Animal Control Officer II

Animal Control Officer IIs enforce animal control ordinances and related laws and regulations; patrol areas of the City responding to and investigating complaints of animal control, welfare and cruelty; write reports documenting investigations; issue citations for violations; and capture, handle, transport, and detain animals.

This position requires a knowledge of the safe handling and transporting of dangerous, sick, or injured animals and knowledge of and ability to enforce animal control ordinances; as well as the ability to investigate complaints, write reports that may be used in administrative hearings and court cases, and issue citations for violations.

General guidelines exist such as animal control ordinances and standard operating procedures and policies. Judgment is used in determining hazards and the appropriate course of action in handling animals and dealing with the public in hostile situations.

Job Responsibilities:
Patrols assigned areas of the city driving an Animal Control vehicle to enforce animal control ordinances, related laws and regulations.

Investigates complaints of non-compliance with city animal ordinances including menacing animals and bites, animal cruelty and welfare, violations of leash and scoop laws and noise ordinances; records detailed statements from complainants, victims, witnesses and suspects; and photographs injuries, incident scene and animals involved.

Writes reports documenting steps of investigations, observations, statements and timelines for every animal bite, dangerous animal incident, and animal welfare/cruelty investigation.

Issues citations for menacing animal bites and violations including but not limited to leash, scoop and noise ordinances, property damage, unlawful tethering, and failure to obtain pet license and rabies vaccinations.

Participates in court case preparation and testifies in court and administrative hearings on infractions and criminal trials.

Answers questions and explains the rules, policies and regulations pertaining to the animal control ordinances.

Provides excellent and professional customer service in emotional and stressful situations

Captures and detains stray and/or vicious animals; and picks up and transports owner-surrendered, injured or dead animals.

Captures and transports sick and injure wildlife

Operates a two-way radio, responds and dispatches officers to assist field officers.

Maintains assigned equipment and sells pet licenses.

Safely operates F350 truck and other assigned fleet vehicles following defensive driving practices on a daily basis and in stressful situations.

Lectures the general public, schools and other agencies on animal care, safety and welfare.

Qualifications:
Minimum Qualifications:
Two years of animal care and treatment experience, at least one year of which is in assisting a licensed veterinarian; or one year animal care and treatment experience and one year law enforcement background; or one year field experience equivalent to an Animal Control Officer II (or a combination of training and experience which provides an equivalent background required to perform the work of the class). Work Environment/Physical Demands:

Frequently has contact with hostile or abusive members of the public.

Required to work nights, weekends and/or holidays.

Required to work outdoors in all types of weather.

Exposed to possibility of animal attack in the handling and treatment of injured or stray animals; occasional physical exertion is necessary to capture and detain animals. Desired Qualifications:

Knowledge of safe handling and transporting of dangerous, sick or injured animals.

Able to lift 50 pounds independently (on occasion, able to lift over 50 lbs with the use of provided equipment as needed or assistance from another officer).

A safe driving record and be able to safely drive a large Animal Control one ton vehicle daily.

Ability to type and utilize Microsoft Office and other software programs.

Excellent oral and written communication skills

Ability to work independently, think critically, and exercise good judgment.

Working knowledge of PetPoint.

Experience conducting investigations and writing reports.

Washington State Certified Euthanasia Technician. License, Certification, and Other Requirements:

Current, valid Driver’s License

Special Police Commission

Additional Information:
To be considered for this position, please submit a cover letter and resume.

Employment is contingent on successfully passing an extensive background check for Special Police Commission. For more information on the requirement for the Special Police Commission go to: http://www.seattle.gov/police/jobs/hiring/qualifications.htm

A pre-placement driving record check, background check and a pre-placement physical are required.