Bernalillo County, NM Hiring for Animal Care Services Officer I at Albuquerque, NM  Full Time

$18/hour (Upon Completion of Probationary Period)

POSITION SUMMARY

Under supervision, this position enforces all County ordinances pertaining to animal care, performs a variety of animal care and control services including responding to calls for assistance, animal rescue, apprehending stray, sick, injured or aggressive livestock, domestic or wild animals, investigating animal cruelty and other animal code violations. Interacts with the public on a daily basis providing educational resources concerning animal regulations, guidelines, and services. Assists with the daily functioning of the animal shelter as needed.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES SUMMARY

1. Adequate knowledge and understanding of Bernalillo County and New Mexico state animal codes, Bernalillo County policy and procedures, and operational directives.
2. Patrols assigned area to enforce applicable animal care laws, apprehends and impounds stray animals; responds to requests for assistance and service; investigates allegations of animal neglect, cruelty, animal bites, and permit requirements; responds and captures aggressive animals and loose livestock; removes and disposes of dead animals; quarantines bite animals.
3. Identifies illness or injury and transports animals to veterinarian for treatment or euthanasia.
4. Uses radio equipment and cell phone to communicate with dispatch and other staff, must use a variety of computer software and equipment to prepare investigative reports, daily log sheets, legal documents and other reports as required; testifies in court. Addresses groups and organizations relating to animal care and control related issues and dispenses information.
5. Reads, listens and responds to email and phone messages daily.
6. Ability to use specialized equipment for the purposes of animal care and control.

*The above information on this job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties and responsibilities required of all employees assigned to this job.

PERFORMANCE STANDARD

Employee at all levels are expected to effectively work together to meet the needs of the community and the mission of Animal Care Services through work behaviors demonstrating integrity and public service.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1. High school diploma or GED.
2. One (1) year experience performing animal care, maintenance or control of livestock, domestic or wild animals.
3. Employee must have a valid New Mexico driver’s license by employment date and maintain a valid NM driver’s license while employed in this position.
4. Ability to lift 100 pounds up to a height of 36″.
5. Physical ability to pursue animals across many types of terrain and in weather extremes.
6. Must be able to work weekends, holiday and other shifts.
7. Ability to work on a computer and learn animal related software.
8. Successful and satisfactory completion of NACHO I certification administered by the National Animal Care Control Association (NACA) or equivalent certification within fifteen (15) months from date of hire.
9. Experience in animal control, law enforcement or veterinary field desirable.
10. Knowledge of safe and efficient and humane techniques for capturing, care and controlling of animals.
11. Ability to analyze hazardous situations in a rational, mature and confident manner and to act effectively; to remain calm and effective under stressful situations.
12. Ability to interact with the public in a professional and courteous manner.
13. Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
14. Ability to communicate and interact effectively and professionally with superiors, other officers, other organizations and the general public.
15. Ability to read, interpret, enforce, apply and explain animal laws, regulations, policies and procedures.
16. Skill in obtaining information through interrogation, observation and investigation.
17. Ability to communicate in oral and written English.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

1. Employee must successfully complete the post-offer employment medical examination.
2. Employee must comply with the safety guidelines of the County.
3. Employee must be able to pass physical requirement to wear a respirator mask.
4. Employee must wear uniform, badge, and ballistic vest.

WORKING CONDITIONS

1. Duties are performed essentially outdoors, and in a County vehicle.
2. Indoor duties are performed in a temperature-controlled environment.
3. Outdoor duties are performed on surfaces that may be even or uneven, wet, or dry, in extreme heat or cold. Stairs may be required in performing indoor or outdoor duties. Outdoor duties may be performed on natural ground, asphalt, concrete, snow, ice, or mud.
4. Work hazards or potential work hazards include use of vehicle, stairs, exposure to extreme weather conditions, driving in adverse weather conditions, and exposure to dangerous animals, animal bites, and potential exposure to contagious or deadly diseases. Workers will be exposed to potential dangerous or aggressive domestic animals, wild animals, rabid and or plague ridden animals.
5. Worker performs duties alone or as part of a select team. Many duties are performed without the assistance of direct supervision.
6. Worker communicates by cell phone or radio when performing duties away from office.
7. Performance of essential functions may require exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such as dirt, dust, pollen, odors, wetness, humidity, weather, temperature and noise extremes, hazardous materials, traffic hazards, bright/dim lights, toxic agents, animal/wildlife attacks, animal/human bites, explosives, disease, pathogenic substances, or rude/irate customers.

EQUIPMENT, TOOLS AND MATERIALS

1. Worker may use net, rope, leash, animal control device, snake hooks or tongs, humane traps, bridles, horse trailer, camera or other relevant equipment in the performance of essential duties.
2. Worker wears a uniform, ballistic vest and badge while performing essential duties.
3. Worker handles a variety of forms and paperwork, writing utensils, and other basic office supplies while making daily reports.
4. Worker handles a wide variety of domestic, livestock and wild animals.
5. Worker utilizes personal protective equipment, and plastic bags in performance of duties.

COUNTY OF BERNALILLO IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER