Animal Control Officer

This position is Thursday - Monday including Holidays.

This posting is for informational purposes only.
To be considered for this position and to review the full job description, you must complete an official job application available on our website at https://www.ci.havre.mt.us/employment or in person at City Hall. Applications submitted through Indeed will not be reviewed.

Email [email protected] with questions.

DEPARTMENT: Havre Police Department

ACCOUNTABLE TO: Police Chief

SUMMARY OF WORK: Responsible for enforcing animal control laws and City ordinances; responding to animal-related complaints; investigating violations; safely handling, restraining, impounding, and transporting animals; and promoting public safety and responsible animal ownership.

JOB CHARACTERISTICS:

Nature of Work: This position requires working outdoors in various weather conditions, including adverse weather. Duties may require working seven days a week to provide feeding and cleaning services at the animal shelter. The position is also subject to on-call responsibilities for animal-related disturbances and emergencies. Potential hazards include handling vicious, aggressive, or diseased animals and exposure to animal bites, scratches, rabies, and other infections. The position requires the ability to pursue, capture, trap, restrain, and control animals. The employee may encounter situations involving animal suffering, euthanasia, and death. Maintains confidentiality in accordance with applicable laws and City policies.

Personal Contacts: Daily interaction with the public regarding complaints, animal shelter operations, and animal-related education. The employee must be able to communicate effectively and professionally with individuals who may be angry or upset and use appropriate de-escalation techniques to resolve difficult situations. Frequent interaction with veterinarians regarding animal care and related matters.

Supervision Received: Work is performed primarily independently, with duties and priorities largely self-directed. The employee works alongside another Animal Control Officer and receives direction and guidance from the Police Chief and other administrators as needed.

Supervision Exercised: May perform daily supervision of one summer youth helper.

Essential Functions:

· Responds to complaints involving stray, abandoned, injured, dangerous, or nuisance animals; captures, restrains, impounds, and transports animals.

· Enforces City of Havre ordinances, state statutes, and regulations related to animal ownership, licensing, rabies vaccinations, neglect, cruelty, and public safety.

· Investigates animal bites, attacks, cruelty, neglect, abandonment, and other animal-related incidents; gathers evidence, interviews witnesses, and prepares reports.

· Issues warnings, citations, notices, and other enforcement documents as necessary.

· Cleans, sanitizes, and maintains animal control equipment, vehicles, kennels, traps, and shelter facilities.

· Communicates with the public regarding animal control concerns, complaints, and responsible animal ownership.

· Appears in court and provides testimony regarding investigations and enforcement actions when required.

AREAS OF JOB ACCOUNTABILITY AND PERFORMANCE:

· Oversees daily animal shelter operations, including animal intake, identification, housing, feeding, cleaning, recordkeeping, and ordering supplies.

· Monitors animals for illness, injury, behavioral concerns, and signs of stress; coordinates veterinary care and performs humane euthanasia in accordance with applicable laws and established procedures.

· Maintains accurate records of impounded animals, medical care, fees, dispositions, adoptions, transfers, holds, and related financial transactions.

· Maintains the City animal shelter, vehicles, equipment, kennels, fixtures, and utilities in a clean, safe, secure, and functional condition.

· Coordinates with veterinary clinics, law enforcement, City Court, County Health, and other agencies regarding animal care, enforcement, and related matters.

· Facilitates animal adoptions, reunification with owners, foster placements, and transfers to partner organizations; determines which animals are suitable for adoption.

· Provides public education regarding responsible animal ownership and may conduct shelter tours and prepare educational materials.

· Assists with shelter budgeting, grant applications, and the appropriate use of grant funds.

· May assist police officers with the collection and preservation of lost-and-found property and evidence.

· Performs other related duties as required.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

Knowledge: This position requires a working knowledge of animal care and behavior, identification of animals and techniques of retrieving animals, knowledge of local animal control ordinances.

Skills: This position requires skills in capture, control, and care of animals.

Abilities: This position requires the ability to: deal with death and pain of animals; maintain records; handle and care for animals; be on-call for problems; run and crawl; lift at least 50 pounds; deal with people; communicate effectively; follow instructions; establish effective working relationships with fellow employees, supervisors, and the public. Ability to crawl under objects, walk or run distances over uneven ground, drive vehicles, clean and maintain shelter, calculate and maintain records.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

The above knowledge, skills, and abilities are typically acquired through a combination of education and experience equivalent to:

· Education: High school diploma or GED equivalent required.

· Licensure: Must possess a valid Montana driver's license.

· Experience: Experience identifying, handling, and caring for domestic animals is desirable. Previous experience in animal control, animal shelter operations, veterinary services, law enforcement, or public safety is preferred.

· Certifications: Must be able to obtain required animal control certifications, including euthanasia certification and any other applicable state-required certifications.

JOB PERFORMANCE STANDARDS:

Evaluation of this position will be based primarily upon performance of the preceding requirements and duties. Examples of job performance criteria include, but are not limited to, the following:

· Effectively performs assigned duties, patrols the City, and responds to animal-related complaints.

· Enforces animal control ordinances and maintains a clean, safe, and orderly shelter.

· Maintains accurate animal and shelter records, collects and remits fees accurately, and maintains confidentiality.

· Manages shelter supplies and expenses within the approved budget.

· Communicates professionally and courteously with the public and maintains effective working relationships with coworkers and supervisors.

· Demonstrates reliability, punctuality, and adherence to assigned work hours.

Pay: From $27.08 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person