Placer County

To perform the more difficult or responsible animal control duties; to explain and enforce laws and ordinances pertaining to the humane treatment and control of animals; to provide for and promote public safety in the prevention of rabies and other communicable diseases that can be transferred to humans; to conduct public education and outreach regarding the humane treatment of animals and animal control laws; to respond to animal related emergencies; and to function in a lead capacity and train new employees.

This is the advanced journey level class in the Animal Control Officer series.  Positions at this level are distinguished from other classes within the series by the level of responsibility assumed, complexity of duties assigned, independence of action taken, by the amount of time spent performing the duties, and by the nature of the public contact made.  Employees perform the most difficult and responsible types of duties assigned to classes within this series acting in a lead capacity over other Animal Control staff. Employees at this level are required to be fully trained in all procedures related to assigned area of responsibility.

Receives general supervision from the Supervising Animal Control Officer and/or higher level supervisory or management staff.

Exercises technical and functional supervision over technical personnel.

Experience and Training
Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience: Two (2) years of increasingly responsible experience in either an animal care/protection or law enforcement agency performing duties similar to an Animal Control Officer II in Placer County.

Training: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade.

Required License or Certificate:

• May need to possess a valid driver's license as required by the position.  Proof of adequate vehicle insurance and medical clearance may also be required.
• Possession of a certificate showing successful completion of a P.O.S.T. Basic course, the P.O.S.T. training requirements for Penal Code 832 Arrest and Firearms Training or P.O.S.T. equivalent training course.
• Possession of a certificate in euthanasia procedures within twelve (12) months of employment.
  

Knowledge of:

• Animal control field operations including capture and restraint equipment, field euthanasia procedures and transportation of animals.
• Provisions of state and County laws and regulations relating to animal control, treatment, impounding, and licensing.
• Legal liabilities and responsibilities of those concerned with the enforcement of animal control regulations.
• Characteristics and behavior of animals.
• Symptoms of common animal diseases; the techniques involved in restraining and isolating animals suspected of having bitten individuals or of having rabies. 
• Use and care for firearms and other law enforcement equipment and tools.
• Techniques and procedures for the safe, humane, and efficient handling of animals.
• Common breeds of domestic animals and appropriate practices for their care, handling, and feeding.
• Investigate procedures and processes.

Ability to:

• On a continuous basis, know and understand all aspects of the job; analyze work papers, reports and special projects; observe for animal violations; problem solve field situations; read, understand, recall, interpret, and explain animal control policies, procedures, laws, and regulations; handle multiple tasks at once and work with frequent interruptions; and maintain awareness of safety at all times.
• On a continuous basis, sit at desk or in vehicle; walk and stand during field activities; intermittently bend, squat, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, reach, balance, climb, kneel, or twist while working in field or shelter  operations; perform simple and power grasping, pushing, pulling, and fine manipulation; speak, use telephone, write, and use a keyboard to communicate; see, hear, and smell with sufficient acuity to examine and assess animals and safety conditions; lift very heavy weight.
• Care for and control animals in a safe manner, including livestock, to avoid injury to persons and animals.
• Recognize symptoms of rabies and other animal diseases.
• Establish and maintain records and logs; prepare related reports.
• Present evidence and testify in court cases.
• Read, comprehend, and apply laws and regulations pertaining to animal control.
• Read maps effectively.
• Discharge firearms safely and accurately.
• Understand and follow written and verbal instructions.
• Use modern office equipment and computers.
• Act quickly and calmly in emergency situations.
• Obtain information through interview and interrogation; deal fairly and courteously with the public.
• Analyze situations quickly and objectively to determine proper course of action.
• Oversee and train assigned staff.
• Work independently on assignments.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work
• Properly measure drugs into hypodermic syringes for chemical restraint and euthanasia; perform euthanasia in the most humane manner possible.
• Work shifts, standby, weekends and holidays on a rotating basis.
• Work with various cultural and ethnic groups in a tactful and effective manner.