Deputy Animal Control Officer – (Animal Services)

DEPARTMENT: Animal Services

SALARY: Grade 58                                            $17.2663 Hourly / $35,913.80 Annually

OPENING DATE: February 6, 2025                                   Closing Date: Open Until Filled

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Under general supervision of the Animal Control Officer, the purpose of the position is to assist in controlling animals and to protect people and animals in accordance with established ordinances and statutes.  Employees in this classification perform skilled work. Position is responsible for capturing, confining, and euthanizing stray and rabid dogs and other animals; caring for animals in the shelter; and investigating animal complaints. Performs related work as required.

SPECIFIC 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 class. 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.

• This work involves patrolling the county to enforce animal control ordinances and related laws, rules and regulations.  Workers carry out daily assignments, follow through on matters and use independent judgment and training to take appropriate actions to deal with animal situations.
• Enforces county and state animal regulations including but not limited to cruelty to animals, dangerous/vicious animals and animal bites, including dogs, cats, livestock and fowl.
• Patrols assigned county areas, contains and picks-up stray, sick/injured feral and/or unwanted and captured domestic animals, transporting them to appropriate destinations (vet, shelter, etc.).
• Performs emergency animal rescue service, emergency night call service and animal first aid when required.

• Maintains required telecommunications contact.
• Sets traps to capture evasive domestic animals.
• Educates the public on proper animal care, wildlife problems and animal control regulations.
• Arbitrates disputes if possible. Issues warnings, citations and arrest warrants when necessary.  Appears for scheduled court dates and testifies regarding civil infractions, custody hearings and cruelty charges.  Serves and responds to court and Animal Control Board summonses as necessary and represents County at court and Animal Control Board Hearings.  Coordinates efforts with other community professionals such as police officer, court officials and veterinarians.
• Prepares and maintains necessary reports and records.
• Tranquilizes dangerous/vicious animals in a safe humane manner as authorized by supervisor.
• Euthanizes dangerous/vicious animals in a safe humane manner as authorized by supervisor.
• Responds to and investigates complaints from citizens concerning domestic animals.
• Feeds and cares for dogs and cats; euthanizes rabid and undesirable dogs and cats; prepares animals for submission to state lab for determination of rabies.
• This position may, preferably on a rotation basis, but because the staff is small, may be assigned to feed and care (clean the pens) for the dogs and cats in the shelter on repetitive weekends (Saturday and Sunday) twice a day.
• Assists in investigating complaints about stray or rabid dogs; Investigates animal cruelty complaints related to domestic and farm animals; Investigates allegations of dangerous dogs; uses suitable techniques and equipment to capture and confine dogs; assists in investigating reports of dog and other animal bites.  Prepares written investigative reports that may be introduced as legal court evidence.
• Assists in enforcement of policies related to vaccination of animals; post notices and participates in vaccination clinics.
• Picks up stray or unwanted animals; offers animals for adoption.
• Assists in the removal and disposal of animal carcasses at Animal Shelter only.

• Maintains cleanliness of Animal Shelter.
• Assist in management of Animal Shelter.
• Deal courteously with the public. Assist callers with information regarding situations such as nuisance or trapped animals and answers questions about animal control polices and laws.
• Operate vehicle safely.  Performs minor maintenance on catch poles, traps, cages, and kennels; may perform minor maintenance on animal control service vehicles.
• Serves as an Animal Cruelty Investigator to determine if animals are being neglected or abused.  May be required to testify for cases involving animal cruelty or dangerous dogs when court action is required.
• This position requires the employee to have access to a county cell phone and respond to dispatched calls in priority order and determine appropriate action.
• Employee is subject to work beyond normal scheduled hours, weekends and holidays.

MARGINAL FUNCTIONS

While the following tasks are necessary for the work of the unit, they are not an essential part of the purpose of this position and may also be performed by other unit members.

• May perform clerical duties as required by answering phones and assisting members of the public.
• Performs related duties as required.

MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

High school diploma or GED; supplemented by previous experience working with animals or training; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. Demonstrated animal health and wellbeing knowledge, skills and abilities to include:  care of wild and domestic animals, knowledge of animal diseases, skill in performing euthanasia, ability to determine breeds and species, sex and age.

• Ability to recognize signs of animal neglect, abuse and cruelty.
• Knowledge of law enforcement techniques, principles and practices. 
• Knowledge of local and state animal laws and court procedures.
• Knowledge in euthanasia methods and techniques, skill in animal capture and restraint methods and the ability to interpret animal body language.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with other community professionals and the public.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must successfully complete the North Carolina Concealed Handgun Carry Course and be permitted to carry a handgun within one year of employment.
• Must successfully attend and complete at least six (6) hours of training per year related to investigating complaints for care and treatment of animals.
• Must successfully complete a Euthanasia class and become certified.
• Must attend N.A.C.H.O. (National Animal Control Humane Officer) Module A within 6 months of employment.

• Possession of a valid driver’s license issued by the State of North Carolina. Must maintain a valid North Carolina driver’s license throughout employment and must comply with any and all County vehicle policies.
• Obtain the necessary preventive medical shots for protection against rabies, etc. This would include Rabies pre-exposure, TD dap every 10 years unless an exposure, flu shot yearly, Hep B and Hep A.
• In accordance with the county’s drug free workplace policy, employees may be subject to pre-employment and random drug screening.