Under direction, assists in coordinating and directing the operations of the Animal Control Division of the County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office; and does related or other work as required in accordance with Rule 3, Section 3 of the Civil Service Rules.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
An incumbent in this single position class manages the County animal control operations, programs and related activities, and supervises staff engaged in the enforcement of local and state animal control laws and ordinances in the unincorporated areas of the County. Direction is received from the Assistant Agricultural Commissioner.
TYPICAL DUTIES
Plans, organizes, directs, and evaluates the operations of the animal control program in collaboration with senior and executive management; enforces laws and ordinances relating to animal control; prepares and maintains a variety of reports and correspondence; designs forms.
Assigns, supervises, reviews, evaluates, and participates in the work of animal control staff; develops and supervises staff training; participates in employee screening and selection processes.
Maintains liaison with other departments and agencies; makes public presentations and provides public outreach; attends community meetings; interprets animal control programs to interested groups and individuals; responds to public information requests.
Assists in the preparation of the division budget; monitors expenditures and revenues; processes requests for equipment and supplies; works with contracted service vendors.
Assists in the development of related policies, programs and procedures; implements and evaluates programs; recommends changes when appropriate; evaluates software applications.
Coordinates with other law enforcement agencies and legal staff regarding application, enforcement, interpretation and prosecution of animal control laws and regulations; guides staff in investigations and recommends appropriate enforcement actions.
Coordinates with other County departments on multi-jurisdictional animal issues such as rabies control, licensing clinics, animal carcass disposal and animal zoning ordinances.
Resolves complaints or questions from the public concerning laws, ordinances and policies and procedures; develops and maintains an effective public relations program.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
EITHER PATTERN I
Experience: Four years as a Deputy Animal Control Officer II in San Joaquin County.
OR PATTERN II
Experience: Five years in the enforcement of animal control laws and ordinances.
OR PATTERN III
Experience: Three years experience in performing program management or supervision in a county or city animal control program.
Substitution: Completion of 60 semester/90 quarter units may substitute for one year of the required experience in each of the above patterns.
AND
License: Possession of a valid California driver’s license.
Special Requirement: Must be immunized against rabies prior to employment and maintain immunity for duration of employment. Must have successfully completed a regular course in powers of arrest and use of firearms (PC 832) approved by the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training. Must demonstrate proficiency in use of firearms, tranquilizing equipment and euthanasia equipment prior to completion of probation and re-qualify on a periodic basis.
KNOWLEDGE
Principles and practices of supervision and management; principles and practices of public relations; methods of gathering and analyzing information and preparing reports; animal control operations, laws and regulations; rules of evidence; investigative and enforcement techniques, and court procedures; basic computer and modern office automation technology relevant to department operations.
ABILITY
Plan, assign and supervise the work of others; meet and deal effectively with the public; prepare concise and accurate oral and written reports; analyze situations accurately and take effective action; enforce laws, rules and regulations; interpret and apply the laws and regulations pertaining to animal control; establish and maintain effective working relationships with others; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; operate basic computer and modern office automation technology, including pertinent software.
PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS
Mobility-Frequent operation of a data entry device; frequent walking on uneven terrain, regular standing, running, chasing, bending and squatting; sitting for long periods; occasional pushing, pulling, climbing; Dexterity-Sufficient to operate firearms; handle individual papers; write and take notes; Lifting/Pushing/Pulling-Frequently lifting of 25 pounds or less; occasional lifting of 25-75 pounds; Visual Requirements-Ability to read files and documents and use computer screens; constant good overall vision and reading/close-up work; frequent color perception and use of eye/hand coordination; occasional use of depth perception and peripheral vision; occasional aiming firearm; Hearing/Talking-Frequent hearing of normal speech, hearing/talking on the telephone and radio, talking in person; Emotional/Psychological-Frequent public contact and decision making; occasional exposure to trauma, grief and death; public speaking before large groups; Special Requirements-Requires ability to drive county vehicles including specialized trucks; may require working nights and weekends; Environmental-Regular exposure to varied weather conditions.
San Joaquin County complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and, upon request, will consider reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.