Animal Control Officer at City of Arvin – Arvin, California

In accordance with the community-based policing philosophy and under general supervision, the ACO explains and interprets animal control laws, performs a variety of duties involving enforcement of City Municipal Codes and tasks related to the care, control, and licensing of animals and livestock within the City of Arvin. The ACO answers calls and complaints, conducts investigations, gathers information, and issues citations for violations of animal regulations.
- Respond to calls for animal services on foot or vehicles; handle calls as assigned, including any request for public service on: report of animal or livestock crimes, responsibility to enforce City and State codes:

1. Leash laws.
2. Stray animals.
3. Livestock restrictions.
4. Licensing requirements.
5. Barking/nuisance and vicious dog ordinances.

- Enforcement of the California Penal Code statues related to animals such as misdemeanor or felony related animal or livestock incidents; conducts animal rescues and abuse/cruelty/neglect investigations.

- The authority to issue citations is limited to violations of the City’s animal control ordinances and penal codes violations related to animal and livestock incidents.

- Maintain records of animal bites and quarantines and notifies persons of the outcomes.

- Occasionally bag dead animals for pick up and impound live animals.

- Tranquilize and euthanize animals; Operate humane traps, mobile radios, and related animal control tools and equipment.

- Interview witnesses and protect the integrity of all crime scene animal investigations.

- Properly process and store evidence in accordance with law and department policy.

- Prepare cases for submission to the District Attorney, testify in court regarding citations for violations and case investigations, as needed.

- Maintain case logs, timely closure of cases; Maintain records as needed.

- Adhere to the Arvin Police Department and City policies and procedures.
Education and Experience:

Must be 18 years of age or older at the time of employment

High school diploma or G.E.D. equivalent.

Must be able to read and write the English Language.

Spanish speaking desired but not required.

Special Requirements:

Pass background investigation.

No felony convictions or disqualifying criminal histories within the past seven (7) years.
Pass a writing and reading comprehension exam.

Licenses and Certifications:

Possess a valid California driver's license and maintain satisfactory motor vehicle record.

Completion of a certified Penal Code 832 course in arrest and firearms within one year of appointment

Principles and practices of Animal Control operations and functions.

Principles and practices of animal control criminal investigations.

Principles and practices of incident report writing and procedures.

Principles and practices of community based operations.

Knowledge of administrative citation process and procedures.

Knowledge of the court process and procedures for processing citations and appearances.

Knowledge of the written and spoken English.

Skills:

Interview witnesses and communicate effectively with members of the general public.

Read, write and speak clearly and concisely.

Extensive hand-report writing and by using electronic formats.

Handle domestic animals and livestock safely.

Comprehend directions.

Operate and use various office equipment including a computer and various software packages.

Abilities:

Ability to understand and comply with oral and written instructions.

Appropriately assess situations, exercise sound judgment, remaining cognizant of the department’s confidentiality requirement and the City’s public relations policy.

Work independently and self-motivated, making reasonable decisions without supervision.

Flexibility to work various shifts and Holidays.

Demonstrate an awareness and appreciation of the cultural diversity of the community.

Establish and maintain effective and courteous relationships with the public and co-workers and contribute to a successful team effort

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT:
Environment:
Office, front counter, and field setting with travel from site to site; exposure to all types of weather and temperature conditions while working outdoors. Work hours are typically 30 hour work weeks [MCH1] that will include some evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays, with unscheduled breaks as time permits; overtime may be required. Work environment is both formal and informal, team and autonomy oriented, having both routine and variable tasks, pressure, and pace. Work is performed both indoors and outdoors in an office, at a front counter, in an automobile, and in a field setting at various locations in the City.

Physical:
Primary functions require sufficient physical ability to work in an office and field setting and operate assigned equipment. FREQUENT walking, standing, reaching at shoulder height, downward flexion of neck, and side-to-side turning of neck; strong/power grasp to transport evidence, property, and people; manual dexterity to hold and manipulate paper, writing materials, hand-held radio, telephone, steering wheel, and computer terminal; OCCASIONAL sitting, bending, stooping, squatting, reaching above shoulder height, pushing-pulling, twisting at waist, and upward flexion of neck; lifting of objects and/or animals/livestock weighing up to 25 lbs. from below and at waist level, with assistance; lifting of objects and/or animals/livestock weighing up to 10 lbs. from chest level to above shoulder level, with assistance; transporting of objects and/or animals/livestock weighing up to 100 lbs. for distances up to one city block, with assistance; INFREQUENT crawling, climbing, kneeling, balancing above ground; lifting of objects and/or animals/livestock weighing 26-75 lbs. from below waist level to chest level, with assistance.

Vision:
See in the normal visual range with or without correction; vision sufficient to drive, examine evidence, and read computer screens and printed documents.

Hearing:
Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.