GENERAL DEFINITION OF WORK: FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Performs difficult skilled trades work in the enforcement of ordinances regulating the keeping, control, and protection of animals within the county; does related work as required. Work is performed under the occasional supervision of the Chief Animal Control Officer and the County Administrator.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/TYPICAL TASKS:
Responding to animal control calls; investigating complaints; enforcing animal control laws; capturing animals; maintaining records and files; preparing reports.
(These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.)
- Supervises, trains, and counsels kennel attendants and volunteers.
- Picks up stray and unwanted animals.
- Receives, investigates and answers livestock and cruelty complaints.
- Issues appropriate warning notices and citations.
- Traps nuisance and domesticated animals in a humane manner.
- Sets up and advertises for annual rabies clinics with Veterinarians and the Health Department; ensures owners have their animals vaccinated throughout the county.
- Humanely performs Euthanasia.
- Feeds animals, cleans and disinfects pens and cages to state standards, and provides a suitable environment for the animals
- Issues appropriate criminal summons; obtains warrants
- Enforces confinement periods and dog license ordinance;
- Completes and maintains records and files.
- Monitors and maintains the shelter's social media account.
- Assists with vehicle maintenance.
- Performs related tasks as required.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
General knowledge of the state laws, county ordinances, and regulations governing the control of dogs and the protection of livestock; general knowledge of the geography of the County; general knowledge of the care, control and handling of dogs and other animals; ability to recognize rabies symptoms and other animal diseases and some knowledge of the methods and procedures to be followed; ability to collect facts and prepare reports; ability to work professionally and tactfully with the public; skill in the application of specialized animal capture techniques and in the use of a firearm; ability to handle, lift and/or manage heavy animals; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates and the general public in a calm manner.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from high school and some experience in work involving the care of animals and working with the public.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
This is heavy work requiring the exertion of 100 pounds of force occasionally, up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects; work requires stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, pushing, pulling, lifting, and grasping; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word, hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels, and to receive detailed information through oral communications and/or to make fine distinctions in sound; visual acuity is required for depth perception, color perception, night vision, peripheral vision, preparing and analyzing written or computer data, operation of motor vehicles or equipment, and observing general surroundings and activities; the worker is subject to inside and outside environmental conditions, and noise.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
Possession of a valid driver's license in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Ability to obtain shotgun, pepper spray, and baton certification. Possession of an animal control officer certification or the ability to acquire one. Must meet and maintain minimum training and experience requirements for the position as established by the department and the Commonwealth of Virginia.