Animal Services Officer

Animal Control Officer

Enforces County Ordinances relating to animals. Investigates allegations of animal nuisance, animal bites, and animal cruelty. Handles, captures, and impounds all types of animals (domestic, wild, livestock, venomous and non-venomous reptiles, sick/injured, aggressive, and deceased). Performs dispatch duties on a rotating basis. Performs euthanasia on sick/injured wildlife as needed. Performs on-call duty for after-hours priority calls and natural disaster. Assists Law Enforcement, Fire/Rescue, and other agencies with animal issues such as house fires, drug raids, animal owner death/crime scenes, traffic accidents, livestock loose on roadways, etc. Prepares written reports, issues citations, and attends court on behalf of the County and state attorney.

**Salary will be determined depending on qualifications of candidates who exceed the minimum requirements as outlined within the job description.

**Additional compensation based on licensure.

Works an assigned area of the County and engages in the capture and impoundment of animals. Performs on-call duty for emergency calls after hours. Picks up carcasses of animals and disposes of them in the prescribed manner. Serves as telephone operator and radio dispatcher for the purpose of transmitting, receiving and relaying information and instructions to field personnel. Investigates animal bites and enforces animal quarantine laws. Investigates animal nuisance complaints and impounds such animals, which have been abandoned or are in violation of the Animal Control Ordinance. Issues warning citations and Notice to Appear citations to owners of animals in violation of the laws, rules, and regulations established by the State of Florida and/or Seminole County.

Must be available to work holidays, weekends, on-call, and during emergency response operations. Required to be on call and available to respond after hours, as necessary, when responsible for pager duty. Acts as a witness or plaintiff on behalf of the County, as necessary. Prepares various written reports, as required. In the event of an emergency, all employees are considered essential personnel and may be required to perform alternate duties.

Completion of high school/GED and 1 year of experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Must successfully complete the Florida Animal Control Officer Certification Course within one (1) year of employment. Must successfully complete the 16-Hour Euthanasia Certification Course within six (6) months of employment. A comparable amount of education, training, or experience may be substituted for the minimum qualifications.

Knowledge of laws and regulations regarding animal control. Knowledge of techniques utilized in the safe capture of all animal species. Knowledge of the geographical road system of Seminole County. Ability to establish and maintain good relations with the general public. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Skilled in handling all species of animals that may be vicious or dangerous without injury to self, others, or animals. Must possess and maintain a valid Florida Driver's License. Must be inoculated against rabies prior to completion of probationary period. Must successfully complete the Florida Animal Control Officer Certification Course within one (1) year of employment. All employees must attend Seminole County Required Trainings. Department Specific trainings per position may be required.

County-paid benefits for employees

Competitive Wages: Our compensation system includes competitive hiring salaries.

Paid Time Off: New full-time employees accrue 20 days per year of Paid Time Off (16 days for 24-hour shift personnel). New part-time employees accrue 83 hours per year of Paid Time Off. Accrual rates increase with service time.

Paid Holidays: We observe 12 paid holidays which includes an employee birthday holiday and a floating Work/Life Day.

Bereavement Leave: Employees may receive up to one week paid leave per fiscal year for absence due to the death of an immediate family member.

Florida Retirement System: All employees in regularly established positions are automatically covered from the first day of employment. Seminole County makes contribution on behalf of the employee and the employee is also required to make a 3% contribution.

Employees Assistance Program: Our EAP provider can help employees and their families with issues such as personal/family matters, financial debt counseling, substance abuse, etc.

Training and Development Program: The Employee Learning Center provides training opportunities for employees which promote performance, enhance employees' work life experiences, and support the organization.

Employee Awards and Recognition: A program to reward outstanding performance and enhance service to the citizens of Seminole County.

Wellness Center: Includes exercise equipment, resource library, and educational programs.

Health Insurance: Health Insurance is effective the first of the month after completing 30 calendar days of employment. Seminole County offers a Point of Service (POS) plan. Dependent coverage is also available, the cost is split between the employee and employer. This benefit is not extended to part-time employees.

Life Insurance: Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance for employees, equal to one times annual salary. Not extended to part-time employees.

Long-Term Disability: Provides 60% of salary after 6 months of disability. Not extended to part-time employees.

Optional benefits (employee-paid) for full-time employees:

Deferred Compensation Plan (457): Employees may choose to have pre-tax payroll deductions made for deposit into this savings plan up to an IRS-established maximum.

Dental Insurance: A choice of 3 plans is available for employees and dependents at employee expense.

Additional Life Insurance: At employee expense, additional life insurance up to five times annual salary; dependent coverage also available.

Short-Term Disability Insurance: 60% of salary for the first six months of disability at employee expense.

Cancer and Specified Disease: Pays a benefit directly to the employee if being treated for this disease.

Flexible Spending Account: A pre-tax account for childcare and un-reimbursed medical expenses.

Pre-Tax Payroll Deductions: Under Section 125 of the IRS Code, certain payroll deductions for insurance coverage may be taken out prior to income being taxed.