Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.
DEFINITION
Enforce state, county and City animal control laws, respond to and investigate animal control violations; and issue citations or summons for violations and testify in court as required; capture and impound stray, dangerous, or unlicensed animals as needed; remove deceased animals from public and private properties; educate the public on responsible pet ownership and animal control regulations; collaborate with other agencies to resolve animal-related issues; perform other duties as assigned. testify in court; provide information to the public and respond to citizen requests.
JOB CLASSIFICATION
Non-Exempt, Safety Sensitive.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives supervision from assigned Police Sergeant.
PRIMARY DUTIES--The following are examples of primary duties assigned to positions in this classification. Other related duties and responsibilities may be assigned.
1. Enforce state, county, and City animal control laws; respond to citizen requests and help solve animal control issues and complaints.
2. Investigate animal control violations, cruelty, neglect, abandonment, and animal attacks; issue warnings, penalty assessments and/or summons: prepare detailed reports; testify in court as required.
3. Patrol assigned areas to locate, capture, and impound stray, dangerous, or unlicensed animals; ensure humane treatment during capture and transport; remove deceased animals from public and private properties.
4. Respond to emergency calls involving injured, aggressive, or rabid animals; utilize proper safety equipment and de-escalation techniques to resolve situations.
5. Assess the health and condition of animals encountered in the field; provide or recommend veterinary care as needed.
6. Engage with the community through public speaking, school programs, and public events to promote responsible pet ownership.
7. Collaborate with local law enforcement, shelters, veterinarians, and other agencies to manage animal-related incidents and ensure proper handling of cases.
8. Maintain accurate records of investigations, impoundments, and enforcement activities; use computer systems to manage data and generate reports.
9. Perform other duties of a similar nature or level.
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
Operations, services, and activities of an animal control program.
Methods and techniques of animal handling, capture, and restraint, including the use of traps, nets, and tranquilizers. Methods and techniques of research and investigation.
Customer service principles and problem resolution techniques.
General mathematics including addition, subtraction, division, and multiplication.
Principles and practices of record keeping.
Modern office technology and equipment, including computers and related software applications.
Principles and practices of data entry.
English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation.
Applicable Federal, State, and local codes, laws and regulations.
Ability to:
Interpret, explain, and enforce pertinent ordinances, laws and regulations impartially and and effectively..
Operate specialized equipment related to animal control programs safely.
Respond to requests and inquiries from the public and City employees.
Prepare technical reports, statements and correspondence for court evidence and public presentations.
Deal with the public in difficult or heightened situations.
Establish and maintain accurate records, logs and files.
Interpret and apply Federal, State and local policies, laws and regulations.
Operate and use modern office equipment including computers and various software applications.
Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
Exercise judgement and independent decision making.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Speak, read, comprehend, and write the English language fluently.
Experience and Training Guidelines
Equivalent to:
Experience:
Two (2) years of increasingly responsible experience in animal services, law enforcement or related field.
Training:
High School Diploma or G.E.D.
Other combinations of experience and education that meet the minimum requirements may be substituted.
License or Certificate
Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Colorado driver’s license.
Possession of, or ability to obtain, Colorado Association of Animal Control Officers certification within 1 year of employment.
Possession of, or ability to obtain, National Animal Control Association certification within 1 year of employment.
Possession of, or ability to obtain, First Aid and CPR certification within 1 year of employment.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Environmental Conditions:
The job is performed in the following working environment:
Office environment; exposure to computer screens.
Field enviorment
The following condition(s) may be present on a continuing basis:
Local Travel
Extreme temperatures
Environmental (disruptive people, potentially dangerous animals, imminent danger, threatening environment)
Hazardous materials (blood and other animal fluids, etc.)
Physical Conditions:
The job is characterized by:
Intermediate Work: Exerting up to 75 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 40 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 15 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
The following physical activities are very or extremely important in accomplishing the job’s purpose and are performed daily:
Position requires hearing, talking, standing, walking on level and slippery surfaces, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, stooping, squatting, crouching, grasping and making repetitive hand movement in the performance of daily duties. The need to lift, carry and push animals, equipment and supplies weighing 75 pounds is also required. This outdoor position works in all weather conditions. Animals and chemicals used may expose the employee to fumes, dust and air contaminants. The nature of the work may require exposure to heavy vehicle traffic conditions with constant interruptions.