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Class Title: ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER I/II
Class Code: 7159
Salary: $17.31 - $23.80 Hourly
$1,384.53 - $1,904.06 Biweekly
$3,011.35 - $4,141.33 Monthly
$36,136.20 - $49,695.96 Annually
 
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Description  Benefits
 
Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

To protect citizens from dangerous or hazardous animals; to enforce City and local ordinances governing the care and keeping of domestic and wild animals in the City; to capture and impound animals, as appropriate and to promote responsible pet ownership.

Note: When working in a field setting, all Animal Control Officers are required to carry a firearm and wear a ballistic vest.
 DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:
Animal Control Officer I - This is the training level class in the Animal Control Officer series. This class is distinguished from the Animal Control Officer II by the performance of the more routine tasks and duties assigned to positions within the series. Since this is the training level, employees may have only limited directly related work experience.

Animal Control Officer II - This is the full journey level class within the Animal Control Officer series. Employees within this class are distinguished from the Animal Control Officer I by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned including a full workload. Employees at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise, and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. Positions in this class are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from the I level class, or when filled from the outside, require directly related experience.
 SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED:
Receives immediate supervision from sworn and non-sworn police supervisory staff.
 ESSENTIAL AND MARGINAL FUNCTION STATEMENTS:
Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
  • Investigate reports or complaints of dogs, cats or other animals creating nuisances, use tactical communication style to de-escalate situations and use mediation techniques to reconcile various complaints.

  • Prioritize calls using effective time management methods.

  • Investigate reports of animal abuse, and take appropriate action.

  • Enforce City animal control and licensing laws; ensure the safe capture and handling of animals including vicious, injured and stray animals.

  • Issue citations for violations of animal control and licensing ordinances.

  • Write incident reports, gather evidence, prepare and present cases at administrative hearings.

  • Explain ordinances relating to the care and keeping of animals to the public; promote and provide education to the public regarding the keeping and caring of pets.

  • Maintain contact with citizens regarding animal control issues and problems and preserve good relationships with the general public; take an active role in public education related to animal control issues.

  • Patrol a designated area of City streets, roads and parks in a truck; search for stray or abandoned animals; capture and confine animals using appropriate procedures.

  • Impound and quarantine animals, as appropriate.

  • In field conditions, may euthanize severely injured animals, as required.

  • Attend meetings and respond to related questions and complaints; provide public education regarding animal control.

  • Clean and maintain the animal control vehicle and cages utilized to detain the animals.

  • May assist Police Officers on high risk operations including dynamic and tactical entries, searches, and in serving arrest warrants, when vicious dogs may be present.

  • May make warrantless arrests related to penal code 830.9; interview victims, complainants and witnesses.

  • Present and maintain a positive and professional image of the police department; participate in community oriented policing.

  • Prepare and maintain a variety of records and reports.

  • Perform related duties as assigned.

    		•
     MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
    Animal Control Officer I:


    Knowledge of:
  • Basic methods of animal collection and impoundment.

  • Procedures and techniques for working with the public in a tactful but firm manner.

  • Basic personal computer operation.


    • Ability to:
  • Enforce animal regulations and ordinances.

  • Prepare written reports and maintain an efficient record keeping system.

  • Learn to interpret and apply pertinent laws, codes and regulations related to animal control with impartiality and efficiency.

  • Use sound judgment; analyze situations and determine appropriate action.

  • Think and act quickly in emergency situations.

  • Understand and carry out oral and written instructions.

  • Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

  • Work with the public in general and in difficult work situations.

  • Learn the operation of standard equipment required for job performance including the use of a computer and police radio.

  • Use maps and learn City geography.

  • Use and care for firearms.


    • Animal Control Officer II:


    In addition to the qualifications for Animal Control Officer I:

    Knowledge of:
  • Various breeds of dogs, cats, marine and other wild or domestic animals.

  • Various types of animal behavior.

  • Various provisions of penal code 830 related to animal control and penal code 832-arrest and firearms.

  • Police protocols and standard operating procedures.

  • First aid and CPR procedures and practices.


    • Ability to:
  • Work independently, prioritize calls and respond appropriately to a variety of animal complaints.

  • Perform a variety of animal control activities such as animal handling, capturing, and confining.

  • Euthanize severely injured animals in emergencies.

  • Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; write defensible reports.

  • Establish and maintain cooperative-working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

    		•
     PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:
    Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

    Animal Control Officer I:


    Experience:
  • One year of experience working with animals is desirable.


    • Training:
  • Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade.


    • License or Certificate:
  • Possession of an appropriate, valid driver’s license at time of application; valid California driver’s License by time of appointment.

  • Possession of a POST approved P.C. 832 Certificate is required by the end of probationary period.
  • Possession of level one and level two certificates of completion from the National Animal Control Association (NACA) Training Academy is required by the end of probationary period. Failure to obtain the required certificates will result in release from probation.


    • Animal Control Officer II:


    Experience:
  • Two years of responsible animal control experience or one year as an Animal Control Officer I with the City of Modesto.


    • Training:
  • Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade.


    • License or Certificate:
  • Possession of an appropriate, valid driver’s license at time of application; valid California driver’s License by time of appointment.

  • Possession of a valid POST approved P.C. 832 Certificate.

  • If hired at level II, possession of level one and level two certificates of completion from the National Animal Control Association (NACA) Training Academy are required by the end of probationary period. Failure to obtain the required certificates will result in release from probation.
  • Possession of a level three certificate of completion from the National Animal Control Association (NACA) Training Academy is desirable.

    		•
     CLASS SPECIFICATION HISTORY:
    Environmental Conditions:
  • Field environment; travel from site to site. Hot and cold temperatures; inclement weather.


    • Physical Conditions:
  • Essential and marginal functions may require gaining and maintaining control of large and often aggressive animals; lifting/carrying medium-heavy objects of up to 75 lbs. of weight, maintaining physical condition necessary for standing, squatting, twisting, running, stooping and walking for prolonged periods of time; operating motor vehicle and other equipment.


    • Work Assignment:
  • Wear Police Department approved uniform and related equipment including firearm and ballistic vest. Subject to irregular work shifts including evening, weekend and holiday shift assignments.

  • Must be able to pass a police background investigation.

    •