Animal Services Supervisor

Animal Services Supervisor

Performs work that includes supervision of two full time Animal Services Officers enforcing ordinances related to animal services and extended supervision duties of other department staff. Provides instructions, supervision, assignments, and reviews the work of animal services officers. Patrols the city and locates and apprehends stray and wild animals to protect the public from harmful and diseased animals. Enforces the State of Arkansas Rabies laws and City animal ordinances. Interacts with the public daily, deescalating emotionally charged situations. The Animal Services Supervisor plays a key role in managing a budget of $850k and evaluating the maintenance needs and rotation of equipment.

Essential duties and responsibilities include the following: reporting, relationships, work assignments, and work schedules may be subject to change to meet City needs or operational requirements. Attendance at work and the ability to get along with the public, supervisors, and co-workers are essential elements of this position. Other duties may be assigned.

1. Supervises and directs the patrol activities of Animal Services Officers for the purpose of animal-related protection and apprehension of strays.
2. Directs activities of officers responding to calls from telecommunications and public requests. Provides assistance to victims, witnesses, and the general public.
3. Investigates incidents of dangerous and hazardous dogs, and conduct follow up as needed to confirm compliance. Takes statements from witnesses and conducts preliminary and follow-up investigations, and issues citations to violators.
4. Prepares and reviews reports and maintains case files on arrests that have been made and ongoing investigations.
5. Maintains equipment and assigned fleet vehicles.
6. As required, assists other law enforcement agencies in animal control activities.
7. Operates vehicles in a safe and responsible manner.
8. Issues warnings and tickets for violation of city ordinances or state statute relating to animal violators.
9. Examines scene of crime to obtain clues and gather evidence relating to cruelty of animals.
10. Verifies information obtained to establish accuracy and authenticity of facts and evidence.
11. Presents findings in clear, logical, impartial, and properly documented reports. Reports critical information to and coordinates activities with other offices or agencies when applicable.
12. Monitors equipment needs and submits budget request for needed items.
13. Acts as the liaison with the Arkansas Department of Health to ensure all proper procedures and protocols are being met within the department.
14. Assesses training needs and schedules animal services training classes as needed.
15. Conducts orientation with new officers to familiarize them with city ordinances and State of Arkansas laws related to animals.
16. Conducts orientation with new kennel technicians to familiarize them with standard operating procedures.
17. Conducts yearly review with officers to address any changes concerning city ordinances and state laws concerning animal control.
18. Play a vital role with the shelter in adoption programs including community events and community education on responsible pet ownership.
19. Performs other duties as assigned.

Supervisory responsibilities include monitoring, directing, and guiding the daily activities of Animal Services Officers and Kennel Technicians engaged in animal services activities within the department. Conducts yearly evaluation reports on Animal Services Officers and Kennel Technicians in the department. Reviews reports of Animal Services Officers, and other police officers engaged in animal services activities, submitted for accuracy, and ensures all reports are completed in a timely manner.

Physical demands include sitting, using hands to finger, handle, or feel; reaching with hands and arms; talking or hearing. Standing, walking, climbing or balancing; stooping; kneeling, crouching, or crawling; and tasting or smelling. Lifting and/or moving up to 10 pounds, frequently lifting and/or moving up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lifting and/or moving up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Work environment includes regular exposure to outside weather conditions. Occasional exposure to moving mechanical parts; high, precarious places; fumes or airborne particles. Toxic or caustic chemicals; risk of electrical shock; and explosives. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Qualifications include high school diploma or general education degree, 6 years' experience in animal control operations, 6 hours of college English, and have completed all 4 levels of the National Animal Control Academy; or an Associate's Degree (A.A.) in a related field with minimum of 6 years' experience. Candidates with the AA degree are expected to complete all 3 levels of the National Animal Care & Control Academy (N.A.C.A) within 3 years of being hired.