Jobs Animal Control Officer

Summary

Pottawattamie County Public Health is announcing the hiring of an Animal Control Officer.

An individual in this position enforces state and local laws regarding unlicensed, stray and uncontrolled animals.  Investigates complaints, captures animals, assists with Midland Human Society functions and activities as required, and provides education and outreach.

Pottawattamie County offers employees a strong benefit plan at a reasonable cost. Our benefit offerings include health, dental, vision, life insurance, long-term disability, and other voluntary benefits.
 
To highlight some of our amazing benefits:
 

• We offer a family plan at $218.30 per month cost to the employee, with an additional $30 savings if the employee participates in the wellness program.
• $500 family deductible
• 100% employer paid long-term disability coverage
• Premium free dental coverage
• generous paid time off; sick leave and vacation leave
• IPERS retirement; Unlike benefits from other retirement plans, IPERS benefits aren’t tied to the performance of the stock market. With IPERS, you don’t need to make complicated investment decisions for your retirement dreams to become a reality.

Essential Functions

Attendance at work reporting location is essential to this position.
 
Responds to animal complaint calls from the public during working hours and on an on-call rotating basis after working hours.
 
Investigates complaints and captures unlicensed, stray or uncontrolled animals by snaring animal with a net, catch-pole or other device or by chemical capture.   Follow-up with complainant regarding disposition. 
 
Investigates and evaluates routine cases of alleged cruelty to animals and complaints of animals causing excessive noise.
 
Investigates complaints of animal bites, reports findings to appropriate authority and arranges for appropriate identification and quarantine.
 
Secures or cages animal in vehicle and transports to appropriate kennel.
 
Supplies food, water and personal care to detained animals.   Monitors and observes animals for signs of illness or injury and reports symptoms to supervisor. 
 
Examines captured animals for injuries and/or disease and delivers injured animals to Veterinarian for medical treatment.
 
Administers micro-chips as needed.
 
Examines dog licenses for validity and issues warnings or summonses to delinquent owners.
 
Maintains dog license program, organizes, prepares and sends out annual notices.
 
Makes arrangements for unclaimed or rabid animals and/or euthanize if directed by the Director of Planning and Development.
 
Educates the public by giving presentations individually or to large groups explaining state and local laws, codes and regulations relating to the care and control of animals, filing of complaints and authorities of the shelter.
 
Assist the public in claiming lost animals.
 
Collect and record license, impound, and other similar fees. 
 
Performs computer input and retrieval functions to prepare and maintain records and reports including but not limited to: the number of animals impounded and disposition of each. 
 
Testifies in court regarding citations and disposition of complaints.
 
Attends various training courses, seminars and conferences to maintain knowledge of current trends and developments in job-related skills and techniques.
 
Operates a motor vehicle in the performance of job duties and must have the ability to pull a trailer if needed.
 
Oversees On-Call personnel staffing levels and schedule.
 
May be required to work evenings, weekends and holidays.
 
Perform other duties as directed or as the situation dictates.
 

Essential Knowledge, Experience, and Ability

Knowledge of and the ability to apply the proper safety precautions necessary to work safely with and around unlicensed, stray and uncontrollable animals.   Knowledge of the humane handling, treatment and care of animals.   Knowledge of basic species and breed identification of a variety of domestic and common wild animals.   Knowledge of the symptoms and behavior associated with rabies and other common diseases of animals.   Knowledge of and the ability to administer micro-chips, chemical capture techniques and euthanasia by lethal injection in a humane and gentle manner.   Knowledge of and the ability to maneuver devices utilized in capturing animals, i.e., net, rope, cages, and other similar devices.   Knowledge of and the ability to apply office procedures and standard clerical techniques utilized in an office setting.   Knowledge of the English language and the ability to utilize proper grammar, spelling and punctuation.   Working knowledge and skill in the use of a smart phone and personal computer and software applications including word processing, spreadsheets, and departmental software.    Ability to learn and apply applicable sections of the Code of Iowa and state and federal guidelines as they pertain to job functions.   Ability to learn and apply county policy and regulations which impact job duties.   Ability to utilize public speaking techniques to present information to a wide variety of individuals and large groups.   Ability to maintain composure when working with animals which may be uncontrollable and/or dangerous.   Ability to assess animal behavior and make effective decisions regarding handling and capturing animals.   Ability to operate a motor vehicle with or without a trailer in all types of weather conditions.   Ability to observe and record facts accurately about animals, persons, objects and events.   Ability to plan and organize a personal work schedule, set priorities and meet deadlines.   Ability to work independently and to adhere to safety policies and procedures without close supervision.   Ability to read maps and to learn the geography of the county.

Ability to understand and follow both oral and written instructions.   Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, in English.   Ability to learn and to operate standard office equipment.   Ability to type accurately using a keyboard and personal computer.   Ability to deal with the general public in a courteous and tactful manner, especially in times of crisis.  Ability to use persuasion and diplomacy in soliciting cooperation from reluctant animal owners.   Ability to interact effectively with individuals from diverse cultures and socio-economic status.   Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the general public, Sheriff's office, government officials, supervisors, fellow employees and volunteers.

Essential Education, Certification, and/or Licenses

Must possess a valid driver's license at the time of hire and maintain it throughout the course of employment.   Must obtain Animal Control Officer 1 & 2 Certifications from the National Animal Care and Control Association within one (1) year of employment and maintain throughout the course of employment.

Must successfully pass/complete the following:   Background Investigation, Pre-Employment Physical including Back Screen, Pre-Employment Drug Test.