Position Description

The Anne Arundel County Government Department of Animal Services is dedicated to promoting the humane treatment of animals and ensuring safe human-animal interactions.

This posting will be used to fill a full time, permanent, safety-sensitive, represented Animal Services Officer. This is responsible work patrolling an assigned region of the County and responding to complaints regarding domestic animals and wildlife. Employees in this class ensure compliance with animal control and protection laws and regulations of Anne Arundel County.

NATURE AND VARIETY OF WORK

Work involves responsibility for the investigation of reported animal bites, complaints of cruelty to animals, the examination of animal kennels, and processing rabid animal carcasses. Work may also include supervision of a small group of subordinates in animal shelter activities. Work is performed under general supervision within established laws, regulations, and procedures and is reviewed by a superior through observation and conferences.

Employees in this classification are essential employees, must report to work under all weather conditions. This work involves exposure of hostile citizens, aggressive animals, blood borne pathogens and animal body fluids. Work of this class involves driving a county vehicle, walking, reaching, stooping, accessing cramped spaces, and lifting animals weighing up to one hundred pounds with assistance. Employees will be required to work overtime, holidays, weekends, shift work and standby duty.

Examples Of Duties And Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

(Note: The duties and responsibilities enumerated in this class specification are for the purpose of determining a common set of minimum qualifications and salary level for all positions in this class. They are not intended to include all of the essential functions of all positions in the class.)

Patrols assigned area of the County on a scheduled basis, in an animal control vehicle, to search for stray, sick, injured , or dead animals; provides services as needed; and delivers animals to designated facilities for disposition.

Investigates complaints regarding sick, diseased, injured or aggressive animals, and animals involved in bite incidents. Prepares dead animal carcasses for further evaluation.

Apprehends and confines sick, diseased or injured animals considered to be a risk to public safety; render emergency euthanasia; investigate reports of cruelty to animals; investigates wild animal complaints; and retrieves animal carcasses.

Inspects, examines and licenses kennels, pet grooming salons, pet shops and veterinary hospitals operating a business in the County

for code compliance.

Enforces County animal control laws; issues verbal and written warnings, issues comply notices and summons to violators of animal control laws; ensures humane treatment of animals.

Follows established procedures to document in writing a record of animal control and licensing activities performed. Prepares and assembles reports of animal control activities.

Provides information to the public regarding licensing, vaccinations, euthanasia, rabies control, pet-owner responsibilities, spaying, neutering, and adoptions.

Assists with office duties such as receiving animals brought to the shelter by the public and releases impounded animals to the public and performs animal care duties such as feeding, monitoring sick and dangerous animals, and segregating and isolating animals when necessary.

Testifies in courts of law and in administrative hearings.

Prepares detailed written reports and case files of investigated cases as required.

Performs Other Duties As Required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of County roads and street locations, and of applicable traffic laws and regulations.

Knowledge of the handling, care and characteristics of domestic animals.

Knowledge of laws and ordinances governing animal protection and control.

Knowledge of hazards and safety practices involved in animal control work.

Skill in the safe and efficient operation of light motor vehicles.

Ability to communicate calmly, clearly and succinctly to citizens and in courts of law.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and the public.

Ability to write clear, accurate, and concise reports of investigations and other assigned activities.

Ability to apprehend aggressive animals safely.

Ability to operate a personal computer and word processing software.

Ability to maintain a professional appearance and conduct when working with citizens and officials of the County.

Ability to learn to euthanize animals in a caring and humane manner.

Minimum Qualifications

Graduation from high school; one (1) or more years of experience in animal control or related work dealing with the public; and a valid non-commercial Class C motor vehicle operator's license.

NOTE: This is a Safety Sensitive position and employees in this position are subject to Controlled Dangerous Substance (CDS) and Alcohol testing.

NOTE: The selection process includes a comprehensive background investigation.

NOTE: Longevity pay is available based on years of service.

Supplemental Qualifications

Preference will be given to applicants swith the following:

At least 2 years of experience working with animals
Ability to euthanize animals after certification
Experience working for an animal shelter

Anne Arundel County Office of Personnel

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Animal Services Officer