Do you want to be part of a dynamic team that supports a safe and humane community by investigating animal related complaints, educating community members, inspecting animal businesses, commercial and private kennels, and enforcing state laws and county ordinances pertaining to animals? Snohomish County Animal Services may be the perfect place for you!

The ideal Animal Control Officer candidate must be service oriented and have strong skills and abilities in a wide variety of areas including communication, critical thinking and problem solving.

Law enforcement officers, park rangers, and/or corrections officers looking for a change of scenery in the public safety arena are encouraged to apply. Animal Control Officers are armed and receive a limited commission from the Snohomish County Sheriff. Animal Control Officers can promote to Senior Officers based on experience.

Officers will receive all the necessary training and equipment. Training includes a 16-week robust field training program, 80-hour animal control academy and the basic law enforcement reserve academy or equivalent.

Please Note: Interviews for this position will be conducted on an ongoing basis. Review of applicants will take place weekly. It is in the candidate’s best interest to apply as soon as possible. The hiring manager reserves the right to fill the position at any time.

Job Offers are contingent on successful completion of reference and background checks. Snohomish County will not sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa for this opportunity. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States.

BASIC FUNCTION

Investigate animal related complaints and enforce state laws and county ordinances pertaining to animals.

STATEMENT OF ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

Investigates animal complaints received from the public and/or other agencies regarding leash law violations, dog bites/attacks, nuisance animals, vicious animals, barking dogs, livestock at large and unlicensed dogs and/or cats.
Captures and impounds stray, injured and abused animals.
Conducts inspections of private and commercial kennels, grooming parlors and pet shops.
Conducts animal welfare checks associated with active cases under direction of Senior Animal Control Officers.
Seizes and secures animals for law enforcement officers as required.
Educates animal owners about responsible pet ownership and county and state animal laws.
Issues civil violation notices and/or citations and refers criminal investigations to the Prosecuting Attorney's Office for charging decisions.
Assists Senior Animal Control Officers with the extraction of animals from environments in which they are abandoned or kept in cruel and inhumane conditions.
Assists Senior Animal Control Officers with search and seizure warrants.
Provides testimony in court and/or before the Hearing Examiner.
Performs related job duties as required.

One (1) year experience providing service to the public, experience working with animals and experience in using conflict resolution skills; OR, any equivalent combination of training and/or experience which provides the required knowledge and abilities. Must pass job-related tests.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Previous experience as an animal control officer or law enforcement officer.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Pre-employment examinations include a complete background investigation, fingerprinting, criminal record check, polygraph, a psychological evaluation, and physical capabilities test.

Proficiency access testing of the county's emergency dispatch system and be certified through the Criminal Justice Information Service within one month of hire date.

Graduation from the Basic Law Enforcement Reserve Academy (or equivalent) and the Washington Animal Control Academy contingent on funding and schedule.

Successful completion of Animal Control Officer's Field Training.

Field proficiency testing with animal control vehicles within six (6) months of employment.

Washington State Driver's License, unrestricted except as to vision.

Department issued uniform and related safety equipment must be worn while on duty.

Qualify with a firearm and carry firearm while on field duty.

Lift and carry up to 100 pounds.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

customer service practices and techniques
basic animal husbandry and livestock handling
interview practices and techniques
conflict resolution/de-escalation techniques
report writing basics
case management practices
time management basics
Microsoft Office applications

Ability to:

understand and enforce applicable state and local laws, county codes and regulations pertaining to animals
follow written Standard Operating Procedures
apply knowledge of laws and ordinances to field situations
operate a specialized vehicle on public roads including towing and backing of livestock trailers
handle animals in a humane manner
recognize signs of illness or injury in animals
restrain, capture, and control large and small animals
communicate effectively both verbally and in writing with diverse individuals
participate in continuous improvement activities within the division/office
gain cooperation of the public under stressful situations using tact and diplomacy
maintain composure and exercise sound judgment under hostile, dangerous and/or stressful conditions
maintain accurate, well written and organized case reports
work effectively independently, as a partner or in a team environment and be self-motivated
establish and maintain effective working relationships with Auditor's Office and Sheriff's Office personnel, other agencies, and the general public

SUPERVISION

Employees in this classification receive direction from the Animal Services Manager and Lead Animal Control Officer.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The majority of the work is performed outdoors in all types of weather and environmental conditions. The work may involve interaction with intimidating or hostile individuals where personal safety may be at an elevated risk. Employees may be exposed to various communicable, bacterial and/or viral zoonotic diseases, odors, animal blood, feces, urine, fleas, ticks, and mites. Employees are required to wear and work in personal protective equipment when working in conditions where air contaminants and/or other physical hazards are present. Employees must qualify in the use of air-purifying respirators. Employees are required to work overtime, evenings, weekends and holidays as necessary and are required to participate in on call duty on a rotating schedule. Out of state travel may be required for training.

Snohomish County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer.
Accommodations for individuals with disabilities are provided upon request.
EEO policy and ADA notice

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Animal Control Officer