Animal Services Officer I

NOTE TO INTERNAL APPLICANTS: INTERNAL CANDIDATES IN THE SAME CLASSIFICATION AND/OR PAYGRADE AS THE POSITION POSTED WILL NOT RECEIVE A PAY ADJUSTMENT IF SELECTED.

Under direction, enforces local, state, and animal cruelty, control, nuisance and rabies laws in compliance with the County's Animal Control Ordinance & Florida State Statutes. Employee functions at journey level and is responsible for protecting the lives and welfare of the citizens and animals. Position is responsible for the apprehension of stray and trapped animals. Performs related tasks as necessary.

The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification. It is not necessarily descriptive of any one position in the class. The omission of an essential function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed herein if such functions are a logical assignment to the position.

• Explains Animal Control Ordinance to the general public; advises citizens on the responsibility of animal ownership.
• Responds to calls and investigates complaints of injured or nuisance, domestic and wild animals which may pose a threat to the public.
• Loads, delivers, sets and baits animal traps; removes captured animals from traps set by the County and citizens; apprehends stray animals; rescues trapped animals from public areas such as, culverts, and roadways.
• Investigates cruelty complaints to determine compliance with animal control ordinances and statutes; seizes animals, transports animals to vet for evaluation and/or treatment, provides owner with Notification of Impoundment, transports animals to the shelter until court date; serves owner with citations for violations.
• Obtains necessary information in cases of animal bites and court related matters, both civil and criminal that is forwarded to the County Attorney for possible prosecution; appears in court for cases, including citations and criminal prosecution; prepares court paperwork.
• Interviews citizens and files domestic or wild animal bites report; maintains field notes and information to complete incident reports on cases to be processed and sent to court to back up citations; completes reports on animal bites.
• Prepares various daily and periodic written reports and departmental forms; maintains logs; completes forms.
• Prepares all necessary paperwork for each incident; documents scenes, completes a written report and documents evidence seized in the case.
• Must be able to be on call and work evenings and weekends.
• Issues citations for violations of animal control ordinances and statues.
• Must perform euthanasia after completing certification course.
• May assist Kennel Staff as needed.
• Embraces a "one team" approach to accomplish daily tasks, goals and projects by interacting, cooperating, assisting, training and learning from volunteers.
• Performs duties as assigned/necessary which are related, or logical in assignment to the position.

Education: High school diploma or GED.

Experience: A minimum of one (1) year previous work experience in an animal control/services organization or animal veterinary clinic in a capacity requiring regular hands-on experience with animals including dogs, cats, and/or livestock.

Miscellaneous:

• Must reside within 25 miles of Osceola County and be able to respond when on-call.
• Must be inoculated against rabies upon hire.
• Must successfully complete Euthanasia and Animal Control Officer Certification within one (1) year of hire.
• Animal Control certification; Law enforcement experience; Euthanasia certification preferred.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Florida driver's license.
• Ability to communicate in English and Spanish a plus.

• Knowledge of applicable state, federal and local laws, rules, ordinances and regulatory standards applicable to the work; knowledge of the Osceola County Animal Control Ordinance and State Statutes; ability to interpret regulations to the general public in a professional and courteous manner.
• Knowledge of proper care, feeding and handling of various types of domestic and exotic animals, livestock and wildlife.
• Skill in the safe use and proper utilization of animal capture and restraint tools, equipment, traps, and devices; ability to apprehend animals in the field, including very large, dangerous, or rabid animals and livestock.
• Knowledge of a wide variety of species of domestic and exotic animals, livestock and wildlife, and their habits and typically presented diseases and the symptoms.
• Knowledge of the geographic areas of the County.
• Ability to operate animal control vehicles; ability to pull various types of trailers.
• Ability to communicate by radio with 10 codes and signals.
• Knowledge of the principles and techniques of customer service skills; ability to deal diplomatically with sensitive circumstances.
• Ability to render quick, responsible decision making, under stressful and emotional circumstances.
• Ability to operate emergency multi-line communications systems.
• Ability to operate basic office equipment, e.g., computer terminals, printers, copy machines, telephone systems, facsimile machines.
• Ability to read, update and maintain various records and files; ability to access, operate and maintain various software applications.
• Skill in clearly communicating information both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and communications with County personnel, government agencies, law enforcement, volunteers, civic groups, and the general public.

PHYSICAL DEMAND REQUIREMENTS:

Physical Demand: Heavy

• 100 pounds maximum lifting.
• Frequent (up to 2/3 of the work time) lifting, carrying up to 50 lbs.
• Expressing or exchanging ideas by spoken word or perceiving sound by ear.
• Good eyesight for production or safety of self and others.
• Physical demand requirements are in excess of medium work.
• Physical agility is required in kneeling, bending, stooping, and reaching.