Animal Control Deputy

In accordance with CO SB23-058, applicants may redact age, date of birth, or dates of attendance/graduation from third-party documents such as transcripts or certifications.

About the Role

The Animal Control Deputy position is a uniformed, non-sworn employee responsible for enforcing local ordinances related to La Plata County Ordinance Code Chapter 10 Animals and animal welfare within the exterior boundaries of La Plata County. The role focuses on community safety, education, and environmental stewardship while promoting the humane treatment of animals and ensuring compliance with La Plata County Ordinances and Colorado Revised Statutes. Animal Control Deputies respond to calls for service, investigate complaints, conduct patrols, and serve as ambassadors to the community. The role requires strong communication skills, sound judgment, and the ability to manage complex or emotionally charged situations with professionalism and integrity.

Responsibilities

• Patrol the unincorporated areas of La Plata County by vehicle, bicycle, ATV, or on foot to ensure public safety and enforce applicable laws and ordinances.
• Address violations of county ordinances, including stray, dangerous, or diseased animals, livestock complaints, and bear complaints.
• Provide public outreach and education on La Plata County Ordinance Chapter 10, environmental protection, and wildlife safety.
• Provide information about licenses, rabies, microchips, and sterilization to pet owners; identify basic symptoms of common animal diseases and recommend care.
• Operate humane traps, radios, phones, and related animal control tools and equipment.
• Issue citations for violations of applicable regulations.
• Investigate animal bites and arrange appropriate quarantine procedures.
• Capture stray and unlicensed pets for impounding.
• Remove dead animals from public and private properties and transport injured animals.
• Maintain communication with dispatch and other public safety units, including law enforcement and animal welfare agencies.
• Coordinate with partner agencies such as Durango Police Department, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and the Bureau of Land Management for joint enforcement or investigation efforts.
• Prepare clear, comprehensive reports documenting enforcement actions, incidents, and resource damage using the La Plata County Sheriff’s Office records management system.
• Testify in court proceedings related to citations, investigations, or ordinance violations.
• Operate under the administrative supervision of the Elected Sheriff and in accordance with the La Plata County Sheriff’s Office Policy Manual and Standard Operating Procedures.
• Represent the La Plata County Sheriff’s Office and La Plata County with professionalism, integrity, and exceptional customer service.
• Maintain confidentiality of departmental information and sensitive records.
• Maintain departmental equipment, supplies, and facilities in safe working conditions.
• Assist patrol officers with traffic control during accidents, special events, and other situations requiring roadway management.
• Assist officers with vehicle tows at accident scenes and other incidents involving vehicle impoundment.
• Work a rotating schedule that may include days, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Maintain reliable attendance and punctuality as an essential function of the position.

When Assigned to Animal Patrol

• Enforce animal-related ordinances including stray, dangerous, or neglected animals; humanely capture and transport animals as needed.
• Investigate and document complaints related to animal cruelty, neglect, bites, and nuisance animals; coordinate rabies quarantines and public safety notifications.
• Educate the public on responsible pet ownership, licensing, rabies vaccinations, sterilization, and local leash and waste disposal laws.

Requirements

• High School diploma or GED.
• Any combination of education, training, and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
• Valid State Driver’s License.

Skills

• Knowledge of state and local ordinances governing animal welfare, park use, and environmental protection.
• Knowledge of animal behavior, species identification, and signs of common animal diseases.
• Knowledge of county geography and the use of GPS, maps, and field-based data collection applications.
• Skill in communicating effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Skill in using computer systems, Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and electronic report-writing software.
• Skill in providing excellent public service and resolving conflicts with tact and professionalism.
• Skill in safely and humanely handling, capturing, and transporting animals under stressful or emergency conditions.
• Skill in operating and maintaining departmental vehicles, equipment, and tools.
• Ability to interpret and enforce county ordinances and department policies.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and make effective decisions in stressful or emergency situations.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, supervisors, and members of the public.
• Ability to work independently, follow verbal and written instructions, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions and navigate varied terrain on foot for extended periods.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to maintain a professional attitude, appearance, and demeanor at all times.

Preferred Certifications

• Canine and Feline Identification
• Biosecurity and Zoonotic Diseases
• Injury Assessments and Veterinary Evaluations
• Companion Animal Capture and Handling
• Canine and Feline Behavior
• Animal Cruelty Forensic Photography
• Animal Fighting
• Animal Hoarders
• Cruelty Science and Evidence Processing
• Basic Nutrition
• Body Condition Scoring of Dogs and Cats

The above certifications are offered through Code 3 Associates (in-person) or NACA (online self-paced). BAP Agents (Bureau of Animal Protections) could pursue criminal misdemeanor or felony charges under the Department of Agriculture.

Benefits

La Plata County offers an extensive comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, retirement, life insurance, paid parental leave, and long-term disability. For a complete description, visit the Summary of Benefits.

Schedule

Works a rotating schedule that may include days, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays.

Supervisory Relationships

Works under the general supervision of the Patrol Sergeant on Duty and Special Operations Sergeant. The incumbent does not supervise other employees and is expected to handle complex and emergency situations using independent judgment.

Equipment Used

• Computers
• Motor Vehicle
• Photographic Equipment
• Audio-Visual Equipment
• Communication Equipment
• Restraint Equipment
• General Office Equipment