Animal Control Officer

Primary Purpose

Enforces State laws and regulations and County animal control ordinances; investigates complaints; patrols assigned areas; and performs other duties related to humane animal protection and control.

Essential Job Functions

• Patrols assigned area to enforce animal control ordinances;
• Responds to citizens’ complaints concerning animal care and control problems;
• Issues warnings and citations to violators;
• Captures and impounds stray domestic and exotic animals.

• When possible, researches vaccination information to locate owner;
• Explains ordinances and discusses violations with pet owners;
• Investigates animal bite and attack cases and arranges for proper care, quarantine, and/or observation of the animal;
• Removes dead animals/rodents and transports to state agencies for testing of diseases if needed.

• Responds to emergency calls for sick and injured animals and obtains veterinarian care if required;
• Performs field inspections of proper animal care for commercial and private owners.

Knowledge/Skills

• Working knowledge of animal control ordinances and regulations;
• Knowledge of investigative methods and techniques;
• Skill in training and instruction;
• Skill in the care and handling of animals without inflicting injury;
• Skill in records management;
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing;
• Skill in operating a motor vehicle and equipment, including hand radio, catch-all pole, lead rope, and humane traps;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees and the public;
• Skill in using various word-processing, spreadsheet, database, and other software programs;
• Ability to prepare accurate, complete and legible reports and to present detailed, accurate, and objective oral presentations and responses to questions.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent;
• Ability to obtain and maintain ACO 1 and ACO 2 certifications within three (3) months of hire.

Supplemental Information

• Working Conditions: Work is performed occasionally in an office environment and frequently outdoors in varied weather conditions with exposure to dust, fumes, airborne particles and/or allergens. Work involves high risk or potentially dangerous situations, exposure to hazardous materials, excessive noise, hostile individuals, and work near hazardous/moving equipment or machinery. Work requires the use of protective clothing, equipment, devices or materials.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly is required to stand, walk, and sit; use hands to finger, handle or feel; reach with hands or arms; stoop, kneel or crouch; and talk or hear.
• Ability to lift over 100 lbs.
• Clarity of vision at long distance and short distance is required.
• Evening, holiday, and weekend work is required.
• Overnight travel is required.

Conditions Of Employment

• Selected candidate must submit to and pass a County paid pre-employment physical and drug/alcohol screening.
• Additionally, selected candidate must submit to and pass a county paid criminal background screening.
• Selected candidate must possess and maintain a valid New Mexico Class D Driver’s License as incumbent shall be appointed to drive a County vehicle during the performance of his/her duties.
• Candidate must obtain and/or maintain all certifications required.

Santa Fe County is an Equal Opportunity Employer

• It is the policy of Santa Fe County to ensure equal employment opportunity to all persons regardless of race, color, age, physical or mental handicap, sex, national origin, ancestry, religion, serious medical condition, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or political affiliation.

Benefits Offered

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Life Insurance
• Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance
• Voluntary Life and AD&D
• Short-Term Disability
• Long-Term Disability
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Gym Membership