Animal Control Officer

Description

Animal Services is dedicated to promoting animal welfare and public awareness which results in humans and animals living together in harmony. The Antioch Animal Services Center is responsible for the enforcement of Local and State Laws relating to the care, control, and protection of animals and of our citizens. Officers’ responsibilities include picking up and confining stray, sick, injured, vicious and dead animals; issuance of dog licenses; patrolling the City streets; control of animal nuisance problems and animal euthanasia. The Animal Shelter also provides adoption, volunteer, and education programs. All the animals are housed indoors in a heated/air-conditioned facility. Please note this is a continuous job posting.

• Benefits: Cafeteria Plan (City of Antioch pays 100% of Kaiser rate, up to family tier)
• Retirement: CalPERS Classic Members 2.7% @ 55, New PEPRA Members 2% @ 62
• 457 Deferred Compensation Option
• Life Insurance

Examples of Duties

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

• Operate an animal services vehicle patrolling streets and alleys to capture and confine wild, stray, and unlicensed animals; impound dead, sick, injured, stray, or trapped domestic and non-domestic animals; remove and dispose of dead animals from public and private properties; transport injured animals.
• Enforce applicable state laws and municipal ordinances concerning the ownership, impoundment, care, treatment, sale, and disposal of animals; enforce applicable animal control codes and licensing ordinances; issue citations for violations of applicable regulations.
• Investigate complaints from the public and other agencies regarding nuisance, stray, uncontrolled, dangerous, wild, or diseased animals.
• Respond to and conduct initial investigation of complaints regarding animal cruelty and abuse.
• Investigate animal bites, arranging for appropriate identification and quarantine.
• Respond to and resolve difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints; provide public information and education to citizens and community groups regarding animal services policies and procedures; give public presentations as necessary; educate the public on laws, codes, ordinances, and policies relating to the care and control of animals; assist public with licensing questions and complaints.
• Participate in the operation of the City's animal shelter; kennel animals; update information in the computer system; clean, feed, and care for animals; clean animal cages and sterilize food and water containers; maintain sanitary conditions; microchip and vaccinate animals as necessary; test animals for compatibility with other animals and people; show animals to potential adoptees when necessary.
• Operate and maintain a variety of animal services tools and equipment including humane traps, mobile radios, and related animal services tools and equipment; keep equipment and vehicle in clean and healthful condition to accept impounded animals.
• Prepare and maintain a variety of records detailing animal control work performed; prepare reports following established procedures.
• Perform animal euthanasia according to established rules and regulations.
• Perform related duties as required.

Typical Qualifications

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Methods and techniques of animal collection and impoundment.
• Behavior and other characteristics of various breeds of dogs, cats, and other wild and domestic animals and livestock.
• Principles and practices of animal care and first aid.
• Symptoms and behavior associated with rabies and other common diseases of animals.
• Methods and equipment used in the care and control of animals.
• Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers.
• Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations including laws and regulations governing the care, housing, and control of animals.
• Methods and techniques used in customer service and public relations.
• Principles and practices of record keeping and reporting.
• English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Geographic features and locations within the area served.
• Standard broadcasting procedures of a police radio system.
• Occupational hazards and standard safety practices.

• Perform a variety of animal control activities.
• Interpret, explain, and enforce City animal control rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Capture and care for a variety of domestic, exotic and wild animals.
• Recognize symptoms of rabies and common animal diseases.
• Perform euthanasia.
• Respond to requests and inquiries from the general public.
• Operate a variety of animal control equipment in a safe and effective manner.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Speak before community groups.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

• Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade (such as possession of a High School diploma or GED).

• One year of experience in a position involving a high level of public contact and experience in the care and treatment of animals.
• Animal control experience is highly desirable.

• Possession of an appropriate, valid driver's license.
• Possession of, or the ability to obtain during probationary period, a certificate for the euthanasia of animals.

Supplemental Information

EEO/ADA: The City of Antioch is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant employer, committed to providing equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants.

If you have a disability and require accommodations in the testing process, please contact Human Resources at 925-779-7020 or HR@antiochca.gov prior to the final filing date.