Animal Control Officer (ACO)

Job Description

Job Description

Title : Animal Control Officer

FLSA Status : Non-Exempt-Union Full Time

Salary : $25 - $30 per hour, depending on experience

Excellent Benefits Package Available

Who We Are : Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA (PHS / SPCA) is a local, private, non-profit charitable organization dedicated to animal welfare.

It is our mission is to build healthy relationships between people and animals. PHS / SPCA is truly an open admission shelter, not only accepting many pet animals who might be refused at other shelters, but also taking care of injured and orphaned native wildlife from San Francisco through San Mateo and the northern half of Santa Clara County.

Our work means 6,300 lives saved each year. To learn more about us, visit www.phs-spca.org.

Who You Are : A firm believer in humane care and kind treatment of animals. Familiar with San Mateo County and its neighborhoods.

Knowledgeable of animal welfare issues, state and local ordinances, quarantines, adoptions, other animal related issues.

Not a stranger when it comes to customer service and conflict resolution. Finally, a well-rounded animal lover.

This position is represented by Union Local 856.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Respond to stray domestic animals that may be sick, injured, aggressive, loose, confined, or in traffic. Ensure that the animal is returned to its owner, transported to the shelter, or taken to receive medical attention as appropriate.
• Humanely capture sick, injured, or orphaned wildlife. Transport wildlife to the PHS / SPCA Wildlife Department or provide euthanasia in the field as directed by policy.
• Perform basic and more advanced technical rescues of animals in distress.
• Utilize tact, self-restraint, judgement, and strategy in dealing with a wide variety of people. Analyze situations and apply established procedures and good judgement to address a wide variety of challenges.
• Investigate complaints of local municipal code or state law violations and follow-up as needed by documenting the complaint, issuing warnings, and / or making enforcements such as citations.
• Investigate complaints of Dangerous or Vicious Animals or Dangerous Animal Permit violations received by phone, e-mail, in person or by other means.

This includes collecting statements and other evidence surrounding these incidents.

• Prepare and execute warrants pertaining to Dangerous or Vicious Animal violations as appropriate. Work with a City Attorney or District Attorney as necessary.
• Write clear and concise reports.
• Photograph and assist with veterinary exams and necropsies.
• Follow up with Animal Bite Reports by placing animals in and out of a rabies observation quarantine. When applicable, deliver specimens to the San Mateo County Public Health Laboratory for rabies testing.
• Remove deceased animals in a professional and compassionate manner.
• Educate and answer inquiries from the public regarding animal welfare issues and animal related concerns in a matter reflective of the Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA’s policies and standards.
• Assist law enforcement agencies and fire departments as necessary. This may include assisting in the execution of search warrants, impounding owned animals if the owner is unable to care for their animal(s) due to hospitalization or arrest, or assisting in the assessment and / or capture of animals that could pose a threat to public safety.
• Attend scheduled administrative hearings and court dates to provide testimony as required.
• Prepare and maintain detailed and accurate reports daily including but not limited to Chameleon memos, the completion of forms, and investigation or supplemental reports.
• Operate and receive calls via a two-way radio using proper radio codes and etiquette.
• Abide by all traffic laws and use safe driving practices while maintaining a PHS / SPCA vehicle in a clean and fully stocked manner.
• Maintain a daily activity report.
• Participation at educational or community outreach events may be required.
• Provide humane care for all animals in the Society's care.
• Work closely with other PHS / SPCA departments as needed.

Qualifications :

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and / or ability required.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Upon hire, must pass a background check.
• High School graduate (or equivalent) and at least 18 years of age.
• Must possess a valid California Driver's License with a clean driving record to be insured with PHS / SPCA insurance.
• Must successfully complete a course in 832 PC (law enforcement course) within one year of employment as an Animal Control Officer.
• Must become certified to perform euthanasia by injection according to California state regulations and trained in decapitations for required rabies testing.
• Must also possess the ability to manage the emotional aspect of end-of-life services and humane euthanasia, and support staff in high-emotion circumstances
• Must have previous customer service experience.
• Prior experience (volunteering and / or professionally) working with animals is highly desirable.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Must have the ability to work well and communicate effectively with the public, fellow employees and volunteers.
• Must have a flexible schedule and the ability to work irregular hours including nights, weekends, holidays and standby as needed.
• Must be highly motivated toward the welfare and humane treatment of all animals.
• Must perform the job in a professional manner and work effectively under pressure.
• Able to work effectively without close supervision.
• Must be able to lift 50lbs from ground to waist.
• Basic knowledge, or become proficient, with Microsoft Office Suite, computer keyboarding skills and data entry.

Excellent Benefits Package Available

• Medical / Dental / Vision / Life / Flex Spending
• Sick, Vacation and Holiday pay
• Employee Assistance Plan
• Retirement plan & employer matching

Available to all employees with pets :

• Free vaccines, spay / neuter, microchipping, and two pet adoptions
• Discounted euthanasia services / cremation, bloodwork, urinalysis, prescription food, and discounts at our retail stores.

For more information about our available job opportunities and how to apply, please visit our website at www.phs-spca.org / careers

The Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA is an equal opportunity employer. We consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status.

EOE / M / F / D / V / SO