CAMPBELL COUNTY
GILLETTE, WYOMING

Animal Control Officer I
Animal Control Officer II

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class.  Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job  and/or department.

DEFINITION

To enforce county and state laws pertaining to animal control; assure that complaints are handled efficiently and effectively; educate the public in pet responsibility and ensure the protection and safety of animals and people  in the county.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Animal Control Officer I

Exercise no supervision.

Receive immediate supervision from Animal Control Supervisor.

Animal Control Officer II

May exercise technical and functional supervision over Animal Control Officer I.

Receive general supervision from Animal Control Supervisor.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Animal Control Officer I - -This is the entry/journey level in the class series. Positions at this level perform most of the duties required of the positions at the II level, but are not expected to function at the same skill level and usually exercise less independent discretion and judgement in matters related to work procedures and methods.  Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern. Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise. Since this class is often used as a training class, employees may have only limited or no directly related work experience.

Animal Control Officer II - -This is the full journey level in the class series.  Positions at this level are distinguished from the I level by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned, working independently and exercising judgement and initiative. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise, and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. Positions at the II level are normally filled by advancement from the I level. When filled from the outside, the employee is required to have prior related experience which allows the employee to meet the qualification standards for the II level.

EXAMPLES OF IMPORTANT AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Important and essential duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Answer calls pertaining to animal-related incidents.
2. Patrol problem areas in the county.
3. Physically pick up, impound, and release stray and problem animals; remove unwanted wild-life from residential property.
4. Prepare and maintain records; prepare incident, offense and follow-up reports.
5. Issue summons, compliance notices and investigate animal bites, cruelty cases and other animal related incidents.
6. Testify in court.
7. Perform necessary first-aid to injured animals.
8. Safely operate an assigned vehicle in city and rural road conditions; check for proper operation of assigned equipment and report mechanical problems.
9. Educate and counsel public concerning pet responsibility, behavioral problems, training, placement programs and adoptions.
10. Review daily activities with other officers.
11. Euthanize animals as necessary; dispose of dead animals; prepare rabies suspect animals for state lab testing.
12. Train in the use of a shotgun for emergency euthanasia.
13. Adhere to safe work practices and procedures.
14. Attend and participate in staff meetings and related activities; attend workshops, conferences, and classes to increase professional knowledge; serve on committees as assigned.

OTHER JOB RELATED DUTIES

1. Maintain department vehicle (including servicing and cleaning), equipment, supplies and facilities.
2. Maintain all assigned equipment to ensure proper functioning.
3. Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

JOB RELATED AND ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS

Animal Control Officer I

Knowledge of:

• Basic practices of animal control.
• Principles and practices used in dealing with the public.
• English usage, spelling, vocabulary, grammar, and punctuation.
• Principles and procedures of record keeping and reporting.
• Modern office practices, methods, and equipment.
• Principles and practices of working safely.

Skill to:

• Operate a motor vehicle safely.
• Operate modern office equipment.
• Learn to operate animal control equipment.

Ability to:

• Learn animal restraint and care techniques.
• Learn operational characteristics of animal capture equipment, shotgun, radio, pager, cellular phone, first aid equipment, self-defense weapons-O.C. (Oleoresin Capsicum) spray, collapsible baton and bite stick.
• Learn pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, ordinances and department rules and regulations.
• Respond to requests and inquiries from the general public; deal with hostility and verbal abuse.
• Learn to understand and enforce laws pertaining to criminal activity.
• Learn to interpret and follow animal control policies and procedures.
• Learn to apply knowledge and reasoning to make prompt and effective decisions quickly in both routine and non-routine situations.
• Learn basic first-aid.
• Analyze situations carefully and adopt effective courses of action.
• Interact effectively, tactfully and sensitively with individuals.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; communicate effectively and coherently over law enforcement radio channels.
• Prepare and maintain accurate and complete records.
• Prepare clear and concise reports.
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Establish, maintain and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Animal Control Officer II

In addition to the qualifications listed under Animal Control Officer I:

Knowledge of:

• Principles and proper practices of animal control.
• Animal restraint and care techniques.
• Pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, ordinances and department rules and regulations.
• Operational characteristics of animal capture equipment, shotgun, radio, pager, cellular phone, first-aid equipment, self-defense weapons–O.C. (Oleoresin Capsicum) spray, collapsible baton, and bite stick, personal computers and peripherals.
• Principles and resources for dealing with hazardous materials.

Skill to:

• Operate animal control equipment.

Ability to:

• Understand and enforce laws pertaining to criminal activity.
• Interpret and follow animal control policies and procedures.
• Use independent judgment, initiative, and good human relations and problem solving skills in the application and follow through on decisions.
• Apply knowledge and reasoning to make prompt and effective decisions quickly in both routine and non-routine situations.
• Perform first-aid.

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING GUIDELINES:
Any combination equivalent to experience and training that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skills, and abilities would be:

Animal Control Officer I

Experience:

• Some experience in handling and comfort with a variety of animals.

Education/Training:

• Equivalent to a high school education including general training and experience in handling animals.

Animal Control Officer II

Experience:

• One to two years of responsible animal control experience.

Education/Training:

• Equivalent to a high school education including general training and experience in handling animals.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATES OR REGISTRATIONS:
Must be current or obtained within a specified time frame as defined upon employment.

Animal Control Officer I

• Valid driver's license.
• CPR/First Aid.
• Hazardous Materials Awareness.

Animal Control Officer II

In addition to the qualifications listed under Animal Control Officer I:

• None

WORKING CONDITIONS:
Essential duties require the following:

Working Environment:

• Significant exposure to undesirable working conditions or exposure; ability to travel; and availability for shift work and after hour emergency calls.

Physical Activities:

• Essential functions require maintaining physical condition necessary for considerable physical activity such as driving, sitting, standing, walking, running, kneeling, crouching, stooping, squatting, crawling, twisting upper body, climbing, and lifting an average of 50 lbs.