Animal Services Officer

Description

The City of Coconut Creek has been spotlighted as one of the "Best Cities to Live in America" by Money Magazine and a Top Ten Place to Live in Florida by Movoto and NerdWallet. This past year, we were awarded the Honorable Culture of Well-Being by Cigna and ranked #7 Healthiest Employer to Work For in the medium-sized company category by South Florida Business Journal. Our City is home to the Seminole Casino Coconut Creek, Butterfly World, and the Coconut Creek Promenade. Every one of our business owners and 61,000 residents rely on our awesome 400+ employees. Are you ready to be one of us?

If you are interested in making a difference in the lives of others and serving the public; if you are innovative, progressive, dedicated, and looking for a workplace where you belong, consider applying to join our Coconut Creek family.

GENERAL-PURPOSE:

Performs intermediate-level technical or specialized work in the Police Department. Handles various Police situations involving animal-related calls and assists patrol officers with active crime investigations as it pertains to animal services as needed. Exceptional interpersonal skills and ability to present dynamic and engaging public presentations required. Work is performed under general supervision with limited latitude. Position exercises some judgment in accordance with well-defined policies, procedures, and techniques.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification. It is not necessarily descriptive of any one position in the classification. The omission of an essential function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed herein if such functions are a logical assignment to the position.

• Handles Police related situations involving animals
• Handles the transfer and storage of evidence
• Removes and disposes of animals from roadways
• Educates and enforces laws, ordinances, etc.
• Presents and educates the public on animal safety and advocacy
• Performs educational videos pertaining to Animal Services
• Attends events open to the public regarding Animal Services
• Displays enthusiasm and general interest in animal advocacy
• Enforces and investigates all Local, State, and Federal laws and regulations for animal ownership and treatment
• Protects the lives and welfare of citizens from potentially dangerous or diseased animals; administers first aid to injured or afflicted persons
• Develops and presents educational programs on animal laws and pet ownership responsibility and liability issues and explains citations for violations
• Investigates reports of animal cruelty, neglect, abandonment, and possible rabid animals; investigates suspected illegal activity regarding animals; prepares depositions; testifies and presents evidence in court
• Transports deceased animals to Broward County Animal Control for cremation
• Inspects local pet stores/shops and dog/cat fanciers to ensure all animals are handled in accordance with applicable ordinances and regulations
• Provides information to members of the public and outside agencies on animal ordinances and regulations, animal care methods and techniques, and general animal advocacy
• Makes presentations to local civic groups, homeowners associations, students, and other groups on animal care and animal control ordinances and regulations
  
  

Performs other duties as assigned and/or required

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

High school diploma or GED; two (2) years professional experience in animal handling and behavior or law/ordinance enforcement; an equivalent combination of education, certification, training, and/or experience may be considered.

Must have a Florida driver's license, class E.

Must not have visible tattoos while wearing short sleeve standard-issued uniforms.

Must possess or obtain within one (1) year the Animal Control Officer certification from the Florida Animal Control Association.

Supplemental Information

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge and skill in the principles and practices of animal handling and safety
• Knowledge of Local, State, and Federal laws and regulations for animal ownership and treatment or the ability to learn them independently and in a timely manner
• Knowledge in first aid and CPR procedures
• Skill in Microsoft Office products (Word, Outlook, and Excel)
• Skill in providing good customer service
• Ability to multi-task while working with tight deadlines and shifting priorities
• Ability to read, interpret, and enforce Local, State, and Federal laws pertaining to animal ownership and treatment
• Ability to analyze and define problems, identify alternative solutions, estimate consequences of proposed actions, and implement recommendations in support of goals
• Ability to organize work for timely completion
• Ability to clearly communicate and understand the information in English, both orally and in writing
• Ability to establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work
• Ability and willingness to administer euthanasia drugs
• Ability to analytically observe and objectively and clearly report emergency and non-emergency activities regarding animals
• Ability to regularly attend work and arrive punctually for designated work schedule
  
  

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Depending on the functional area of the assignment, tasks involve the periodic performance of moderately physically demanding work, usually involving lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling of moderately heavy objects and materials (up to 50 pounds). Tasks that require moving objects of significant weight require the assistance of another person and/or the use of proper techniques and moving equipment. Tasks may involve some climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling. Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation and extended periods of time standing.

ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

Tasks are regularly performed outside with potential for exposure to adverse conditions, such as dirt, dust, pollen, odors, fumes and/or poor ventilation, wetness, humidity, rain, temperature and noise extremes, machinery and/or moving vehicles, vibrations, electric currents, animals/wildlife, toxic/poisonous agents, gases or chemicals, oils, and other cutting fluids, violence and/or disease, or pathogenic substances.

SENSORY REQUIREMENTS:

Some tasks require manual dexterity, in addition to visual and hearing acuity. Some tasks may involve identifying and distinguishing colors.

CITY OF COCONUT CREEK

BENEFIT SUMMARY FOR CIVIL SERVICE (NON-EXEMPT) PERSONNEL

HOLIDAYS - 10 paid full-day holidays and 2 paid half-day (Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve) holidays per year.

PERSONAL LEAVE - 16 hours/year (prorated the first year of employment based on hire date); does not roll over.

VACATION LEAVE - Employees earn vacation leave from the date of hire based on the following schedule:

< 4 years of service: .0385 hours per each regular paid hour (80 hrs./yr.)

4+ years of service: .0577 hours per each regular paid hour (120 hrs./yr.)

7+ years of service: .0770 hours per each regular paid hour (160 hrs./yr.)

10+ years of service: .0962 hours per each regular paid hour (200 hrs./yr.)

Maximum accumulation is 200 hours as of the last day of the pay period including November 1 each year for employees with fewer than 10 years of service. Maximum accumulation is 240 hours as of the last day of the pay period including November 1 each year, with up to 80 excess hours payable per year, for employees with at least 10 years of service.

SICK LEAVE - Employees earn 0.0462 hours of sick leave for each hour of regular paid service. Accumulations in excess of 520 hours are paid out annually at a 50%, 75%, or 100% conversion rate depending on years of service.

GROUP INSURANCE PROGRAM

For each employee, the City pays the premiums for $20,000 Basic Life insurance, $20,000 AD&D, and Long and Short-Term Disability, and contributes towards the total premium for medical insurance. For employees selecting the High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP), employee-only medical insurance coverage is paid 100% by the City’s contribution. Most employees who enroll in the City’s HDHP are eligible to participate in a Health Savings Account (HSA). For those selecting a medical plan with higher premiums, dependent coverage, and/or optional benefits, employee contributions are made through bi-weekly payroll deduction. Eligibility for coverage is the first of the month following thirty (30) days of full time employment.

Proof of medical coverage is required for full-time City employees. However, employees may opt-out of the City’s group medical insurance and receive a pre-determined dollar amount paid bi-weekly through payroll. The City’s insurance program includes a Section 125 Program, which allows eligible employees to pay for medical and dental insurance, dependent health coverage, HSA Contributions (if eligible), additional life insurance, some AFLAC policies, etc., and any other eligible insurance premiums with pre-tax dollars, and/or set aside pre-tax dollars for unreimbursed medical, dependent or elder care. Certain optional benefits, such as Legal Shield, Identity Shield, certain amounts of life insurance and some AFLAC plans, must be paid on a post-tax basis. All payments are made bi-weekly by payroll deduction. Changes to selections may only be made during qualifying periods.

PENSION/RETIREMENT PLAN

The City participates in the Florida Retirement System (FRS), which offers a choice of either a Pension Plan (defined benefit) or an Investment Plan (defined contribution). The City contributes an amount to the selected plan that is determined by the State Legislature. In addition, employees contribute 3% through a pre-tax payroll deduction. The Pension Plan benefit is determined by multiplying the Regular Class rate of 1.6 times the years of FRS service times the average of the employee's highest paid eight (8) years of salary. The Investment Plan benefit is based on the performance of selected funds over time. Employees in the Pension Plan are vested after eight (8) years of service; vesting is after one (1) year of service for the Investment Plan. Normal Retirement for the Pension Plan is age 65 with 8 years of Regular Class service, or 33 years of Regular Class service regardless of age. Early Retirement is any age after eight (8) years, but less than 33 years of service (There is a penalty of 5% per year under age 65.) There is no age or service requirement that must be met to receive a benefit under the Investment Plan, provided the one (1) year vesting requirement has been met.

• Please Note: If you have recently retired from FRS, please check the FRS website at http://frs.myflorida.com to review the provision pertaining to re-employment restrictions.
• Age and years of service for vesting, highest average compensation, normal retirement, and early retirement requirements are lower for those enrolled in FRS prior to July 1, 2011. Please refer to the FRS Pension Plan Member Handbook for additional information.
  
  

Employees may also make voluntary contributions to a 457 Deferred Compensation Plan or Roth IRA Plans with ICMA-RC, up to the annual limit as defined by the IRS.

LONGEVITY PAY - Employees are eligible for an annual lump sum longevity payment as follows:

• Upon completion of five (5) through nine (9) years of service: $500
• Upon completion of ten (10) through fourteen (14) years of service: $1,000
• Upon completion of fifteen (15) through nineteen (19) years of service: $1,500
• Upon completion of twenty (20) years of service: $2,000
  
  

TUITION REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM

Employees who have completed their one (1) year probationary period are eligible to participate in the Tuition Reimbursement Program. With approval of the course(s) and subject to availability of funds, employees may be eligible for reimbursement of 100% for a grade of A, 75% for a grade of B, and 50% for a grade of C. The maximum tuition reimbursement available to any employee shall be the equivalent of (18) credit hours per fiscal year at either the State of Florida community college level or the State of Florida university level.

PAY-FOR-PERFORMANCE

Employees are eligible for up to 5% in pay-for-performance compensation, based upon their annual evaluation, provided said compensation is approved and funded in the city’s adopted budget.

DISCOUNT PROGRAMS

The City offers a variety of discount programs. The following are some areas for available discounts: Healthy Meals, Health Services, Banking / Financial; Cellular / Data and Computer Services, Entertainment, Retail and Travel.

WELLNESS PROGRAMS

The City of Coconut Creek offers a wide variety of wellness initiatives and programs. Some of these initiatives and programs are: Weight Watcher’s at Work, Walking Challenges, Wellness Warrior Reimbursement Program, Annual Wellness Fair, several wellness preventive screenings, flu shots, and mammogram wellness screenings. The City is always looking for new ways to improve the overall health and wellness of its employees.

Please note, the benefits listed above are subject to change. Full descriptions of each benefit listed may be found in the City’s Code of Ordinances, Administrative Orders, applicable Collective Bargaining Agreement, on the employee portal or by contacting Human Resources and Risk Management at 954-973-6715 or hr@coconutcreek.net.

01

Each applicant must complete this supplemental questionnaire as a part of the application screening and selection process. The information you provide will be reviewed and used to determine your eligibility to move forward in the selection process. Incomplete responses, false statements, omissions, or partial information may result in disqualification from the selection process. Do you agree to answer each supplemental question truthfully and that your responses can be verified from information included within the application?

• Yes
• No
  
  

02

I am at least 18 years of age and possess a High School Diploma or GED.

• Yes
• No
  
  

03

What is your highest level of education?

• High School Diploma or GED
• Some College, No Degree
• Associates Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree or Higher
  
  

04

Computer Skills: I am proficient in the following software: (Check all that apply)

• Microsoft Word
• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Outlook
• None of the Above
  
  

05

Do you possess at least 2 years of professional experience in animal handling and behavior or law/ordinance enforcement?

• Yes
• No
  
  

06

List the employers (from your application) that support this experience:

07

Do you currently have an Animal Control Officer certification from the Florida Animal Control Association? (Preferred)

• Yes
• No
  
  

08

Do you have any tattoos in a location that will be visible when wearing a long-sleeve standard issue uniform? (Long-sleeve uniforms are mandatory for anyone who has tattoos that would be visible while wearing a short-sleeve uniform; regardless of whether it/they can be covered by makeup, clothing/fabric, or other temporary means.)

