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Animal Control Officer

Summary: Under general supervision, enforces the County’s animal control ordinance; responds to calls for service; patrols designated areas to identify possible violations; captures stray animals and transports them to the shelter; investigates complaints and charges of animal cruelty; issues citations and prepares reports; provides court testimony as required.

Reporting Relationship: Animal Control Officers report to the assigned Day Shift, Patrol Sergeant.

Essential Job Functions: The list that follows is not intended as a comprehensive list; it is intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed, and may be required to perform additional, position-specific tasks.
• Responds to complaints and calls for service; observes areas of alleged violations and interviews available witnesses to determine if laws are being violated.
• Informs persons perpetrating inhumane acts of laws and penalties for violations.
• Issues citations to individuals that do not comply with ordinances.
• Reports violators to deputies or requests deputies to arrest violators.
• Aids animals in distress by feeding starving animals and freeing trapped animals.
• Removes animals from inhumane conditions and drives vehicle to transport animals to shelter for treatment and care.
• Inspects establishments housing or exhibiting animals to ascertain compliance with humane laws.
• Provides animals traps to residents; instructs residents in the use of these traps; logs and maintains records the location of traps; retrieves traps and relocates captured animals.
• Writes reports of activities.
• Euthanizes animals as necessary.
• Attends and presents at informal meetings with civic groups; coordinates with animal rescue groups to help place animals in homes.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge and Skills:
• Knowledge and understanding of animal behavior.
• Knowledge of animal restraint and animal care procedures and techniques.
• Knowledge of the County Animal Control Ordinance and New Mexico Animal Control statutes.
• Knowledge of the County road system.
• Knowledge of County and department policies and procedures.
• Skill in applying applicable laws, ordinances, rules, and regulations fairly and consistently.
• Skill in exercising sound judgment in evaluating situations and in making decisions.
• Skill in organizing and prioritizing work to meet established deadlines and maintain response times.
• Skill in following verbal and written instructions.
• Skill in communicating effectively both orally and in writing.
• Skill in operating a personal computer and software applications.
• Skill in effectively communicating both orally and in writing.
• Skill in the care and safe operations of and accuracy of a .22 caliber rifle and 12 gauge shotgun.

Education and Experience
• High School Diploma or G.E.D equivalent and experience in working with animals.
• Must be able to pass a job related physical examination.
• Must pass a background investigation.
• Valid State of New Mexico Driver's license or able to obtain within six (6) months of employment.

Environmental Factors and Conditions/Physical Requirements:
• Must be prepared to handle all types of animals, both domestic and wild, when required. Must be able to destroy sick, injured, or dangerous animals.
o Work involves handling and moving often resistant animals, including frequent lifting and pulling of animals by weight, on the average monthly basis:
* 4 x 100+ lbs. * 10 x 100 lbs.
* 10 x 70 lbs. * 40 x 50 lbs.
* 40 x 30 lbs.
• Work is performed in internal and external environments with exposure to inclement weather, and varying temperatures; may be subject to physical harm such as vehicles, firearms, and animal attacks.
• Full-time work hours for this position consist of rotating shift work, nights and weekend shifts and overtime. Rotating shifts is a requirement for the operations of this facility.
• Work schedule for this position may include working on religious holidays.
• Utilize, process, and navigate the County’s electronic ERP system as necessary and appropriate based on the needs and requirements of this position.

Equipment and Tools Utilized:
• Equipment utilized includes: patrol vehicle, animal capture equipment, police radio, pager, first aid equipment, .22 caliber rifle, 12 gauge shotgun, and personal computer