Animal Control Officer

Title

Animal Control Officer

Close Date Full-Time/Part-Time Full-Time Exempt/Non-Exempt Non-Exempt Description

To Apply:

Please complete the online application found at www.jeffcomo.org. Resumes are accepted as supplemental information only and will not be used as a substitute for the application, you must complete the application in full.

The Animal Resource Center is located at 4848 State Route 30 in House Springs, MO

JOB SUMMARY

Animal Control Officer

Enforces animal control laws, ensures public safety, and provides humane care for animals through field response, education, and shelter assistance.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Enforcement and Ordinance Compliance: Investigate complaints of animal neglect, cruelty, and public safety violations; issue warnings and citations.
• Animal Handling and Transport: Safely capture, restrain, and transport domestic animals and wildlife using appropriate equipment.
• Public Education and Outreach: Educate citizens on responsible pet ownership and county ordinances.
• Case Management: Manage cases ensuring proper documentation and follow-up; coordinates quarantine and testing with health authorities.
• Shelter Assistance: Support daily care of animals, including feeding, cleaning kennels, and monitoring health.
• Incident Reporting and Documentation: Prepare detailed case reports, maintain evidence, and document actions for court proceedings; update shelter software with case details.
• Court Testimony and Legal Support: Provide court testimony in cases involving ordinance or cruelty violations.
• Emergency Response: Handle emergency calls involving injured, abandoned, or dangerous animals in coordination with law enforcement and dispatch after-hours on a rotating schedule.
• Community Collaboration: Work with law enforcement, veterinarians, and public agencies to address complex animal cases.
• Training and Certification Maintenance: Maintain required certifications and participate in continuing education in animal control.
• Collaboration: Work with law enforcement, veterinarians, public agencies and staff to address complex animal cases.
• Investigations: Investigate bite cases, quarantine animals, and prepare reports for management and courts; investigate non-emergency complaints and hoarding situations, prepare affidavits and warrants, and coordinate with prosecutors and law enforcement.
• Specimen Handling: Collect and transport specimens according to protocol, ensuring accurate documentation and biohazard compliance.

The individual in this role is expected to contribute to the team's efforts by completing other related tasks, as may be assigned.

Position Animal Control Officer Position Requirements

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE - The following are the minimum education and experience required for the position. An equivalent combination of education, training and experience may be considered.

Education

• HS diploma or GED

Experience

• 1 year previous relevant work experience is required.

Special Experience

• Must be able to control, lift and carry large animals. Knowledge of social media platforms and best praceices, preferred.

Training Requisites

Certifications

• Certification by a state professional animal care and control organization such as the Missouri Animal Control Association or the National Animal Control Association or equivalent organization as an Animal Control Officer, within one (1) year of employmen

Licensing

• Must possess a valid State Driver's License.

SUCCESS FRAMEWORK - The following list of knowledge, skills, and abilities have been identified by our team as building blocks towards efficiency and effectiveness in this role.

• Knowledge of animal behavior, care, and control methods.
• Skill in handling and restraining aggressive or frightened animals safely.
• Knowledge of state and county animal control laws and ordinances.
• Ability to investigate animal cruelty and neglect complaints objectively.
• Skill in conflict resolution and communication with the public.
• Ability to prepare accurate reports and maintain case records.
• Knowledge of proper quarantine, vaccination, and disease control practices.
• Ability to testify in court and present factual case evidence.
• Skill in operating animal control vehicles and related equipment.
• Ability to respond calmly and effectively to emergencies.
• Skill in documenting and photographing evidence during investigations.
• Ability to work irregular hours, weekends, and holidays as required.
• Knowledge of interagency coordination for public health and safety.
• Ability to provide public education on responsible pet ownership.

EQUIPMENT AND TOOLS commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job.

Shelter software; Microsoft 365; Truck with box (no rearview mirror); ramps to load animals; portable radio; cell phone; humane animal traps; catch poles and snares; cat and snake tongs; cages/kennels; leashes; gloves/PPE; flashlight; OC spray, .

WORK ENVIRONMENT or atmospheric conditions commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job.

• Field and office work; exposure to animals, outdoor environments and potential hazards.
• Must be able to work weekends, holidays and after-hours on a rotational basis.
• Due to routine exposure to animals, employees must have or obtain pre-exposure vaccination for Rabies and adhere to ongoing monitoring or booster recommendations as outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
• Work may involve exposure to extreme temperatures, humidity, noise, chemical/gases, contagious diseases, airborne particles/pathogens, and/or possible physical injuries associated with animal handling.
• May be required to work in confined spaces.
• May be exposed to fumes or airborne particles.
• May be exposed to biohazards or bloodborne pathogens.

PHYSICAL ABILITIES - The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Work requires the ability to sit, stand, walk for extended periods of time.
• Work requires the ability to complete repetitive wrist, hand, and/or fine motor movement.
• Work requires the ability to grasp, pull, push, and reach.
• Work requires the ability to talk, hear, listen, and comprehend.
• Work requires the ability to drive and/or operate county vehicle.
• Work requires the ability to climb and balance.
• Work requires visual acuity of 20 feet or more, visual acuity of 20 inches or less, three dimensional vision, precise hand/eye coordination, the ability to identify and distinguish colors
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Work requires the ability to stoop, kneel, crouch, and/or crawl.
• Jefferson County offers reasonable accommodation in the hiring and employment process for individuals with disabilities. If you need assistance to accommodate a disability, you may request an accommodation at any time.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Certain job functions described herein may be subject to possible modification in accordance with applicable state and federal laws, and employees may be required to comply with the changes.

To Apply:

Please complete the online application found at www.jeffcomo.org. Resumes are accepted as supplemental information only and will not be used as a substitute for the application, you must complete the application in full.

Shift -not applicable- Normal Entry Salary $20.11 per hour Salary Range EOE Statement Jefferson County Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, protected veteran or uniformed servicemember status or any other characteristic protected by local, state or federal law.

This position is currently accepting applications.

Apply Now