Animal Control Officer - Elkhart, United States - Humane Society of Elkhart County

Description

General Overview:

The Animal Control Officer is responsible to help enforce local and state ordinances concerning the care, use, and treatment, selling, licensing and impounding of animals.

Conducts investigations and inspections, issues warnings, responds to injured animal calls and prepares reports of daily activities. Educates the public about relevant animal regulations and humane animal care. Collaborates with local law enforcement to address issues which may require prosecution or legal intervention. Also works in the shelter to support animal care functions.

Because this is a front line staff position working closely with staff, volunteers and the public, must maintain a pleasant, welcoming atmosphere that reflects professionalism and commitment to support the work of staff and volunteers.

Major Responsibilities:

• Responds to dispatched calls in priority and determines appropriate action enforcing local and state animal laws and ordinances as possible.
• Fields calls from the public regarding complaints, bite cases and other animal control issues ensuring logging of said complaints and ensures they are distributed to animal control officer on duty.
• Processes all paperwork for strays, animals brought to the shelter, return to owners, etc. and interacts appropriately with members of the community.
• Completes log sheets outlining daily activity and outcomes and any other paperwork required for processing completed activities.
• While in the field, educates the public regarding responsible pet ownership and animal laws and ordinances.
• If possible and as necessary, arbitrates disputes. Issues warnings and contacts law enforcement as necessary regarding citation violations.
• Conducts general investigations of animalrelated problems such as nuisance complaints, animals running at large, livestock kills, wildlife and possible cruelty situations.
• Confers with the executive director and veterinarian as necessary to prepare written investigative reports that may be introduced as legal court evidence.
• Ensures confidentiality is maintained in dealing with investigations and outcomes.
• Assists in shelter cleaning and maintenance and care of impounded animals helping with job functions of animal care attendants.
• Helps with transports as needed for wildlife rehabilitation and animals being transferred to other animal welfare and rescue groups.
• On a daily basis, ensures preparation of animal control vehicle for road readiness and ensures vehicle and equipment are maintained and properly stocked.
• Confers with the ACO Manager regarding equipment or vehicle needs.
• Inspects animalrelated businesses as contacted to ensure operation meets local and state standards.
• Helps as necessary with routine inspections of collaborative rescue groups.
• Ensures reports are prepared on all business and rescue inspections.
• Assists callers with information and questions regarding situations such as trapped animals, nuisance, wildlife, etc.
• Confers with the front office regarding the collection of necessary fees for shelter services provided offsite.
• Maintains confidentiality of HSEC records, files and donations.
• Fulfills intake procedures for impounded animals and ensures they are carried out in a timely and effective manner and that data entry of all actions taken are maintained in shelter data base.
• Works collaboratively with HSEC team to achieve shelter goals.
• Participates in team meetings to receive updates regarding procedures, discuss workplace issues and share ideas to improve animal care.
• Performs such other duties as may be deemed necessary for the fulfillment of the Humane Society's goals and objectives.

Essential Functions and Skills:

Good organizational skills; attention to detail; self-motivated; skills with animal first aid and CPR, performing euthanasia, basic laboratory techniques including drawing blood and administering medications and vaccinations; ability to temperament test animals; ability to identify animal species, breeds, ages and sexes; ability to identify signs of animal illness and injuries; ability to recognize signs of animal neglect, abuse and cruelty, knowledge of law enforcement principles and practices; knowledge of local and state animal laws and ordinances and of court procedures; knowledge in euthanasia methods and techniques; skill in animal restraint and capture methods and the ability to interpret animal body language; ability to maintain effective working relationships with other community professionals; good communication skills - verbal and written; team player; ability to work with database and maintain records; ability to work well with broad spectrum of the community; good sense of humor.

All employees must be able to provide their own transportation to and from work.

Must have a valid driver's license.

Ability to manage a van in various climates.

Availability to work a flexible work schedule including weekends, evenings and holid