Animal Services Officer

Animal Control OfficerThis is specialized enforcement and investigative work enforcing County Animal Services Ordinances in the Alachua County Animal Resources & Care Department. An employee assigned to this classification investigates animal cruelty and neglect charges and performs related duties to promote compliance with Alachua County ordinances regulating animal treatment. Work is performed under the direction of a higher level supervisor and is reviewed through conferences, reports and observation of the results obtained.This is an emergency essential classification. Upon declaration of a disaster and/or emergency, all employees in this classification are required to work.Exudes a positive customer service focus. Advocates building organizational culture through aligning decisions with the County's core values. Observes and reports violations of Animal Services Ordinances to appropriate individuals for further consideration. Investigates complaints, determines if there is a violation and takes appropriate actions to comply with ordinances. Picks up and impounds stray or at-large animals; traps, chases, and captures animals as needed. Aids animals in distress by feeding starving animals and freeing trapped animals. Removes animals from inhumane conditions and transports animals to the shelter for treatment and care using a County vehicle.Prepares written investigative reports, issues warning notices or citations, and takes sworn statements that may result in court action. Conducts preliminary investigations and files reports on cruelty and animal neglect complaints. Works closely with other humane and law enforcement agencies on incidents involving animals. Provides care and maintenance of assigned vehicles, equipment and facilities. Performs humane euthanasia of designated animals in accordance with department policy, applicable laws and regulations, and best practices. Prepares rabies specimens for laboratory tests by decapitating and placing specimens in biohazard containers. May transport rabies specimen. Performs the duties listed, as well as those assigned, with professionalism and a sense of urgency.Thorough knowledge of methods and techniques used to administer first aid to animals and to perform euthanasia procedures on animals. Considerable knowledge of County ordinances regulating animal control and related legal procedures. Considerable knowledge of the Gainesville/Alachua County geographical area. Knowledge of testing procedures of rabid animals. Ability to perform euthanasia procedures on injured, sick, dangerous, or unwanted animals by means of lethal injection. Ability to follow appropriate euthanasia and decapitation procedures. Ability to comprehend and enforce County ordinances related to animal services. Ability to deal effectively with the public, especially during emotional or stressful situations. Ability to effectively investigate complaints and prepare appropriate documentation. Ability to effectively handle animals in all situations. Ability to comprehend and utilize legal and court procedures as they apply to Alachua County Animal Services Ordinances. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Ability to deal effectively with outside agencies, other County employees and the general public. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear, and use hands to finger, handle or feel. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to outdoor weather conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals. Subject to animal bites and scratches. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.