ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER

Humboldt County Sheriff's Office - Animal Shelter

Are you passionate about the well-being of animals? Do you want to provide high quality animal protection services through compassion, education and enforcement of laws and regulations? The Humboldt County Sheriff's Office Animal Services Division is seeking an enthusiastic Animal Control Officer to join our team of dedicated professionals to provide compassionate and effective animal services for the County of Humboldt.

Job Highlights:
This position is responsible for a variety of duties, including:

Promotes responsible pet ownership
Capture stray and unlicensed animals for impounding and transport injured animals
Process animal bite reports and investigates animal bites
Conduct initial investigations of complaints regarding animal cruelty

Work Location:
This position is located in the Humboldt County Animal Shelter
970 Lycoming, McKinleyville, CA 95519

This position is represented by the AFSCME bargaining unit.

DEFINITION

Under general supervision, enforces County laws regarding stray, dangerous and nuisance animals; promotes responsible pet ownership; investigates complaints, patrols assigned areas and captures animals; administers the animal licensing program, including collecting and accounting for fees; performs related work as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is a skilled, experienced classification in animal control and licensing, responsible for enforcing applicable regulations in a police officer capacity with limited peace officer authorities. Successful performance of the work requires independent decision-making skill to effectively promote responsible pet ownership.

• Investigates complaints from the public and other agencies regarding nuisance, stray, uncontrolled, dangerous, wild or diseased animals.
• Conducts an initial investigation of complaints regarding animal cruelty.
• Processes animal bite reports and communicates with County public health staff regarding animal bite investigations; investigates animal bites; arranges for animal identification and quarantine as required.
• Promotes responsible pet ownership by explaining local laws, codes and ordinances relating to the care and control of animals, filing of complaints, and policies of the shelter to the public.
• Issues citations for violations of applicable regulations; patrols incorporated areas in a County vehicle; issues citations to dog owners with unlicensed or delinquent licensed dogs.
• Captures wild, stray and unlicensed animals for impounding; transports injured animals.
• Testifies in court regarding citations and disposition of complaints.
• Releases impounded animals to owners and processes adoption by new owners.
• Assists other agencies and County departments with animal control and handling activities.
• Operates humane traps, mobile radios, and related animal control tools and equipment.
• Identifies symptoms of common animal diseases and recommends veterinary medical care, isolation or destruction.
• Maintains records and prepares daily reports of work performed.
• Promotes the animal licensing program by collecting fees and issuing licenses in the field and in the office.
• Attends periodic rabies vaccination clinics; sells licenses at clinics.
• Acts as liaison with the local humane society for contract animal shelter services.

Knowledge of:

Basic species and breed identification of a variety of domestic and common wild animals.
Symptoms and behavior associated with rabies and other common diseases of animals.
Behavior and handling of common domestic or wild animals.
Methods and equipment used in the care and control of animals.
State and local laws and ordinances pertaining to the proper care and control of animals.
Safe working practices.
Basic recordkeeping principles and practices.

Skill in:

Handling, capturing and controlling animals humanely and effectively under stressful or emergency circumstances.
Assessing animal behavior and making effective decisions regarding handling, capturing or destroying the animal.
Identifying symptoms and behaviors associated with rabies and other common domestic animal diseases.
Operating County vehicles, radios, and other animal control tools and equipment.
Reading maps and following oral and written directions.
Maintaining accurate records and preparing reports of work performed.
Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work, including groups and/or hostile or irate citizens.

Other Requirements:

Must possess a valid California driver's license. Must be medically capable of working with animals and being able to lift and carry up to 80 pounds.

Desirable Education and Experience:

A typical way to obtain the knowledge and skills outlined above is:

Two years of experience in animal care or control or as law enforcement support, plus some college level coursework in animal control, animal behavior, public relations, law enforcement or a related field is desirable.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

HOW TO APPLY

A complete, original application must be filed for each position you are interested in applying for. Applicants must apply online through the County’s automated application system at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/humboldtcountyca.

Applications must be submitted no later than the final filing date and time listed on the job flyer.

It is important that your application shows all the relevant education and experience you possess. Human Resources staff does not consider or review resumes or attachments. Incomplete applications will be rejected.

