Animal Services Officer

**** JOB SUMMARY: The Young-Williams Animal Services Officer works to ensure that the Animal Services Department provides modern, humane and professional animal services to the residents of the City of Knoxville and Knox County as outlined in the service agreement. This role performs the administration and enforcement of ordinances and statutes related to the care and control of animals, as well as, ensures industry best practices in performing daily duties. The ideal candidate will be responsible for maintaining positive and productive relationships with the shelter team, pet owners, community members and other relevant community agencies, all with the goal of making the Young-Williams Animal Center a regional and national leader in animal welfare.

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS:

Supervised by: Animal Services Supervisor

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

Performs specialized work for the County residents to resolve various issues related to animals and when necessary the enforcement of local and State ordinances and statutes related to the control of animals.

The position is subject to the common risks of animal control enforcement and care. Work is performed in accordance with County and State laws. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Animal Services Supervisor and is evaluated through observation and discussions concerning the efficiency and effectiveness of performed duties.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Operate with a high level of professionalism while instilling a high level of public confidence. Must be able to meet and deal with the public in a tactful and diplomatic manner.

• Receive and respond to requests for animal control service(s), including but not limited to aiding residents in the compliance of animal control regulations, capturing and confining of stray animals and attempting to locate and return animal to the owners prior to impoundment, rescuing injured and diseased animals and impounding, when necessary, dangerous animals.

• Treat all animals humanely, properly and with compassion at all times

• Provide community outreach and engagement with city and county residents to provide information on proper pet care and control including spay/neuter, welfare concerns and related laws

• Maintain thorough records of various impounds, road activities, investigations, etc.

• Issue citations violating local ordinances, and, in collaboration with a law enforcement liaison, conduct investigations violating state laws and statutes

• Testify in court, when compliance efforts fail against owners who disregard or violate ordinances

• Operate an organization vehicle in carrying out enforcement duties

• Maintain all assigned equipment to ensure cleanliness and proper functioning

• Learn current national best practices in the field of animal care and control

• Inform the Animal Services Supervisor of needed supplies

• Collaborate with shelter team to enforce cleaning/disinfecting, intake, triage and other shelter protocols

• Stay up to date on city, state and federal animal-related laws, including revisions/additions in order to ensure Department maintains compliance

• Other duties as established

ADDITIONAL JOB DUTIES

• This position requires the ability to work any shift, including weekends and holiday (including limited notice response for emergencies and disaster response).

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Tact and courtesy in explaining proper animal care and animal control regulations to animal owners and the general public
• Ability to remain pleasant and calm in stressful situations
• Working knowledge of, or ability to learn, relevant laws and ordinances related to animal welfare
• Independent judgment and initiative in application of the law
• Handling animals of all temperaments, species, breeds and sizes in a humane and safe manner
• Ability to work with animals of unknown disposition and animals who may exhibit medical and/or other problems, including aggressive tendencies
• Ability to use the equipment and physical means necessary for the purpose of capturing and caring for animals
• Ability to record and maintain thorough and accurate records concerning daily activities, calls and investigations
• Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written forms
• Work with minimal supervision and direction
• A proven willingness to assist and help people care for their animals rather than approach all situations with a law enforcement-based approach
• A compassionate, friendly, team-oriented personality
• Commitment to uphold the Core Values of compassion, empathy, innovation, integrity, dedication and collaboration

DESIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Experience in a kennel, shelter or veterinary setting
• Customer service and/or social work experience preferred
• Ability to successfully complete in-house training program(s)
• or an equivalent combination of education and experience

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and clean driving record
• Complete course(s) related to basic animal control functions

MENTAL, PHYSICAL AND COMMUNICATION REQUIREMENTS: A successful candidate must be able to:

• Maintain a polite, professional, and informative demeanor with staff members, volunteers, veterinarians, law enforcement officials, elected officials, attorneys, representatives from other agencies, and the general public
• Communicate effectively and clearly
• Handle exposure to animals, cleaning chemicals, fumes, dust, animal feces, bites, scratches
• Physically able to operate a variety of machinery and equipment including a motor vehicle, two-way radios, hand tools, animal traps, etc.
• Lift and/or move up to 50 pounds
• Work in all-weather conditions
• See close up, distance and have the ability to adjust focus and have normal depth and peripheral vision
• Sustain a full 8-10-hour day of driving, walking, bending, and physical activity in the field
• Enter data in a computer database system and maintain accurate records
• Work alone with minimal supervision, identify issues that arise and are a potential liability the agency
• Resolve conflicts successfully