Animal Control Officer**Bargaining Unit Position**

Company: Dona Ana County
Location: Las Cruces
Posted on: May 3, 2021

Job Description:

Reporting to the Supervisor, Animal Control and Codes, performs animal control enforcement duties, enforces animal control ordinances and with Sheriff's Department coordination - state statutes, captures/restrains a variety of stray, vicious, injured, wild and stray or unwanted domesticated dogs and/or cats using humane methods to minimize injury to animals while maintaining safety. Patrols assigned areas to locate animals in violation of animal regulations, laws and ordinances.Safely captures and removes stray, uncontrolled or abused animals from undesirable conditions using nets, catch poles, leases, muzzles and traps as necessary. Scans captured animals for microchip using issued microchip scanner and contacts animal owners to attempt to return animal prior to impound.Places captured animals in animal control vehicles and transports animals to impound facility.Impounds animals and completes required paperwork to ensure accurate accountability of all animals impounded.Cleans and sanitized animal control cages after each impound to clean bodily fluid, blood and to eliminate spread of zoonotic diseases.Verifies validity of animal and kennel licenses in accordance with regulations and issues warnings or citations for non-compliance.Conducts investigation of complaints concerning treatment of animals; discuss compliance plan with owner and/or refers to law enforcement in accordance with department procedures for state statute violations.Initiates follow-up visits and inspections to ensure compliance.Submits reports of enforcement activities and case reports before end of shift.Responds to calls for service and when required rabies submission job responsibilities for animal bites and bats.Responsible for safe capture of snakes that pose threat to public safety using issued tongs. Responds to public inquiries and complaints regarding animal violations. Prepares for prosecution related to violations of ordinances. Initiates case file preparation in coordination with Case WorkerPrepares written reports and takes pictures as documentationTestifies in court proceedings Provides options for mediation between neighbors in resolving animal related disputes and issues.ADDITIONAL DUTIES. Educate the public at school presentations and other County events on anomal regulations and licensing requirements.Handles difficult situations using professionalism and tact.Performs special projects and activities or related duties as assigned. Education. High School Diploma or equivalent is required Experience. A minimum of one (1) year full-time work experience in any of the following: professional care and handling of kenneled animals; law enforcement; enforcing environmental health laws, law enforcement; jailer; or relevant military experience. Bilingual (English/Spanish) is preferred to effectively communicate with citizens when responding to calls in the community. Education/Experience substitution. Licenses/Certifications. Valid Class D Drivers License with verified record of good driving history. Current National Animal Control Association (NACA or related) Certification is preferred. Other (e.g., post-offer medical exam, polygraph, background check, driver's license record, etc.). Background check, driver's license record check. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED BY THE POSITION: Knowledge of basic care and custody, treatment, and diseases of various animals; administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as work processing, managing files and records and other office procedures and terminology, performing daily vehicle inspections and minor vehicle maintenance; and defensive tactics to minimize injury when capturing animals in the County and its boundaries. Skills in handling domestic animals; interpreting and applying County ordinances and state statutes relating to animal control enforcement, working independently while recognizing issues that should be referred to the supervisor; and identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.Ability to use computers; operate two-way radio systems utilizing 10 code; identify different breeds and species of animals; communicate information and ideas effectively in written and oral form so that others will understand; actively looking for ways to resolve situations; and establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with others.

Keywords: Dona Ana County, Las Cruces , Animal Control Officer**Bargaining Unit Position**, Other , Las Cruces, New Mexico