up visits and inspections to ensure compliance.

• Submits reports of enforcement activities and case reports before the end of shift.

• Responds to calls for service and when required rabies submission job responsibilities for animal bites and bats.

2. Responsible for safe capture of snakes that pose threat to public safety using issued tongs.

3. Responds to public inquiries and complaints regarding animal violations.

4. Prepares for prosecution related to violations of ordinances.

• Initiates case file preparation in coordination with Case Worker

• Prepares written reports and takes pictures as documentation.

• Testifies in court proceedings.

5. Provides options for mediation between neighbors in resolving animal related disputes and issues.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES.  Performs other related duties as assigned.

• Educate the public at school presentations and other County events on animal regulations and licensing requirements.

• Handles difficult situations using professionalism and tact.

• Performs special projects and activities or related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS. 

A. Education.  High School Diploma or equivalent is required.

B. Experience. A minimum of six (6) months full-time work experience in any of the following:   professional care and handling of animals; law enforcement; enforcing environmental health laws, law enforcement; jailer; or   relevant military experience. Bilingual (English/Spanish) is preferred to effectively communicate with citizens when responding to calls in the community.

C. Education/Experience substitution.

D. Licenses/Certifications.  Valid Class D Drivers License with verified record of good driving history.  Current National Animal Control Association (NACA or related) Certification is preferred.

E. Other (e.g., post-offer medical exam, polygraph, background check, driver’s license record, etc.).  Background check, driver’s license record check.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED BY THE POSITION:

Knowledge of basic care and custody, treatment, and diseases of various animals; administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as work processing, managing files and records and other office procedures and terminology, performing daily vehicle inspections and minor vehicle maintenance; and defensive tactics to minimize injury when capturing animals in the County and its boundaries.

Skills in handling domestic animals; interpreting and applying County ordinances and state statutes relating to animal control enforcement, working independently while recognizing issues that should be referred to the supervisor; and identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Ability to use computers; operate two-way radio systems utilizing 10 code; identify different breeds and species of animals; communicate information and ideas effectively in written and oral form so that others will understand; actively looking for ways to resolve situations; and establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with others.

Compensation Range

$16.00 - $24.26

Doña Ana County is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. It is our policy to abide by all federal and state laws prohibiting employment discrimination on the basis of a person’s race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, disability, serious medical condition, genetic information, ancestry, spousal affiliation, gender identity, sexual orientation or any other unlawful criteria, except where a reasonable Bona Fide Occupational Qualification exists.

Doña Ana County will make reasonable accommodation(s) for the known physical or mental limitations of an applicant with a disability, upon request, unless the accommodation(s) would cause an undue hardship on the operation of the County. Please see http://www.donaanacounty.org/ada/ for our Public Notice and to get the Testing/Interview Accommodation Request Form or call 575-647-7210 for assistance.

Salary/Compensation: $16.00 - $24.26 per hour

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