ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER 1

Durham County Government employs approximately 1,900 employees that work towards providing needed services throughout the community. With a wide array of services, Durham County Government is at the heart of a rapidly growing and diverse area offering residents, employees and visitors exciting opportunities to live, work, grow and play. For more information about Durham County Government, visit www.dconc.gov.

General Description
The primary purpose of this job is to conduct animal enforcement assignments required by the Office of the Sheriff. This animal welfare work includes serving the public by protecting the lives, rights, and property of all those within the County of Durham. The position is responsible for providing a protective barrier for the prevention of rabies between citizens and the domestic and wildlife animals. An employee in this position performs general patrol duties for enforcement of animal ordinances and statutes.
Duties and Responsibilities
The functions listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this position. Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the position as necessary.
• Responds to animal control complaints and calls for service during the standard and on-call hours. Communicates with the public about animal welfare and animal control laws and regulations.
• Issues warnings or civil penalties in connection with animal-related offenses.
• Investigates complaints regarding animal bites, possible rabies exposure, animal neglect or cruelty.
• Follows up on complaints that may require possible prosecution or ongoing observations.
• Follows up on open calls, writes timely reports of all animal control calls for service including detailed description of events, people and animal findings and outcomes. Documents and photographs attachments for reports as needed.
• Ensures compliance with all safety, animal welfare, and animal control standards are met based on all assigned trainings and certifications. Maintains all animal control equipment, inventory and vehicles.
• Performs related tasks as required.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
• Knowledge of the geography of the County.
• Knowledge of routine filing techniques and procedures.
• Knowledge of DCSO Standard Operating Procedures.
• Skill in the use of patrol vehicles and animal capture and handling equipment.
• Skill in writing narrative reports.
• Knowledge of court proceedings relative to enforcement issues.
• Verbal skills to allow effective communication with citizens and violators, as well as co-workers and other County employees.
• Knowledge of state and local animal control regulations and Durham County ordinances related to animal cruelty, control, care, and disease prevention.
• Knowledge of North Carolina and Durham County animal related and public health laws, legal codes, court procedures and government policies.
• Ability to use automated office systems in the performance of administrative duties.
• Demonstrated interpersonal customer service skills to address controversial situations or negotiation of sensitive issues.
• Ability to move, lift and restrain large animals.
• Ability to work in an environment that may be stressful, in outside conditions, while maintaining the mission and values of the Animal Services Department.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of pursuing and apprehending animals and ensuring disease control throughout the County due to rabid animals.
• Knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions required to perform the essential functions of the work.
• Knowledge of animal control terminology used within the department as such pertains to work responsibilities.
• Ability to be adaptable and flexible when performing duties.
• Capable of managing time effectively.
• Perform duties with integrity and accountability.
• Ability to interact with a diverse population.
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements
Requires graduation from high school or GED and one (1) year of experience with caring and handling of shelter animals and wildlife, including: dogs, cats farm animals, racoons, foxes or a high school or GED and any NACA certification (Level I,II or III).
Physical Demands:
The employee is required to perform routine physical activities involving standing, walking, bending, kneeling, crouching, sitting, lifting, and climbing. Work is usually performed in the field out of a Sheriff's Office vehicle; consequently, the employee is exposed to the extremes of weather and temperature. Tasks involve the ability to exert heavy physical effort in heavy work, with greater emphasis on climbing and balancing, but typically also involving some combination of stooping, kneeling, crouching, and crawling, and the lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of moderately heavy Unavoidable Hazarobjects and materials (20-50 lbs); may occasionally involve heavier objects and materials (up to100 lbs).
Unavoidable Hazards (Work Environment):
Tasks may risk exposure to adverse environmental conditions such as; animal bites, poisonous vegetation, dirt, dust, pollen, wetness, humidity, violence, toxic agents/chemicals, disease and pathogenic substances and/or temperature, noise extremes, and combative citizens.
Special Certifications and Licenses:
• Must have or obtain and maintain a valid North Carolina driver's license with an acceptable driving record. Background check and Negative drug test are required.
Americans with Disabilities Act Compliance
Durham County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires Durham County to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management.

Durham County Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer