Animal Care & Regulation Officer (RFT)

Job Summary

This position is responsible for the enforcement of animal care and regulation ordinances and for the impounding and care of animals. Work is performed and duties are carried out in accordance with established policies, procedures, and Borough core values: Accountability, Customer Focus, Dedication, Integrity, Responsiveness and Teamwork.

Pay Grade

N1 - N5 - DOE

Minimum Requirements

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Three years of experience in the occupational field, sufficient to understand the major duties of the position.
• Relevant Professional Experience Includes: ACRO Officer, Police Officer, Code Enforcement Officer, Security Guard, Corrections Officer, Military Police, Security, and Emergency Services.
• Relevant Skills Includes: Familiar with gathering evidence, taking witness statements, and documenting crime scenes. Ability to write precise, detailed reports. Ability to diffuse tense, emotional, or confrontational situations with the public. Ability to remain calm and level-headed during high-stress situations while still maintaining empathy and patience with citizens. Analytical skills, conflict management, problem solving, de-escalation training and National Animal Control Association or Code 3 Associates courses are highly desirable. Additional competencies include safe and effective handling of aggressive, fearful, or injured animals; knowledge of animal behavior; experience with humane capture techniques and restraint equipment.
• Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid driver's license issued by the State of Alaska for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.
• Possession of or ability to readily obtain National Animal Control Association certification or equivalent within six (6) months from date of hire.
• Must successfully pass a pre-employment background check, drug screen and physical.
• Completion of Incident Command System (ICS) courses, ICS 100 and IS 700, within ninety (90) days of hire. Completion of Incident Command System (ICS) courses, ICS 200 and IS 800 within one (1) year of hire.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Responds to emergency incidents involving bites or attacks, loose animals, aggressive animals, cruelty to animals, or other like events.
• Investigates domestic animal bites, attacks, cruelty, or other violations of Title 24 through personal interviews, collection of statements, and collection of physical evidence and photographs.
• Completes forms, reports, citations and other documentation.
• Issues animal vaccination certifications and registrations.
• Provides emergency first aid to domestic animals and determines if emergency veterinarian care is required.
• Captures and transports loose, abandoned or impounded animals to the shelter and other appropriate locations.
• Takes complaints involving domestic animals; ensures adequate information is gathered to initiate an investigation.
• Fills investigative reports and case files with the Chief Animal Control officer; makes recommendations for classifications consistent with Title 24.
• Enforces Title 24 through the issuance of administrative directives, warnings, or citations as required.
• Attends court and provides testimony; presents evidence and assists witnesses at court proceedings and administrative hearings.
• Assists the public with animal adoptions.
• Assists in the intake processing of shelter animals.
• Assists with kennel maintenance and operations.
• Assists with crematorium operations.
• Assists with public animal registration clinics.
• Assists other local, state or federal agencies with animal related issues.
• Inspects kennel facilities to ensure compliance with code.
• Assists the Veterinarian with euthanasia and the medical treatment of animals.
• Cleans and maintains assigned vehicles and equipment.
• Performs related duties.

Benefits

• Health, dental and vision insurance, life insurance, accident and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance, retirement, supplemental benefits (in lieu of social security), deferred compensation, and an employee assistance program.

Questions

• Describe your experience dealing with verbally combative or hostile individuals. Please give specific examples.
• Are there any animals you are afraid of or have an aversion to? Please give one example and explain why.
• Can you explain what MSB Title 24 covers?
• Have you ever witnessed or participated in the euthanasia of an animal? If yes, please describe the circumstances and your role.
• Do you have any experience in animal control, dispatching, or law enforcement? If so, please provide a detailed history.
• Do you have any experience in public education or presenting to large groups? Please describe size of group(s) and topic(s).
• Are you allergic to any animals?
• This position typically follows a rotating schedule of four 10-hour shifts over a two-month cycle. However, scheduling may change to ensure seven-day-a-week coverage, including weekends and holidays. Each Animal Care & Regulation Officer is also assigned 1–3 “on-call” 24-hour shifts during which they must remain within the Matanuska-Susitna Borough and be able to respond immediately. Do you understand and accept these scheduling requirements? Do you have any conflicts or restrictions?

Employer

Matanuska-Susitna Borough

Address: 350 E Dahlia Avenue
Palmer, Alaska, 99645

Phone: 907-861-8404

Website