Animal Control Officer

JOB SUMMARY

The Liberty County Board of Commissioners is seeking qualified applicants for the full-time position of Animal Control Officer with Liberty County Animal Services. This position is responsible for enforcing various City/County ordinances and State laws pertaining to animal care and treatment, retrieves animals that are sick, injured, vicious, or non-restrained, and performs other duties attributable to the overall functionality of the division. 

MAJOR DUTIES

1. Answers telephone calls and records complaints related to animal welfare.
2. Retrieves animals that are sick, injured, vicious, or non-restrained. 
3. Provides care to animals in distress. 
4. Investigates complaints of neglected animals and/or cruelty to animals in accordance with code of ordinances and Georgia State laws. Issues citations as necessary. 
5. Reports animal mistreatment to Deputy Director or Law Enforcement.
6. Removes animals from inhumane conditions and transports them to the Liberty County Animal Control Shelter and/or receiving areas for care and treatment.
7. Observes and surveys areas of alleged violators and conducts interviews with witnesses to determine if laws are being violated.
8. Performs routine maintenance on daily basis on the county vehicles as well as cleaning, washing, and fueling. 
9. Performs euthanasia duties to include preparing the animal carcass for disposal. 
10. Keeps records and prepares reports. 
11. Performs public speaking duties at events and local schools to explain animal control duties and activities.
12. Testifies against violators in the court of law.
13. On call duties after hours.
14. Assists law enforcement with animal related cases.
15. Checks living conditions of animals involved in court cases.
16. Networks with different agencies to rescue animals.
17. Assists Kennel Technicians on cleanliness duties. 
18. Performs related duties.

KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION

1. Knowledge of relevant animal care and treatment, as well as county and state laws and ordinances.
2. Knowledge of animal rescue procedures.
3. Knowledge of animal shelter medical practices.
4. Knowledge of pet breed identification, traits, and behavior.
5. Knowledge of euthanasia and carcass disposal. 
6. Knowledge of computers and job-related software programs.
7. Knowledge of evidence collection and documentation procedures.
8. Knowledge of county and city geographic areas. 
9. Skill in interpersonal relations and dealing with the public.
10. Skill in oral and written communication.
11. Skill in animal handling. 
12. Skill in maintaining records and reports.
13. Skill in interpreting and applying applicable regulations.
14. Skill in conducting investigations.
15. Skill in operating tranquilizer rifles and animal catch equipment. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The work is typically performed while typically standing or walking, bending, crouching, or stooping. The employee frequently lifts light and heavy objects, uses tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity, and utilizes sense of smell.
• The work is typically performed in an office, a noisy place, or outdoors and occasionally in cold or inclement weather. The employee is exposed to dust, dirt, grease, and contagious or infectious diseases. Work requires use of protective devices such as masks, googles, and gloves. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or equivalent required. 
• More than two (2) years of related experience required.
• Possession of a valid Georgia Class C driver’s license and acceptable driving record.
• Possession of or ability to obtain Animal Control Officer 1 (ACO 1) certification within one (1) year. 

 WORK SCHEDULE AND BENEFITS

Normal work hours are Monday - Friday from 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Will also work a rotating on-call shift for after-hours calls. 
Liberty County government offers a generous benefits package to full-time permanent employees which includes: 

• 401(a) retirement plan with employer match 
• 13 paid holidays 
• Paid vacation and sick leave 
• Low-cost health dental and vision insurance 
• Free term life insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) 
• Health & wellness program

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application process should notify the Human Resources Office at (912) 391-1247 or [email protected].