Community Service Officer/Animal Control

About the Role

The Community Service Officer/Animal Control performs both enforcement and non-enforcement duties in support of the Patrol Division within the Police Department. The CSO is responsible for investigating and enforcing municipal codes and ordinances related to animal control and parking violations, assisting with traffic direction, and transporting stray animals.

Responsibilities

• Manages traffic control at accident scenes and secures area as directed; assists stranded motorists
• Responds to calls, investigates, and enforces municipal codes, ordinances, and regulations related to animal control and parking violations
• Responds to aggressive animal/dog complaints
• Investigates property damage crashes by providing a mobile response to the scene, collects information and evidence, completes official crash reports, applies relevant laws, issues traffic citations, and testifies in court as necessary
• Assists with enforcement of federal, state, and local felony and misdemeanor laws, codes, ordinances, and regulations
• Conducts basic crime scene investigations such as fingerprint dusting and crime scene security
• Attends shift meetings, seminars, and training sessions to remain knowledgeable of operations and promote job performance
• Completes investigative paperwork and cold police reports as assigned
• Documents violations, prepares and serves legal notices, establishes time limits prescribed by law or procedures, and documents progress with return inspections using visual observations, notes, photographs, and collecting physical evidence
• Performs general preventative maintenance on trucks, such as checking fluid levels, tire pressure, and ensures trucks and equipment are kept clean and in proper operating condition
• Patrols the City to ensure all animal and parking laws are being followed, tickets parking and animal violators
• Responds to all animal complaints in the City and completes required paperwork, impounds, etc., within a reasonable timeframe
• Responds to assigned calls including cold criminal calls, crime scenes, accidents, and parking violations
• Completes forms and reports in a clear, complete, and legible manner
• Establishes and maintains an ongoing community partnership
• Contacts persons needing to make non-investigative crime reports
• Develops effective customer relationships with internal and external customers
• Recognizes the roles and services of each City department to make appropriate referrals
• Responds to questions from staff and community members in a clear and concise manner
• Records information concerning events that take place while on duty and records activity in the manner prescribed by the department
• Communicates with people regarding parking violations and crime prevention strategies
• Provides information and assistance to citizens by teaching animal behavior, providing information on codes and ordinances, and recommending options to assist with compliance
• Performs other duties as assigned

Requirements

• High School diploma or GED and one year of law enforcement or animal control experience; animal control and/or enforcement experience is preferred
• An equivalent combination of training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered
• Must possess a valid Colorado driver’s license with a good driving record

Skills

• Knowledge of and understanding of pertinent codes, ordinances, regulations, and standards at an extensive level
• Understanding of the ordinances, policies, and methods implemented by the City as they pertain to the responsibilities of the Community Service Officer
• Comprehensive knowledge of the terminology, principles, and methods utilized within the department
• Knowledge of proper and humane animal handling and care, and methods for administering treatment to animals
• Skills in computer software and programs, including Microsoft programs, I-Leads, and records management systems
• Basic mathematics and technical ability
• Ability to modify work methods to meet changing priorities
• Ability to learn and utilize new skills and information to improve job performance and efficiency
• Ability to prioritize work assignments and complete duties in a timely manner under deadlines
• Ability to interact and communicate with others in a courteous, articulate, and professional manner
• Ability to attend to detail in reviewing and preparing required records
• Ability to use independent judgement and discretion in the performance of daily routine and non-routine situations

Equipment Used, Work Environment, and Physical Activities

• Driving: Drives a city or personal vehicle in the normal course of business
• Office Equipment: Daily use of computer, keyboard, copier, scanner, printer, calculator, phone (desk and cell), and software programs including Microsoft Office Suite, Outlook, Word, Excel; mobile data terminal (MDT), radios, personal information systems, and file maintenance programs
• Other Equipment: Must be able to wear/use personal protective equipment (PPE), batons, catch pole, net, first aid equipment, tasers, crime scene technician kits, and two-way radios
• Physical Activities: High physical activity that may include walking, sitting, standing, stooping, bending, reaching, lifting, and carrying
• Lifting: Frequently lifts, carries, and exerts up to 65 pounds
• Vision and Hearing: Must have visual acuity to see and read paper and electronic documents. Must be able to communicate via telephone and two-way radio, communicate conversation, respond to verbal inquiries, and provide verbal directives. Requires the ability to differentiate between colors and shades of color
• Exposure to Environmental Conditions: May be exposed to heat, cold, odors, toxic agents, noise, vibrations, smoke, wetness, humidity, dusts, disease, weapons, explosives, bodily fluids, intense light, electrical currents, or violence. Frequent contact with weapons, firearms, syringes, drugs; bloody materials and other biohazards; graphic photos and videos; odors; and chemicals

Schedule

Position generally works a non-traditional work week. Will be required to be available for overtime, off-duty, and/or on-call duty.

Additional Working Conditions

• Will be exposed to work settings that vary in convenience and comfort
• Will be required to visit external, non-city work sites with the city having limited control over the work environment
• Works under high-risk conditions, including dangerous animals

This position is subject to the city’s drug screening.