qualifications
Knowledge of:
Working knowledge of animal control ordinances and regulations, animal collection and control methods, and investigative methods and techniques. Additionally, skill in training and instruction, the care and handling of animals without inflicting injury, and records management.
Ability to:
Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing; operate a motor vehicle and equipment, including hand radio, catch-all pole, lead rope, and humane traps; and establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees and the public. Additionally, the ability to operate various word-processing, spreadsheet, database, and other software programs, and prepare accurate, complete, and legible reports, as well as present detailed, accurate, and objective oral presentations and responses to questions.
becoming an animal control officer
This job pays an annual salary of $39,665.60-$51,584.00
*Position is budgeted up to $21.94hourly commensurate with related education and experience
Enforces State laws and regulations and County animal control ordinances; investigates complaints; patrols assigned areas; and performs other duties related to humane animal protection and control.
- Patrols assigned area to enforce animal control ordinances; responds to citizens’ complaints concerning animal care and control problems; issues warnings and citations to violators; captures and impounds stray domestic and exotic animals.
- When possible, researches vaccination information to locate owner; explains
ordinances and discusses violations with pet owners; investigates animal bite and attack cases and arranges for proper care, quarantine, and/or observation of the animal; removes dead animals/rodents and transports to state agencies for testing of diseases if needed. - Respond to emergency calls for sick and injured animals and obtains veterinarian care if required; performs field inspections of proper animal care for commercial and private owners.
- Maintains records and prepares reports related to animal control activities; appears in court to testify regarding violations; maintains animal control vehicles, issued equipment, and kennels
- Assists external agencies and private owners with the capturing and rescuing of
animals; relocates wildlife to non-populated areas; assists with the retrieval of animals during protective custody cases; performs educational workshops for area students; and trains animal control officer trainees.
Education:
High school diploma or equivalent.
Other Requirements:
Ability to obtain and maintain ACO 1 and ACO 2 certifications within three (3) months of hire.
Working Conditions
Work is performed occasionally in an office environment and frequently outdoors in varied weather conditions with exposure to dust, fumes, airborne particles and/or allergens.
Work involves high risk or potentially dangerous situations, exposure to hazardous materials, excessive noise, hostile individuals, and work near hazardous/moving equipment or machinery. Work requires the use of protective
clothing, equipment, devices or materials.
While performing the duties of this job, the
employee regularly is required to stand, walk, and sit; use hands to finger, handle or feel;
reach with hands or arms; stoop, kneel or crouch; and talk or hear. Ability to lift over 100 lbs. Clarity of vision at long distance and short distance is required. Evening, holiday, and weekend work is required. Overnight travel is required.
Selected candidate must submit to and pass a County paid pre-employment physical and drug/alcohol screening. Additionally, selected candidate must submit to and pass a county paid criminal background screening. Selected candidate must possess and maintain a valid New Mexico Class D Driver’s License as incumbent shall be appointed to drive a County vehicle during the performance of his/her duties.Candidate must obtain and/or maintain all certifications required.