Animal Control Officer

JOB SUMMARY

The Liberty County Board of Commissioners is seeking qualified applicants for the full-time position of Animal Control Officer with Liberty County Animal Services. This position is responsible for enforcing various City/County ordinances and State laws pertaining to animal care and treatment, retrieving animals that are sick, injured, vicious, or non-restrained, and performing other duties attributable to the overall functionality of the division.

MAJOR DUTIES

• Answers telephone calls and records complaints related to animal welfare.
• Retrieves animals that are sick, injured, vicious, or non-restrained.
• Provides care to animals in distress.
• Investigates complaints of neglected animals and/or cruelty to animals in accordance with code of ordinances and Georgia State laws.
• Issues citations as necessary.
• Reports animal mistreatment to Deputy Director or Law Enforcement.
• Removes animals from inhumane conditions and transports them to the Liberty County Animal Control Shelter and/or receiving areas for care and treatment.
• Observes and surveys areas of alleged violators and conducts interviews with witnesses to determine if laws are being violated.
• Performs routine maintenance on daily basis on the county vehicles as well as cleaning, washing, and fueling.
• Performs euthanasia duties to include preparing the animal carcass for disposal.
• Keeps records and prepares reports.
• Performs public speaking duties at events and local schools to explain animal control duties and activities.
• Testsifies against violators in the court of law.
• On call duties after hours.
• Aids law enforcement with animal related cases.
• Networks with different agencies to rescue animals.
• Aids Kennel Technicians on cleanliness duties.
• Performs related duties.

KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION

• Knowledge of relevant animal care and treatment, as well as county and state laws and ordinances.
• Knowledge of animal rescue procedures.
• Knowledge of animal shelter medical practices.
• Knowledge of pet breed identification, traits, and behavior.
• Knowledge of euthanasia and carcass disposal.
• Knowledge of computers and job-related software programs.
• Knowledge of evidence collection and documentation procedures.
• Knowledge of county and city geographic areas.

SKILLS REQUIRED BY THE POSITION

• Interpersonal relations and dealing with the public.
• Oral and written communication.
• Animal handling.
• Maintaining records and reports.
• Interpreting and applying applicable regulations.
• Conducting investigations.
• Operating tranquilizer rifles and animal catch equipment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The work is typically performed while standing or walking, bending, crouching, or stooping.
• The employee frequently lifts light and heavy objects, uses tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity, and utilizes sense of smell.
• The work is typically performed in an office, a noisy place, or outdoors and occasionally in cold or inclement weather.
• The employee is exposed to dust, dirt, grease, and contagious or infectious diseases.
• Work requires use of protective devices such as masks, googles, and gloves.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• A high school diploma or equivalent required.
• More than two (2) years of related experience required.
• Possession of a valid Georgia Class C driver’s license and acceptable driving record.
• Possession of or ability to obtain Animal Control Officer 1 (ACO 1) certification within one (1) year.

WORK SCHEDULE AND BENEFITS

Normal work hours are Monday - Friday from 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Will also work a rotating on-call shift for after-hours calls. Liberty County government offers a generous benefits package to full-time permanent employees which includes:

• 401(a) retirement plan with employer match
• 13 paid holidays
• Paid vacation and sick leave
• Low-cost health dental and vision insurance
• Free term life insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Health & wellness program

APPLICATION INFORMATION

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application process should notify the Human Resources Office at (912) 391-1247 or hr@libertycountyga.gov.