Animal Control Officer (ACO)

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Respond to stray domestic animals that may be sick, injured, aggressive, loose, confined, or in traffic.
  • Ensure that the animal is returned to its owner, transported to the shelter, or taken to receive medical attention as appropriate.
• Humanely capture sick, injured, or orphaned wildlife.
  • Transport wildlife to the PHS/SPCA Wildlife Department or provide euthanasia in the field as directed by policy.
• Perform basic and more advanced technical rescues of animals in distress.
  • Analyze situations and apply established procedures and good judgement to address a wide variety of challenges.
• Investigate complaints of local municipal code or state law violations and follow-up as needed by documenting the complaint, issuing warnings, and/or making enforcements such as citations.
  • Collect statements and other evidence surrounding these incidents.
• Write clear and concise reports.
  • Photograph and assist with veterinary exams and necropsies.
• Follow up with Animal Bite Reports by placing animals in and out of a rabies observation quarantine.
  • When applicable, deliver specimens to the San Mateo County Public Health Laboratory for rabies testing.
• Remove deceased animals in a professional and compassionate manner.
  • Educate and answer inquiries from the public regarding animal welfare issues and animal related concerns in a matter reflective of the Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA’s policies and standards.
• Work closely with other PHS/SPCA departments as needed.
  • Assist law enforcement agencies and fire departments as necessary.

Qualifications

• High School graduate (or equivalent) and at least 18 years of age.
• Valid California Driver's License with a clean driving record to be insured with PHS/SPCA insurance.
• Successfully complete a course in 832 PC (law enforcement course) within one year of employment as an Animal Control Officer.
• Become certified to perform euthanasia by injection according to California state regulations and trained in decapitations for required rabies testing.
• Have previous customer service experience.
• Prior experience (volunteering and/or professionally) working with animals is highly desirable.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Able to work effectively without close supervision.
• Able to lift 50lbs from ground to waist.
• Basic knowledge, or become proficient, with Microsoft Office Suite, computer keyboarding skills and data entry.

Benefits

• Medical /Dental /Vision/Life/ Flex Spending
• Sick, Vacation and Holiday pay
• Employee Assistance Plan
• Retail plan & employer matching Available to all employees with pets: Free vaccines, spay/neuter, microchipping, and two pet adoptions
• Discounted euthanasia services/cremation, bloodwork, urinalysis, prescription food, and discounts at our retail stores.