Animal Services Officer

Job Summary: Under the direct supervision of the Animal Control Director, responsible for public and animal safety through capturing and impounding dangerous or stray animals, investigating cases of animal cruelty, enforcing local and state laws, providing expert testimony in court cases, rescuing trapped animals, writing incident reports, and providing humane care to animals under their supervision.

Legislative Reference: C.A. 5-62-106

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Control and/or impound animals of all varieties including stray animals unwanted animals, wildlife, deceased animals, sick/injured animals, and agricultural animals. Animals may be impounded under a wide range of environmental conditions and circumstances which may be uncomfortable, physically demanding, or stressful.
2. Be available to work varying shifts (days, evenings, nights) including weekends, holiday, and 24/7 On-Call status.
3. Have effective oral and written communication skills.
4. Operate an animal control vehicle to conduct patrols, respond to calls for service or assistance, and complete work-related errands.
5. Keep animal control vehicle, tools, and equipment clean and in good working condition.
6. Investigate reports of animal ordinance violations, animal bites, rabies suspects, dangerous dog incidents, animal welfare concerns, wildlife concerns, etc.
7. Issue warnings and citations for observed animal control ordinance violations. Testifies in court.
8. Perform animal care and shelter maintenance tasks including cleaning kennels and cages, building and grounds maintenance, feeding, and watering animals, and daily housekeeping duties.
9. Complete daily field and shelter logs, forms, reports and records.
10. Perform zoonosis, arbovirus, and other public health related surveillance and control tasks as required.
11. Perform humane euthanasia of animals. Disposes of deceased animals as required.
12. Maintain accurate euthanasia, adoption, and controlled substance records.
13. Advise others about animal control related ordinance requirements, regulations, policies, and procedures.
14. Answer telephones and give information to callers, take messages, or transfer calls to appropriate individuals.
15. All other duties as assigned.

 Minimum Qualifications:

1. Possess a high school diploma or equivalent (GED).
2. Must be minimum 21 year of age.
3. Two (2) years customer service or animal shelter/animal control experience.
4. A valid Arkansas driver’s license before and during the duration of employment.
5. Must have or obtain Arkansas State Animal Control Certification within 75 days of attending Arkansas State Animal Control Association Level 1 class.

 Additional Knowledge, Skills, or Abilities Needed:

1. Knowledge of animal behavior and experience with animals.
2. Knowledge of basic animal anatomy.
3. Skill in the operation of database and word processing software.
4. Skill in managing employees and dealing with volunteers and citizens of the City.
5. Skill in proper animal handling techniques.
6. Ability to consistently display a professional attitude, appearance in approach to job, and handle enthusiasm as needed and properly.
7. Ability to consistently meet deadlines and complete assignments within specified time frames and use time and resources effectively to meet goals and complete assignment quickly and efficiently.
8. Ability to accurately keep count and store money and controlled substances

 Physical Requirements: The physical activities marked below are representative of those that will be required on a regular basis to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.