Animal Control Officer

ANMIAL CONTROL OFFICER

BENZIE COUNTY

Benzie County is seeking qualified individuals who are interested in serving full-time as animal control officer. The Animal Control Officer enforces all State Laws and Local Ordinances associated with animal control which includes issuing citations. He/she responds to citizen complaints regarding animals as well as patrols the county to pick up stray animals and respond to other animal related concerns. The purpose of this position is to balance the public health, safety and welfare needs of the citizens and all domestic animals in Benzie County by responsibly and humanly enforcing animal related laws. The Officer is responsible for the euthanasia process in coordination of a veterinarian. The Officer works under the direction of the County Administrator and assists in overseeing the daily operation of the Benzie County Animal Shelter and works in coordination with the Animal Shelter Attendant and Animal Shelter Volunteers. The Officer oversees all staff and animals. Position may include evening and weekend hours on a rotating schedule which may include on-call hours. This position requires the ability to work independently with much time spent out of the building handling animal control issues.

JOB RESPONSIBLITIES

1. Enforces Benzie County Animal Control Ordinance and State Law.

2. Responds to and investigates complaints related to stray domestic animals, barking dogs, animal bites, deceased or injured animals, livestock killings or wounding and other animal related complaints, and takes action to resolve the matter.

3. Works with owners and neighbors in the attempted resolution of animal related problems.

4. Investigates suspected cases of animal abuse or neglect, includes reviewing the condition of the animals, interviewing the owner and witnesses, and determines whether or not to issue a citation. Consults with a veterinarian to examine abused animals as needed.

5. Patrols the county to enforce animal laws and pick up any stray animals. Leashes catchpoles, traps and tranquilizer guns may be used to catch and impound animals. May use firearm in the case of severely injured or dangerous animals.

6. Ensures that dogs that have bitten individuals or other animals are quarantined as required by law.

7. Documents results of investigations by completing reports. Reports are to be completed on all calls and on all animals impounded, returned to owner, adopted and euthanized.

8. Informs and educates the public on animal control laws and ordinances and related issues.

9. Sells dog licenses and assists the Treasures office in maintenance of the records related to licenses while patrolling.

10. Responsible for overseeing the kennel area including but not limited to cleaning, disinfecting, feeding and care for animals.

11. Conducts inspections and issues licenses for dog kennels in Benzie County according to state law.

12. Shows animals to the public for possible adoption in coordination with the Animal Shelter Attendant.

13. Works with staff, volunteers, trustees, and community service workers in coordination with the Animal Shelter Attendant.

14. Works with Administration to prepare an annual budget that includes, but is not limited to Animal Control services, donations, and veterinary costs.

15. Oversees the implementation of Animal Control Office through the County Administrator. Monitors operations to establish standards and procedures. Identifies opportunities for improvement.

16. Works with County Administration to draft and maintain department policies and procedures.

17. Directs the preparation and maintenance of reports that are necessary to carry out the functions of the department.

18. Participates in county board meetings and departmental staff meetings and attends other meetings and seminars as needed.

19. Assist new officers and existing officers during daily operations.

20. Recommends staff training needs to County Administration.

21. Monitors appropriate levels of supplies, equipment and inventory to ensure an effective operation.

22. Coordinates multifaced response to a wide range of animal related issues often involving law enforcement.

23. Prepares investigation reports for trials and court proceedings and collaborates with law enforcement and the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office on pending animal cases.

24. Assists Sheriff’s Office, local police departments, TNT and DNR in drug related cases to contain and often times remove animals from property.

25. Participate in public educational programs for groups such as Scouts and 4-H programs, etc.

The job duties listed are typical examples of the work performed by an Animal Control Officer. Not all duties assigned to the position are included.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Thorough knowledge of controlling/handling individual animal temperament. Have ability to gain animal confidence when restraining them for transport, grooming and/or treatment.
• Knowledge of common diseases, their symptoms, means of transmission.
• Knowledge of materials, methods, and practices used in cleaning operations.

Skills and Abilities to:

• Skill in operating a variety of animal equipment and tools including control pole, lead rope, portable cage, euthanasia materials, and cleaning apparatus.
• Skill in effectively using office equipment and technology, including computers and related software, and the ability to master new technologies.
• Skill in listening, evaluating, and understanding the needs of customers when matching adoptable animals with the customer.
• Skill in effectively interacting with animals and humans to make reclamation and adoption of animals.
• Ability to maintain and organize records, compiling data and preparing comprehensive reports on matters related to animal related calls and shelter operations.
• Ability to restrain animals for procedures performed by technicians or veterinarian.
• Ability to administer oral medications.
• Ability to learn occupational hazards and standard safety precautions in handling animals.
• Ability to communicate effectively and present ideas orally and in writing.
• Ability to consistently demonstrate sound ethics and maintain confidentiality of information.
• Knowledge of domestic animal and livestock behaviors.

Educational Requirements:

• Minimum if an Associate’s Degree, with a Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Michigan Department of Agriculture certification required, or ability to complete MDARD training guide within 6-8 months of employment at Benzie County.
• Experience as an Animal Control Officer or in an animal husbandry field desired, but familiarity and handling of dogs/cats necessary.
• Ability to communicate with the public in a calm assertive manner.
• Be dependable, decisive, a self-starter and be able to work independently.
• Certified or certifiable in CPR and First Aid.
• Knowledge of self-defense techniques

Licensing and Other Requirements:

• Must have a valid Driver’s License and personal vehicle insurance
• Certified or certifiable in CPR and First Aid.
• Must maintain Euthanasia certification through the State of Michigan.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

Employee must be free of any allergic reaction to animals. Employee must be able to wear any protective clothing and equipment that may be required. Employee must be able to pass a drug test. Employee must be able to pass a background check.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

In the performance of job duties, often requires lifting and carrying materials weighing up to 40 lbs. Frequently requires handling of materials up to 20 lbs. Additionally, handle dogs weighing up to 150 lbs. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, use hands and fingers to handle, or feel, and reach with hands and arms. Walking and/or standing for long periods. Frequently work in a bent position. May be required to use strength or agility in capturing and restraining stronger, more active animals.; work with frequent interruptions; and interact with officials and the public. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision distance vision, color vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED

In the performance of job duties, the employee may use the following tools and/or equipment: multi-line phone system; computer and associated software; copy and fax machines; scanners; and other office related tools and equipment., such as two-way radio. Use of Animal cages and restraints.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is normally performed inside; some outside work is required. Regular exposure to animals, and their fluids, bites, scratches, and animal waste. Possible exposure to contagious diseases. Exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such as dirt, dust, pollen, odors, wetness, humidity, weather, temperature and noise extremes, hazardous materials, traffic hazards, bright/dim lights, toxic agents, animal/wildlife attacks, animal/human bites, explosives, disease, pathogenic substances, or rude/irate customer.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $26.26 - $27.40 per hour

Work Location: In person