Animal control officer Jobs in Athens, GA

Animal Services Supervisor

The purpose of this job is to act as a frontline supervisor coordinating field operations, schedules, and regulatory compliance for the Animal Services Department by training, evaluating, and supervising Animal Services field staff, volunteers, community service workers, and inmates. Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, enforcing department and ACC policies and procedures, as well as local and state animal laws; assisting with the management of division resources and operations; supervising and assisting animal control officers in investigating complaints, preparing court cases, and performing other duties as assigned. Acts as a frontline manager coordinating on-site operations, team schedules, and regulatory compliance.

Minimum Training & Experience Required to Perform Essential Job Functions:

High school diploma or equivalent with three years of Animal Control Officer, Veterinarian Technician, and/or Animal Caretaker experience required; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job. One year of supervisory experience is required. Must possess a valid driver's license. Must possess a valid Certificate of Euthanasia or the ability to obtain such certifications within one year of the date of hire. Criminal background must indicate eligibility for supervision of inmates. Must obtain security training for the supervision of inmate workers as set forth by the Georgia Department of Corrections Standard Operating Procedures within six months of date of hire or first available opportunity.

Essential Duties, Responsibilities

The following duties are normal for this job. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned. Some responsibilities may require approval or review by the Animal Services Director.

Supervises/evaluates assigned staff, handles all employee concerns, directs work assignments, counsels and disciplines employees when necessary, completes employee performance appraisals.

Maintains schedules and work rotations; approves leave requests; performs performance disciplinary actions as necessary.

Coordinates in-service and out-service training.

Ensures the cooperative and efficient functioning of the field service activities of the Animal Services Department.

Stays abreast of professional trends and new information in the animal control field.

Creates press releases on department field activities using accepted format and presents to Animal Services Director for approval.

Performs the duties of the Animal Services Director or other Animal Services Supervisor during his/her absence: responding to requests from individuals and agencies within and outside ACC, supervising assigned staff, authorizing purchases and other appropriate activities.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Answers calls and dispatches officers.

Operates computer-assisted dispatch system to log and update service calls and to provide supporting information to animal control officers in the field.

Maintains or modifies zone areas to maximize efficiency and quality of service.

Monitors and reports on service call statistics such as response times, proposes changes to response procedures and policies to maximize efficiency and quality of service.

Responds to questions and concerns of complainants and owners. Responds directly to calls and performs enforcement functions.

Organizes and reviews cases, advises and supervises the investigation of special cases (including, but not limited to: animal bites, animal cruelty and citizen complaint cases)

Advises and supervises animal control officers on investigations and accesses external resources to support them.

Responsible for the safety, readiness, and operation of field vehicles.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of the principles, practices and procedures of the Animal Services Department.

Knowledge of management, personnel, and financial practices, policies and procedures as necessary in the completion of daily responsibilities.

Knowledge of all applicable laws, ordinances, policies, standards and regulations pertaining to animal control and euthanasia.

Knowledge of any changes in methods, operations, and equipment needs as they pertain to department operations and activities.

Knowledge of and proficient with computers.

Knowledge of safe disposal of bio-hazardous materials.

Skill in human relations.

Skill in the use of various word processing, database, and customized software programs.

Skill with the use of various animal control devices such as restraint poles, transport vehicles, snake tongs, etc.

Ability to effectively communicate and interact with subordinates, management, employees, members of the general public, and all other groups involved in the activities of the Animal Services Department.

Ability to assemble information and make written reports and documents in a concise, clear and effective manner.

Ability to use independent judgment and discretion in managing subordinates.

Ability to handle required mathematical calculations.

Ability to read, understand, and interpret various reports and related materials.

Ability to recognize health risks such as contaminated blood, contagious diseases, and dangerous chemicals.

Supplemental Information

(ADA) MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS OR STANDARDS REQUIRED TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Must be physically able to operate a variety of machinery and equipment including various animal control devices and office equipment. This position requires: stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motion. Must be able to exert over 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently. Physical demand requirements are at levels of those for medium work.

DATA CONCEPTION: Requires the ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable functional, structural, or compositional characteristics (whether similar to or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people, animals, or things.

INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION: Requires the ability to speak and/or signal people and/or animals to convey or exchange information. Includes giving/receiving assignments and/or directions to co-workers or assistants from supervisors.

LANGUAGE ABILITY: Requires the ability to read a variety of local tax digests, dog breed books, maps, records, reports and informational documentation, directions, instructions, and methods and procedures. Requires the ability to prepare radio logs, truck reports, euthanasia records, impound sheets, written warnings and citations, cruelty/neglect forms, and bite incident reports using prescribed formats and conforming to all rules of punctuation, grammar, diction, and style. Requires the ability to speak to people with poise, voice control, and confidence.

INTELLIGENCE: Requires the ability to learn and understand complex principles and techniques, to acquire and be able to expound on knowledge of topics related to primary occupation, and to make independent judgment in the absence of management.

VERBAL APTITUDE: Requires the ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, and to follow oral and written instructions. Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently in a variety of administrative, technical or professional languages including veterinary, legal, and ten-code terminology.

NUMERICAL APTITUDE: Requires the ability to utilize mathematical formulas; add and subtract totals; multiply and divide; utilize determine percentages; interpret graphs.

FORM/SPATIAL APTITUDE: Requires the ability to inspect items for proper length, width, and shape, visually with various animal control devices and office equipment.

MOTOR COORDINATION: Requires the ability to coordinate hands and eyes in using various animal control devices and office equipment. Requires the ability to lift, bend, push, pull, manipulate equipment/tools and objects as the position necessitates.

MANUAL DEXTERITY: Requires the ability to handle a variety of items such as various animal control devices and office equipment. Must have the ability to use one hand for twisting or turning motion while coordinating other hand with different activities. Must have minimal levels of eye/hand/foot coordination.

COLOR DISCRIMINATION: Requires the ability to differentiate between colors and shades of color.

INTERPERSONAL TEMPERAMENT: Requires the ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions. Must be adaptable to performing under considerable stress when confronted with an emergency. Must be adaptable to managing conflict on a routine basis. Must be adaptable to managing the grief associated with animal euthanasia.

PHYSICAL COMMUNICATION: Requires the ability to talk and/or hear: (Talking - expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words). (Hearing - perceiving nature of sounds by ear). Must be able to communicate via telephone, two-way radio.

ACCGov is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. ACCGov is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, contact Leah Jagatic, HR Coordinator,