Animal Services Officer I-II DOQ

Animal Services Officer

This classification is responsible for enforcing the laws of the State of Florida and Manatee County pertaining to animals. Employees in the classification will apprehend animals that do not comply with established animal laws and regulations and will issue civil citations to violators of animal control laws.

Work Location : Bishop Animal Shelter, 5718 21st Avenue West, Bradenton, Florida 34209

Work Hours : Monday - Friday, 8am - 5pm with a rotation of on-call to include nights 5pm - 8am and 24-hour on-call rotation Saturday and Sunday; and 24-hour on-call coverage for holidays

Expected Starting Hourly Range : $19.51 - $24.38

Note : Position level and salary will be dependent on qualifications (DOQ).

Working Conditions : Indoor / outdoor environment. High noise environment while performing certain responsibilities. Lifting animals and equipment up to 50 lbs. alone; up to 100 lbs. with assistance. Work may require time outdoors for extended periods in a variety of weather conditions and high noise environments. May encounter sick, injured and / or vicious animals while performing certain responsibilities and be required to safely handle those animals. Regularly required to drive county vehicles as part of the duties of the job and regularly required to work other than normal business hours including an after-hours on-call rotation.

Essential Functions These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position.

All Levels :

Performs tasks related to the enforcement of animal control laws; issues verbal and written courtesy notices of complaint to violators; issues civil citations to violators of animal control laws.

Responds to complaints and patrols specified areas to capture and impound stray animals including animals in violation of the animal control laws.

Makes dispositions of complaints or other calls relative to injured or deceased animals, unlicensed, stray animals, and nuisance animals.

Prepares animal bite reports and related records, complete incident / impound reports, cruelty investigations, and probable cause affidavits.

Responds to emergency animal complaints during and after normal work hours.

Inspects vehicles and equipment to ensure proper and safe working order.

Animal Services Officer II :

May be required to serve on a rotating basis as the Animal Welfare Supervisor during the supervisor's absence.

May be required to serve as the training officer as needed.

As a senior officer, may have seniority authority when working with, or overseeing cases with an Animal Welfare Officer 1.

Must attend advanced investigation and / or certification training as deemed necessary by management including but not limited to, court room preparation, animal cruelty training, dangerous dog declaration, and the FEMA ICS series 100, 200, 700 and 800.

Applies working knowledge of the County Animal Ordinances, and State Statutes related to the enforcement of animal control laws; issues verbal and written courtesy notices of complaint to violators; issues civil citations to violators of animal control laws.

Works with the public to encourage and facilitate voluntary compliance of violations and fosters positive relationships with the public to best promote humane animal welfare programs and reinforce citizen responsibility, care and assistance for those citizens and animals in need.

Leads community follow up protocols for the retention and return of owned animals including license / tag reviews, micro-chip tracing and interfacing with the community through the use of social and other media platforms, phone calls and face to face contact.

Provides testimony in County Civil Court at hearings and trials and maintains clear and open communication with the County Attorney's Office and the State Attorney's Office on all pertinent investigative matters.

Participates in outreach activities and programs to educate the public, county staff and other partnering agencies and attends civic neighborhood and community meetings during and outside of regular working hours.

Strictly adheres to safety protocols to protect self, co-workers, the public, and the animals in their care.

Attends job specific training classes, conferences and seminars as assigned by supervisor.

Minimum Qualifications :

All Levels :

High school graduate / equivalent.

Must successfully complete the Florida Animal Control Officer certification training course within one (1) year of employment.

Valid driver's license with valid Florida driver's license within 30 days of hire.

Animal Services Officer II :

Minimum of two years' experience as an Animal Welfare Officer I.

Florida Animal Control Association certification.

Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Prior experience in animal handling and / or law enforcement desired.