Animal Control Officer

Description

Job Summary

This is a dedicated position involving a basic knowledge of animal health in an Animal Care and Control Shelter. An employee in this class is responsible for assisting the veterinary technician in providing animal care, recognizing, and addressing illness, injuries, and disease in an animal shelter. Duties are performed under the direct supervision of the Veterinary Technician. 

Major Essential Duties

• Maintain clean and sanitary conditions in the animal housing areas 
• Assist the public with the recovery of lost pets; by assisting owners through the shelter, completing lost reports, checking found reports, and making additional recommendations on recovery 
• Accept animals brought into the department by citizens and follow departmental procedures for this process 
• Assist the public in choosing a pet for adoption and accurately completing adoption documentation 
• Examine animal for signs of illness, injury or disease 
• Administer prescribed treatment to animals as directed by the veterinary technician and/or a licensed veterinarian 
• Prepare vaccines and medications; inoculate and medicate animals received to prevent viruses, parasites and other animal disorders 
• Knowledge and ability in the feeding and care of impounded animals; knowledge and ability to administer vaccines and worm medications 
• Organize supplies and donations 

Minor Essential Duties

• Works with and assists volunteers and rescue groups as necessary. 
• Answers phones 
• Provide enrichment to resident animals 
• Performs minor building maintenance. 
• Performs any other animal care and control duties as directed by the Director 

Supervisory Responsibilities

• None

Relationships

The Assistant Veterinary Technician performs duties within the Animal Care & Control department or animal shelter under the direct supervision of the Animal Control Director. For medical diagnoses, the assistant veterinary technician is under the direct supervision of Veterinary Technicians. 

Requirements

Qualifications

Education and/or Experience

• Graduation from a standard high school or the equivalency.
• Knowledge of animal behavior patterns and disease symptoms
• Knowledge of caring for and feeding animals

Language Skills

• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret policies, procedures, professional publications, and governmental regulations
• Possess strong oral, written and listening skills
• Ability to handle sensitive issues

Mathematical Skills

• Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers and decimals

Reasoning Skills

• Defines problems, collects data, establishes facts, and draws valid conclusions
• Interprets a variety of technical and instructional information
• Makes decisions which serve the County's best interest and follow the missions and objectives of the department

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

• Successful completion of the Boone County Animal Control Officer training program within the time period designated by the Director
• Successful completion of KACCA ACO Basic Certification as required by KRS
• Successful completion of NACA Level I (or equivalent) within one year of hire
• Possession of or ability to obtain promptly, a proper Commonwealth of Kentucky motor vehicle operator's license for type of equipment operated

Other Knowledge and/or Skills

• Knowledge of the occupational hazards and corresponding safety precautions necessary for the safe performance of assigned duties
• Ability to work under general supervision
• Ability to exercise good judgment
• Knowledge of kennel management and sanitary principles and procedures
• Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions
• Ability to act independently within established guidelines
• Ability to maintain accurate medical records
• Ability to restrain animals
• Must meet minimum requirements to be a sworn peace officer

Physical Demands

The physical demands described represent those required to successfully perform the essential job functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing job duties, the employee could reasonably be expected to:

Regularly (over 2/3 of regular work day)

Sit

Talk or hear

Use hands to finger, handle, feel

Lift and/or move up to 125 pounds

Occasionally (under 1/3 of regular work day)

Stand or walk

Reach with hands and arms

Drive a vehicle

Vision requirements include close, distance, color, and peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus

Work Environment

The work environments described in the preceding paragraphs represents those encountered while performing the essential job functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• The noise level is usually moderate to high
• Danger from moving traffic
• Exposure to aggressive and sick animals
• Exposure to zoonotic diseases and parasites
• Temperature level will vary from extreme cold to extreme heat
• Moisture level will vary from extreme dry to rain, snow, and ice conditions and may require immersion in water

Comments

• Must display the following:
• Positive communication
• Objectivity 
• Willingness to solve problems
• Commitment to serve the county’s best interests
• Adherence to the applicable provisions of the Department Rules and Regulations, the Personnel Policy Manual, the Boone County Administrative Code, the Kentucky Revised Statutes, and any other procedures, rules, regulations, and polices set forth by appropriate authorities
• Must have personal integrity and remain free of felony convictions
• Must maintain confidentiality when required 
• Must be 21 years or older
• Must be bondable