Graduation from high school or equivalent and one year of experience in the area of animal control, veterinary medicine, code enforcement or law enforcement; or any equivalent combination of related training and experience. Must provide a means of being contacted by phone. Applicants within six months of meeting the minimum education/experience requirements may be considered for trainee status.
A Valid Florida Driver License is required and a Motor Vehicle Record that meets the requirements of Alachua County policy #6-7; Motor Vehicle Records will be reviewed prior to employment. If, in the past 24-month period, the applicants Motor Vehicle Record has more than three (3) moving traffic infractions or three (3) or more at fault motor vehicle accidents (or combination of both and /or a conviction/pending charge for driving under the influence) or is in violation of any standard mandated by Federal or State Law or Regulation, the minimum qualifications are not met for the position.
As a condition of employment, incumbents must meet all Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) requirements/ prerequisites to handle controlled substances and successfully pass both the forty hour minimum standards training course (Animal Control Officer Certification) and successfully pass the Euthanasia Technician Certification Course, valid in the State of Florida, within six (6) months of the date of hire.
Successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen & physical examination and successful completion of all applicable background checks pre-hire and ongoing are required.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
This is an emergency essential classification. Upon declaration of a disaster and/or emergency, all employees in this classification are required to work.
Exudes a positive customer service focus.
Advocates building organizational culture through aligning decisions with the County's core values.
Observes and reports violations of Animal Services Ordinances to appropriate individuals for further consideration.
Investigates complaints, determines if there is a violation and takes appropriate actions to comply with ordinances.
Picks up and impounds stray or at-large animals; traps, chases, and captures animals as needed. Aids animals in distress by feeding starving animals and freeing trapped animals.
Removes animals from inhumane conditions and transports animals to the shelter for treatment and care using a County vehicle.
Prepares written investigative reports, issues warning notices or citations, and takes sworn statements that may result in court action.
Conducts preliminary investigations and files reports on cruelty and animal neglect complaints.
Works closely with other humane and law enforcement agencies on incidents involving animals.
Provides care and maintenance of assigned vehicles, equipment and facilities.
Performs humane euthanasia of designated animals in accordance with department policy, applicable laws and regulations, and best practices.
Prepares rabies specimens for laboratory tests by decapitating and placing specimens in biohazard containers.
May transport rabies specimen.
Performs the duties listed, as well as those assigned, with professionalism and a sense of urgency.
NOTE: The examples listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various kinds of work performed in positions allocated to this class. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Thorough knowledge of methods and techniques used to administer first aid to animals and to perform euthanasia procedures on animals.
Considerable knowledge of County ordinances regulating animal control and related legal procedures.
Considerable knowledge of the Gainesville/Alachua County geographical area.
Knowledge of testing procedures of rabid animals.
Ability to perform euthanasia procedures on injured, sick, dangerous, or unwanted animals by means of lethal injection.
Ability to follow appropriate euthanasia and decapitation procedures.
Ability to comprehend and enforce County ordinances related to animal services.
Ability to deal effectively with the public, especially during emotional or stressful situations.
Ability to effectively investigate complaints and prepare appropriate documentation.
Ability to effectively handle animals in all situations.
Ability to comprehend and utilize legal and court procedures as they apply to Alachua County Animal Services Ordinances.
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Ability to deal effectively with outside agencies, other County employees and the general public.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear, and use hands to finger, handle or feel.
The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance.
The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to outdoor weather conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals. Subject to animal bites and scratches.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