• Yes, I do have visible tattoos when wearing a long-sleeve uniform (Neck, face, hands, etc.)
• Yes, I do have visible tattoos when wearing a long-sleeve uniform, but it/they can be covered with a ring, bracelet, or watch.
• No, I do not have visible tattoos when wearing a long-sleeve uniform
  
  

09

I have a tattoo(s) visible while in short sleeve uniform, but I agree to always wear a long-sleeve uniform while on duty.

• I agree to wear a long-sleeve uniform at all times while on duty.
• I disagree and refuse to wear a long-sleeve uniform at all times while on duty.
• I do not have a tattoo that is visible while in a short sleeve uniform.
  
  

10

Are you available to respond to call-outs at any time of the day or night on weekdays, weekends, and/or holidays.

• Yes
• No
  
  

11

Are you willing to administer euthanasia drugs when necessary?

• Yes
• No
  
  

12

What is your Florida Driver License number?

13

Has your driver license ever been suspended or revoked?

• Yes
• No
  
  

14

If yes, how many times and under what circumstance?

15

Do you have any traffic citations for the seven (7) years prior to the date of application?

• Yes
• No
  
  

16

List ALL Traffic Citations Received Within The Last Seven (7) Years. For Each Offense, Give Date, Description Of Offense, City, And State In Which The Offense Occurred, And Diposition Of Case:

17

Have you ever been fired, discharged, or asked/forced to resign?

• Yes
• No
  
  

18

If yes, describe when, why, and what occurred.

19

Have you ever been released or discharged under other than honorable conditions from any of the Armed Forces of the United States? (if applicable)

• Yes
• No
• Not Applicable
  
  

20

Do you NOW or have you EVER tried any illegal drugs or controlled substances? (Tried includes smoking, inhaling, swallowing, placing/rubbing on gums, lips or tongue; injecting; or ingesting by any other means.)

• Yes
• No
  
  

21

If yes, list each controlled substance you used, how many times you used it and the last time you used it. (mm/dd/yy)

22

Do you NOW or have you EVER purchased or sold any illegal drugs or controlled substances?

• Yes
• No
  
  

23

If yes, list each controlled substance you sold/purchased, how many times you sold/purchased it and the last time you sold/purchased it. (mm/dd/yy) (Please specify whether it was purchased or sold, or both.)

24

In the last three (3) years have you used, purchased, or sold marijuana?

• Yes
• No
  
  

25

If yes, explain the situation to include dates and number of times.

26

In the last five (5) years have you used, purchased, or sold any other controlled substance? (excluding marijuana)

• Yes
• No
  
  

27

If yes, explain the situation to include dates and number of times.

28

Have you EVER been convicted of any civil or criminal law violation other than minor traffic violations? This includes convictions which may have occurred when you were a juvenile, and any convictions for which records have been expunged or sealed.

• Yes
• No
  
  

29

Have you ever failed to complete the probationary period at another agency?

• Yes
• No
  
  

30

List The Employers (from Your Application) That Support This:

31

Describe why you desire employment in this position. Please also state any additional information you feel may be helpful to us in considering your application.

32

Required Documentation: I understand that I am required to submit the following documentation to the City of Coconut Creek for my application to be considered complete Documents must be submitted at the time of application.

• Copy of proof of highest education level(e.g., High School Diploma/GED, College transcript or degree, etc.)
• Copy of required licenses/certifications
• Copy of DD214 (if claiming Veterans Preference)
  
  

Note to Applicant: Electronic copies of required documents may be attached to your online application. If electronic copies are not available, required documents must be hand-delivered or mailed to the City of Coconut Creek Human Resources Department at 4800 W. Copans Road, Coconut Creek, FL 33073, or faxed to 954/956-1523 within 1 business day of submitting your application. Applications without the necessary accompanying documents will be considered incomplete.

• I understand that failure to submit required documentation is reason for disqualification from consideration for employment.
  
  

33

I understand that I must be able to successfully pass a physical examination, drug screen test, and background check which includes criminal history and employment verification following a conditional offer of employment.

• Yes
• No
  
  

34

I have not made a false statement of material fact, or practiced or attempted to practice any fraud or deception in my application, examinations, or documentation submitted.

• I Agree
• I Do Not Agree
• Required Question