DEFINITION
 
Under general supervision, performs a variety of duties involved in the enforcement and communication of animal services codes, ordinances, and regulations; responds to calls and complaints from citizens for animal services and takes appropriate action; establishes and maintains positive community relations; and performs related work as required.
 
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
                                
Receives general supervision from the Neighborhood Services Manager and/or assigned supervisory or management personnel.  Exercises no direct supervision over staff.
 
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
 
This journey-level classification is responsible for independently performing the full range of animal control duties in support of the Neighborhood Services Division.  Positions at this level exercise judgment and initiative in their assigned tasks, receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. 
 

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only)
Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.
 

• Patrols areas within the City and enforces animal services codes, ordinances, and regulations; investigates reports of animal abuse; issues citations; takes other appropriate actions.
• Captures and impounds unlicensed, stray, and uncontrolled animals; transports animals to shelter; arranges for proper storage and humane care.
• Picks up dead or injured animals; provides aid to injured animals; transports animals to veterinarian for treatment or euthanasia.
• Responds to calls from citizens for animal services; investigates complaints involving animals; investigates reports of dogs, cats, or other animals creating nuisances.
• Determines whether calls meet the criteria for emergency response and call out and how quarantines should be handled; evaluates and authorizes immediate care of euthanasia for sick and injured animals, emergency seizure of animals, and owner relinquishments in the field; determines whether a criminal complaint and/or dangerous/vicious animal investigation should be initiated.
• Establishes and maintains positive community relations through public assistance regarding humane animal services, and enforcement of animal regulations, and answers specific and general questions.
• Identifies and investigates animal-related crimes; interviews witnesses, collects evidence, writes reports, and testifies in court.
• Investigates reports of animal bites; completes state mandated quarantines as necessary.
• Answers questions regarding the enforcement of animal services, regulations, adoption, and licensing policies and procedures.
• Prepares reports and cases; maintains records, logs, and files of activities
• Observes and complies with City and mandated safety rules, regulations and protocols.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

 
QUALIFICATIONS
 
Knowledge of:
 

• Methods and techniques of handling, collection, impoundment, and registration of a variety of wild and domestic animals in various conditions.
• Identification of various breeds of dogs, cats, and other domestic animals.
• Principles of animal behavior and care.

• Principles, practices, methods, and techniques of code violation investigation and compliance.
• Operational characteristics of equipment and materials used to capture and subdue animals.

• Practices for documenting inspections, correcting violations, and carrying through on enforcement actions.
• Methods and techniques of investigating a diverse range of animal control problems and issues.  Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility.

• Occupational hazards and standard in the area of animal services.

• Principles of record keeping and reporting.
• City and mandated safety rules, regulations and protocols.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.

• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

 
Ability to:
 

• Effectively respond to calls for services.
• Recognize normal and abnormal animal behavior and act accordingly.
• Handle potentially dangerous animals in a safe manner.
• Identify dogs, cats and other domestic animals and their characteristics.

• Medicate or euthanize animals, after completion of the appropriate training.

• Interpret and apply applicable Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations pertaining to animal services.

• Prepare, maintain, and update accurate and detailed documentation of inspection findings and other written materials, records, logs, and reports.
• Operate and maintain a variety of animal control equipment.
• Maintain accurate records and files of work performed.
• Understand and carry out oral and written instructions.

• Organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience:
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:
                                                      
Education:
Equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12th) grade.
 
Experience:
Two (2) years of experience in the enforcement and communication of animal services codes, ordinances, and regulations and the humane care and handling of animals. 
 
Licenses and Certifications:
 

• Possession of a valid California Driver's License to be maintained throughout employment.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain within six (6) months of hire, a California PC832 Certificate. 
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a Chemical Immobilization Certification is preferred.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a Euthanasia by Injection Certification is preferred.
• Successfully complete the Animal Law Enforcement Training Academy (Basic) prior to the conclusion of probation.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
 
Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; to operate a motor vehicle to patrol service areas; and to walk on uneven terrain; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone.  This is primarily a field classification with frequent standing and walking between work areas required.  Wrist flexion and lateral rotation are necessary in combination with grasping to handle a snare and leash.  Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment and above-mentioned tools and equipment.  Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information.  Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects averaging a weight of 50 pounds or heavier weights, in all cases with the use of proper equipment and/or assistance from other staff.
 
Employees must wear and use the proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
 
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
 
Employees primarily work outside and may be exposed to inclement weather conditions and potentially hazardous physical substances.  The principal duties of the class generally involve exposure to dangerous, diseased or injured animals.  Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

E-Verify: The City of El Monte is an E-Verify employer.  E-Verify is an Internet based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA) that allows participating employers to electronically verify the employment eligibility of newly hired employees in the United States.