Animal Control Officer

About the Role

Performs a variety of animal control and care work in the field. Works under general supervision, independently developing work methods and sequences.

Responsibilities

• Responds to complaint calls in order of priority to set traps, capture loose, stray, sick, injured, or abandoned animals; investigates animal abuse, neglect, and/or nuisance.
• Conducts general investigations of animal-related problems including animal cruelty and neglect, aggressive and dangerous dogs, animals running at-large, barking, permitting, licensing, and impounding of animals. Handles interactions with hostile, irate, or distressed members of the public in a tactful, professional, and effective manner.
• Patrols an assigned zone to identify and capture stray animals, responds to calls and complaints, and enforces animal care ordinances.
• Apprehends and confines stray, injured, aggressive, dangerous, and nuisance animals in the safest, most humane, and approved manner possible.
• Transports animals to sheltering facilities and/or veterinary clinics.
• Performs routine medical procedures and evaluations on animals in the field, including basic medical triage, euthanasia (if necessary and permitted), and administering first-aid.
• Performs routine medical procedures and evaluations on incoming animals, including administering oral and injectable medications, basic medical triage, euthanasia (if necessary and permitted), and first-aid.
• Mediates animal issues between citizens; educates the public about laws and regulations on animal care; gathers evidence and information for further investigation; documents information; consults with supervisors regarding complex or unusual cases.
• Works with local law enforcement agencies, issues civil citations for animal-related issues, and provides testimony on investigations and findings.
• Maintains and uses controlled drugs in accordance with law and policy for humane euthanasia, sedation, or chemical capture of animals.
• Collaborates with other community professionals such as police officers, court officials, and veterinarians.
• Prepares written investigative reports that may be introduced as legal court evidence.
• Answers telephone calls from citizens and dispatches calls for service to other field staff on a rotational basis.
• Educates the public regarding animal behavior, animal care ordinances, and basic animal care procedures; explains Broward County animal care policies, procedures, and fees; assists with adoptions and resolves animal care ordinance-related issues.
• Assists the public with pet identification and reuniting pets with their owners.
• Responds to night emergency calls on a rotating basis; assists fellow specialists as requested and works overtime as necessary.
• Follows safety procedures, utilizes safety equipment, and monitors the work environment to ensure safety.
• Operates a laptop/computer, office equipment, and issued animal capture, restraint, and transport equipment.
• Transports shelter animals to appropriate veterinary hospitals, participates in public events as directed, and communicates effectively with employees, the public, and administrative staff.
• Performs general clerical tasks, provides backup coverage to other officers and dispatch as needed, and participates in meetings and special assignments.
• Assists in shelter cleaning and maintenance, euthanasia, and care of impounded animals when needed.
• Performs other related duties, tasks, assignments, and responsibilities as assigned.

Requirements

• One (1) year of experience in the professional care and handling of animals.
• Required to work nights, weekends, holidays, and on-call as scheduled.
• Must possess a valid Florida Class E Driver’s License at the time of appointment and maintain the authority to drive on County business.
• Must obtain the Animal Care Officer Certification within six (6) months of hire.
• Must obtain the Euthanasia Certification within six (6) months of hire.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate’s degree or higher in animal sciences, veterinary sciences, law enforcement, or a closely related field.
• NACHO Certification Levels I-III (National Animal Control Association).
• Basic Law Enforcement Recruit Training Certificate.
• 2+ years of experience working as an animal care specialist or similar role.
• Knowledge of streets, roads, and locations within Broward County.
• NACA and/or FACA certification.
• Florida euthanasia certification.
• Chemical Immobilization Certification.

Additional Information

This position is considered safety-sensitive. Candidates selected for employment will be subject to pre-employment verifications, including but not limited to a post-offer physical examination/drug test and clearance of the Department of Children and Families Affidavit of Good Moral Character.

This is a full-time position.