Please read the job requirements section of the announcement. Be sure you meet these requirements since they will be carefully evaluated during the selection process.

Your performance in any employment examinations will be compared with the performance of others who take the tests. The examination results will be emailed to you as quickly as possible.

SELECTION PROCEDURE

The County utilizes a set of rules to ensure that our hiring processes are fair and equitable. Applications will be screened and those considered qualified will be invited to appear for an oral and/or written examination. Meeting the requirements does not guarantee inclusion into the selection process. Depending upon the number of applications received, the selection process may consist of additional application screening, written and/or practical exam(s), oral interview, or any combination thereof.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How long does it take to fill out the application?

You should allow 30 – 45 minutes to fill out your application.

Can I change my application after submitting it?

No. Once an application has been submitted, it is final. Applicants may submit a new application with updated information during the filing period if they wish. Only the most recent application submitted will be considered. All other applications will not be considered.

How long until I hear back from you and how can I check for updates on my application?

You may receive communications regarding your application at different stages of the selection process. Important updates will be sent to the email address listed in your governmentjobs.com account at the time of notification. To ensure you don't miss any critical information, we recommend keeping your email address current and regularly checking both your inbox and junk mail folders throughout the process. You can also log into your governmentjobs.com account at any time to check your application status. If you have any questions about your application's progress, please contact the County of Humboldt Human Resources Personnel Division at 707-476-2349 or personnel@co.humboldt.ca.us.

Will I be informed if I am not selected for an interview / Oral Exam?

Yes, you will be informed via email if you are not selected for an interview / Oral Exam.

OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

Research indicates that individuals in protected classes can be less likely to submit a job application. The County of Humboldt is dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace where our employees are free to bring their full selves to work each day in an environment that allows them to reach their full potential. The County Board of Supervisors has made organizational commitments to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and the County is working to ensure that these commitments are reflected in all we do. The County recognizes that certain populations (BIPOC, Disabled Persons, Veterans, LGBTQIA+ community members, etc.) face systemic and structural challenges which may inhibit their ability to satisfy every requirement of the position. In recognition of these structural and systemic factors, the Human Resources Department understands that experience can be gained in many ways – oftentimes, outside of formal institutions – and strives to take a holistic approach in assessing an applicant’s qualifications for a position.

If you’re excited about this role but your past work experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we strongly encourage you to apply.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS

The County of Humboldt is committed to providing equal access and opportunities in its programs, activities, and employment, and does not discriminate on the basis of mental or physical disabilities. The Human Resources Department is located in the Humboldt County Courthouse, which has an accessible entrance on 4th Street. Accessible parking is available adjacent to the 4th Street entrance and on the 4th Street side of the K Street lot. Special testing arrangements may be made to accommodate disabilities or religious convictions. If invited to an examination and you are in need of a reasonable accommodation, please contact Human Resources immediately at (707) 476-2349 so arrangements can be made.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The county is an equal opportunity employer. We enthusiastically accept our responsibility to make employment decisions without regard to race, religion or religious creed, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, military service, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local laws or ordinances.

MEDICAL EXAMINATION

A pre-employment medical examination provided by the County may be required upon offer of employment.

OTHER EXAMINATIONS

Some positions also require psychological evaluation and/or extensive background investigation.

LICENSES

Some classifications require possession of valid professional and/or technical licenses. Some classifications may require the possession of a valid California driver’s license.

PROBATIONARY PERIOD

Persons appointed to regular County positions serve a probationary period. This is normally six (6) months but could be up to one (1) year. All designated safety employees serve a one-year probationary period.

EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY

It is the County’s intention to hire only those workers who are authorized to work in the United States, pursuant to the Immigration Act of 1990. If you are offered employment, you will be required to verify your eligibility to work in the United States. For law enforcement positions you will be required to verify your U.S. citizenship or legalized status.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKERS

All County of Humboldt employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

THE PROVISIONS OF THIS BULLETIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESS OR IMPLIED CONTRACT. THE COUNTY OF HUMBOLDT RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MAKE NECESSARY MODIFICATIONS TO THE EXAMINATION PLAN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE HUMBOLDT COUNTY MERIT SYSTEM RULES.

County of Humboldt

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