An employee in this class captures and confines stray and rabid animals and enforces regulations concerning vaccinations, control, and care of animals. The role also assists animal shelter personnel with maintaining the animal shelter, including cleaning, and caring for the animals impounded in the animal shelter. Independent judgment and initiative are required particularly in determining appropriate action for an injured or vicious animal. The employee in this class is subject to indoor and outdoor environmental conditions; narrow passageways, crawl spaces, and areas which may cause claustrophobia; conditions which may affect the respiratory system and the skin such as fumes, poor ventilation, or carbon monoxide gas; and working on high places and around significant noise. Work in the animal services field is also subject to the final standards of OSHA on blood borne pathogens. Work is performed under close supervision of the Animal Services Manager, and is evaluated by observation, review of records, and through consultation with supervisory personnel.

Essential Duties and Tasks

Investigates violations of county ordinances and NC General Statutes pertaining to animals.

Respond to calls for service were animals pose a threat to public safety and health.

Investigates domestic animal bites to humans and quarantines domestic animals in accordance with NC General Statutes for rabies observation

Investigates possible rabies exposure from wildlife to domestic animals and/or humans

Investigates allegations of animal cruelty, neglect, abuse, and abandonment

Assists law enforcement officers where animals are involved.

Responds to emergency calls through 911 communications.

Attends court proceedings for matters related to animals.

Issue warnings and civil citations for violations of county ordinances and NC state laws

Works 24 hour, rotating, on-call shifts to provide 24/7 emergency response to animal related emergencies.

Captures and contains stray domestic animals using suitable humane techniques.

Transports wounded, sick and injured animals to the animal shelter for care and/or disposition.

Euthanizes diseased, vicious, and unclaimed animals in the prescribed manner.

Prepares rabies specimens and insures the timely delivery to the laboratory for testing.

Assists animal shelter personnel to maintain cleanliness of the shelter and care for impounded animals.

Maintains daily activity logs, case report documentations, and animal records

Maintains the vehicle issued to the individual officer through upkeep, service maintenance, sanitation, and cleanliness.

Provides education to the public through events, presentations and one on one encounters to promote responsible pet ownership.

Support and promote animal services’ lifesaving efforts and programs.

Additional Job Duties

Performs related duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Working knowledge of methods of capturing and handling animals.

Working knowledge of the care of animals/disease regulations.

General knowledge of the Animal Services Ordinance, federal and state laws

pertaining to animals.

Ability to be organized and keep accurate and current records.

Ability to use a rifle and/or shotgun.

Ability to deal tactfully, courteously, and firmly with the public.

Ability to deescalate irate citizens while maintaining a professional manner.

Ability to maintain effective working relationships with other employees.

Completion of high school and some experience with animals; or equivalent combination of education, experience, and training.

Possession of a valid driver’s license.

Must be able to obtain an Animal Euthanasia Certification within six months of hire.

Must be able to obtain a Certified Rabies Vaccinator Certification within six months of hire.

Must be able to attend state and national trainings held out of town where short time away from home may be necessary.

Must be able to receive a series of rabies prophylactic vaccines within three months of hire.

This position requires participating in an on-call rotation schedule.
This position will utilize a take-home vehicle, following a training period.

Franklin County (NC)

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Animal Services Officer