Animal Control Officer - DC

Duties & responsibilities

Responsibilities of an Animal Control Officer are to investigate and enforce DC animal cruelty code ensuring compliance for the care of animals and to relieve suffering. Control of animals, initiating and monitoring Bite Quarantines and transporting lost and found canines from citizens and police. This can include issuing warnings and citations as well as appearing in court to prosecute citations issued. Animal Control Officers also assist in Animal Protection Services Humane Police matters and Local and State Police matters as well.

All of the following are to be performed while adhering to the Brandywine Valley SPCA Employee Handbook and operational policies, safety rules and procedures:

• Serves as a public representative of the Brandywine Valley SPCA, demonstrating a positive attitude, professionalism, courtesy, tact and discretion in all interactions with other employees and with the public.
• Responds promptly to routine complaints concerning animal problems or violations of animal control ordinances, including but not limited to:
  • Animals at large
  • Animal bites
  • Animal cruelty
  • Injured animals (Domesticated and Wildlife)
  • Confined Stray Animals
  • Barking Dogs/Excessive Noise
• Responds to citizen calls for service, complaints and request from other agencies.
• Transport domesticated animals to Brandywine Valley SPCA Shelter facility.
• Attempts to locate stray animals’ owners and obtain information necessary to satisfy complaint and insure that regulations are enforced.
• Rescue domestic and wild animals from dangerous situations, as well as picking up sick, injured and trapped animals and impounding animals as needed.
• Handles questions, complaints and concerns regarding animal control, treatment and care.
• Advises citizens on responsibilities of animal ownership.
• Accesses the Brandywine Valley SPCA PetPoint Data Base.
• Maintains contact with supervisory personnel to coordinate investigative activities, provide mutual assistance during emergency situations and provides general information about animal control activities.
• Assists in preparation of written and oral reports involving investigated cases, monitoring and maintaining active case files, requiring basic English grammar, punctuation, report and letter composition skills using office equipment including a computer.
• Assists with preparation and maintenance of daily and monthly activities logs for submission to and review by supervisor.
• Enter all information/ correspondences into the case file.
• Ensures completed case file is printed and turned into the supervisor for approval.
• Operates various equipment including animal control vehicle, animal capture equipment, radio, camera, self defense equipment, i.e. pepper spray, bite stick.
• Performs daily checks of vehicles and equipment to ensure equipment/vehicle serviceability and accountability.
• Ensures work vehicle is fueled and cleaned before end of shift.
• Ensures work vehicle is sanitized once per week per OSHA standards or after a sick or injured animal is transported.
• Performs related work as required.
• Full time presence on the job.
• Other duties assigned by management.

Qualifications

• Must have a High School Diploma.
• College Coursework in criminal justice, animal science and/or certification from the National Animal Control Association (NACA) Training Academy or similar training program is strongly preferred but not required.
• Must have excellent verbal and strong writing skills, be able to speak and read in English and communicate with the public in a consistently positive, educational manner. Ability to communicate in Spanish is desired.
• Must have basic knowledge of dog breeds, cats, wild animals, and animal behavior.
• Must be medically and psychologically fit to execute duties in the presence of any species of animal for extended periods of time.
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and other Windows software.
• Must have excellent organizational, accuracy, and problem-solving skills.
• Must maintain a valid driver’s license and good driving record.
• Must be able to pass a drug screening and background check with NO criminal history, and agree to and pass random drug testing at the discretion of the organization.

Working Conditions

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty and task satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

• Knowledge of Brandywine Valley SPCA Division of Animal Protective Services policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of municipality animal control ordinances and Washington DC Animal Laws.
• Ability to use a computer to record daily activity and summarize case information in a concise manner.
• Knowledge of animal identification, behaviour and ability to use humane control methods and techniques.