The Animal Control Department Head assumes responsibility for the coordination, planning, scheduling and management of the Walker County Animal Control staff; enforcement of ordinances related to the control and care of animals; and ensures the safe and humane treatment of all animals while upholding the highest standard of animal care.
JOB SUMMARY
The Animal Control Department is responsible for responding to all domestic animal complaints. This position responds to rabies issues with wild animals and domestic animals; any public health or safety issues that are domestic animal-related.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
- Manage all aspects of the day-to-day animal control operations and ensure that work is done in a timely fashion and in accordance with established procedures and state laws
- Properly manage the budgeted funds of the Animal Control department
- Train, evaluate, supervise, schedule and direct the activities of the Animal Control staff, so as to provide for their growth and to maximize the potential of all employees for the good of the County
- Work collaboratively with all staff members to achieve the completion of daily work assignments, following proper animal control protocols; has accountability for measurable results in these areas
- Treat animals humanely, with compassion and concern, both on and off the job
- Regularly conduct and participate in meetings with the staff to share ideas and suggestions designed to improve working conditions and the overall care for animals
- Foster a team environment by working effectively with all departments and members of Walker County Government to accomplish department and organizational goals and objectives
- Maintain written equipment and daily operational supply inventory, ensuring necessary tools and resources are readily available to staff when needed
- Manage all complaints/reports regarding domesticated animals
- Manage all complaints/reports of possible abuse, neglect and cruelty to domestic animals
- Pick up stray domesticated animals running at large in the community, provided the Animal Shelter has capacity
- Perform animal control officer duties as required; provide technical assistance to subordinates in difficult, technical or sensitive situations
- Examine domesticated animals on-premises to determine if that animal is in immediate danger and needs to be removed from the premises
- Patrol areas where the county receives a high volume of animal complaints
- Investigate all complaints/reports of any animal (wild or domestic) with possible rabies exposure
- Write and issue citations to animal owners for violations of Walker County codes pertaining to animals
- Appear/testify in court when called upon by the County Attorney
- Serve as a liaison to the Walker County Animal Control Board
- File caseload paperwork on animal incidents accurately and in a timely manner
- Complete reports containing pertinent information for each animal brought into the shelter by an Animal Control Officer
- Assist/work with shelter staff in offloading animals from the Animal Control truck
- Clean and disinfect bed of Animal Control truck after each time an animal is brought in to the shelter to prevent disease and cross-contamination
- Assist shelter staff in euthanasia when called upon
- Conduct semi-annual inspections of the property where Classified Dogs are located.
- Work 911-based Animal Control after-hours calls on a rotating shift for nights and holidays
- Perform daily vehicle inspection of assigned Animal Control truck
- Wash and clean inside & outside of assigned Animal Control truck as needed
- Attend Animal Control training/conferences from time to time
- Advise citizens on responsibilities of animal ownership
- Other duties as assigned; duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- High School Diploma or GED
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Experience with animals preferred
SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- Ability to maintain confidence and control around animals
- Strong working knowledge of Walker County Animal Care Ordinances
- Ability to provide excellent customer service to citizens at all times, especially in stressful circumstances, by providing friendly interaction with citizens and animals
- General safety rules and regulations pertaining to duties
- Use of catchpole, cat tongs, baton, and dart gun
- Must be able to drive a pick-up truck with an animal cage attachment on the bed
- Use of computer, copier, smartphone, and other general office equipment
- Ability to follow procedures and policies pertaining to job duties and responsibilities
- Wear provided county uniform at all times while on duty
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS
- POST Certified Officer
- Weapon carry permit
- A valid driver’s license and maintain a satisfactory Motor Vehicle Report (MVR)
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
These physical demands are representative of the physical requirements for an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the Animal Control Officer‘s job. Reasonable accommodation can be made to enable people with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.
While performing the responsibilities of the job, the employee is required to stand, walk, sit, climb, bend, crouch, and twist to perform such tasks as:
- Observing the area and communicating with others
- Walking around the worksite
- Lifting supplies and equipment
- Sitting while driving
- Reaching for objects and equipment
- Kneeling, bending, or crouching to subdue, restrain, or capture an animal
- Crawling under equipment or inside attics, pipes or ditches
- Pushing and pulling file drawers or tables and chairs
- Climbing stairs and ladders
- Balancing on ladders and uneven surfaces
- Twisting from computer to phone, getting inside a vehicle, getting through tight places
Hand and foot dexterity is required to operate a vehicle, control equipment, office equipment, and paperwork.
Hearing and speech are necessary to communicate with citizens and co-workers in person, by telephone and radio.
Good vision is required for all functions.
This position must be able to lift 35 pounds frequently and 75 pounds occasionally. Pushing, pulling, tugging, and towing when transporting animals by leash or in cages is also performed on a frequent basis. Some larger canine breeds may exceed 100 pounds.
Physical hazards include exposure to dangerous and fractious animals, animal bites and scratches are common, so the need for restraint of temperamental, aggressive, and sick animals on a regular basis. The physical agility and mental acuity to handle these sudden and potentially dangerous situations is a must.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is usually exposed to a noise level that is moderate to loud. About 10% of the work is performed in a controlled office environment with regulated heating and air conditioning.
An estimated 90% of the time is spent driving from one location to another in traffic and weather conditions normal to this region, and working out of doors, without the aid of air conditioning and heating for periods of time, as well as exposure to wind, rain, heat, cold and other environmental elements.
STANDARDS FOR MEASURING PERFORMANCE
- Successful development and implementation of objectives; continuous growth in service provided
- Ability to work alone or with a team
- Appropriate and positive interaction with staff, management, volunteers, community groups, professional associates and private citizens
- The accomplishment of job functions in an effective and timely manner
- Proficiency in oral and written communication
- Effectiveness in establishing priorities, working on multiple assignments and concurrent projects
- Exercise of sound judgment in the absence of specific guidelines
- Demonstrated ability to thoroughly analyze problems; to meet demanding and changing deadlines in spite of interruptions
- Adherence to established policies and procedures