Animal Control Officer

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This position’s main focus is enforcing the animal control ordinance throughout the county, ensuring the humane treatment of animals in the county’s custody, and educating the community about stray or vicious animals and related diseases.

A rewarding career with White County includes:

• Competitive pay
• Excellent Benefits
• Paid Training & Professional Development
• Opportunity for Advancement

This position requires working on an on-call rotation for emergency animal control calls.

Application and job description are available at the White County Administrative Office 1235 Helen Hwy Cleveland, GA 706-865-2235 or by accessing www.whitecountyga.gov. This position is open until filled. Applications are subject to open record law and successful applicant must have an acceptable driving record and be able to pass a background check / drug screen.  EOE

Animal Control Officer                                                                         

Public Safety - Animal Control                                                                                             

JOB SUMMARY

This position is responsible for the enforcement of animal control ordinances and for the impounding and care of animals.

MAJOR DUTIES

• Responds to incoming calls from citizens concerning various animal service issues, including animal bites, animal abuse, stray and nuisance animals, wild animals, injured animals, loose livestock, animal behavior problems, etc.; conducts investigations and performs follow-up as appropriate.

• Assists with animal shelter operations; receives incoming animals; processes animal adoptions; collects fees and issues receipts; receives lost pet calls and notifies owners when found.

• Investigates animal cruelty complaints; assists in serving citations.

• Checks animals for signs of illness; quarantines exposed animals.

• Provides medical care and grooming for impounded animals; administers injections.

• Conducts animal euthanasia by administering euthanasia solution injections.

• Supervises community service workers as assigned.

• Helps maintain kennel facility; performs various cleaning and maintenance tasks.

• Maintains machinery, tools, and equipment.

• Responds to after-hours calls as needed.

• Performs related duties.

KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION

• Knowledge of county animal control ordinances and state animal control laws.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of animal shelter operation.
• Knowledge of the tools and techniques used in the capture, transport, and care of animals.
• Skill in the use of computers and job-related software programs.
• Skill in the provision of customer services.
• Skill in the care and feeding of animals.
• Skill in conducting investigations and preparing related reports.
• Skill in the analysis of problems and the development and implementation of solutions.
• Skill in oral and written communication.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The Animal Control Operations/Training Coordinator assigns work in terms of general instructions. The supervisor spot-checks completed work for compliance with procedures and the nature and propriety of the final results.

GUIDELINES

Guidelines include county codes, state laws related to animal control issues, and county and department policies and procedures. These guidelines are generally clear and specific but may require some interpretation in application.

COMPLEXITY/SCOPE OF WORK

• The work consists of related animal control duties.  Interacting with potentially dangerous animals contributes to the complexity of the position.

• The purpose of this position is to enforce animal control ordinances and provide care for animals in the kennel. Successful performance contributes to the enforcement of ordinances and to the effective housing and adoption of animals.

CONTACTS

• Contacts are typically with co-workers, other county employees, pet owners, veterinarians, representatives of animal rescue groups, vendors, volunteers, and the general public.

• Contacts are typically to give or exchange information, resolve problems, and provide services.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The work is typically performed in a vehicle, while sitting at a desk or table or while intermittently sitting, standing, bending, crouching, walking, or stooping. The employee occasionally lifts light and heavy objects, uses tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity, distinguishes between shades of color, and utilizes the sense of smell.

• The work is typically performed in an animal shelter and outdoors, occasionally in cold or inclement weather. The employee may be exposed to noise, dust, dirt, grease, contagious or infectious diseases, irritating chemicals, and potentially dangerous animals. The employee uses protective devices such as masks, goggles, gloves, etc.

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY

None.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability to read, write and perform mathematical calculations at a level commonly associated with the completion of high school or equivalent.

• Sufficient experience to understand the basic principles relevant to the major duties of the position, usually associated with the completion of an apprenticeship/internship or having had a similar position for one to two years.

• Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid driver’s license issued by the State of Georgia for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.

• Possession of or ability to readily obtain Animal Control Officer certification.