Animal Services Officer

Animal Control Officer

The City of Coconut Creek has been recognized as one of the best cities to live in America, and a top ten place to live in Florida. Our city is home to the Seminole Casino Coconut Creek, Butterfly World, and the Coconut Creek Promenade. Every one of our business owners and 61,000 residents rely on our 400+ employees. Are you ready to be one of us? If you are interested in making a difference in the lives of others and serving the public; if you are innovative, progressive, dedicated, and looking for a workplace where you belong, consider applying to join our Coconut Creek family.

General-purpose : Performs intermediate-level technical or specialized work in the Police Department. Handles various Police situations involving animal-related calls and assists patrol officers with active crime investigations as it pertains to animal services as needed. Exceptional interpersonal skills and ability to present dynamic and engaging public presentations required. Work is performed under general supervision with limited latitude. Position exercises some judgment in accordance with well-defined policies, procedures, and techniques.

Essential duties and responsibilities include : handling police related situations involving animals, handling the transfer and storage of evidence, removing and disposing of animals from roadways, educating and enforcing laws, ordinances, etc., presenting and educating the public on animal safety and advocacy, performing educational videos pertaining to Animal Services, attending events open to the public regarding Animal Services, displaying enthusiasm and general interest in animal advocacy, enforcing and investigating all local, state, and federal laws and regulations for animal ownership and treatment, protecting the lives and welfare of citizens from potentially dangerous or diseased animals; administering first aid to injured or afflicted persons, developing and presenting educational programs on animal laws and pet ownership responsibility and liability issues and explaining citations for violations, investigating reports of animal cruelty, neglect, abandonment, and possible rabid animals; investigating suspected illegal activity regarding animals; preparing depositions; testifying and presenting evidence in court, transporting deceased animals to Broward County Animal Control for cremation, inspecting local pet stores / shops and dog / cat fanciers to ensure all animals are handled in accordance with applicable ordinances and regulations, providing information to members of the public and outside agencies on animal ordinances and regulations, animal care methods and techniques, and general animal advocacy, making presentations to local civic groups, homeowners associations, students, and other groups on animal care and animal control ordinances and regulations. Performs other duties as assigned and / or required.

Minimum qualifications : High school diploma or GED; two (2) years professional experience in animal handling and behavior or law / ordinance enforcement; an equivalent combination of education, certification, training, and / or experience may be considered. Must have a Florida driver's license, class E. Must not have visible tattoos while wearing short sleeve standard-issued uniforms. Must possess or obtain within one (1) year the Animal Control Officer certification from the Florida Animal Control Association.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities include : knowledge and skill in the principles and practices of animal handling and safety; knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations for animal ownership and treatment or the ability to learn them independently and in a timely manner; knowledge in first aid and CPR procedures; skill in Microsoft Office products (Word, Outlook, and Excel); skill in providing good customer service; ability to multi-task while working with tight deadlines and shifting priorities; ability to read, interpret, and enforce local, state, and federal laws pertaining to animal ownership and treatment; ability to analyze and define problems, identify alternative solutions, estimate consequences of proposed actions, and implement recommendations in support of goals; ability to organize work for timely completion; ability to clearly communicate and understand the information in English, both orally and in writing; ability to establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work; ability and willingness to administer euthanasia drugs; ability to analytically observe and objectively and clearly report emergency and non-emergency activities regarding animals; ability to regularly attend work and arrive punctually for designated work schedule.

Physical requirements include : tasks involve the periodic performance of moderately physically demanding work, usually involving lifting, carrying, pushing, and / or pulling of moderately heavy objects and materials (up to 50 pounds). Tasks that require moving objects of significant weight require the assistance of another person and / or the use of proper techniques and moving equipment. Tasks may involve some climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling. Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation and extended periods of time standing.

Environmental requirements include : tasks are regularly performed outside with potential for exposure to adverse conditions, such as dirt, dust, pollen, odors, fumes and / or poor ventilation, wetness, humidity, rain, temperature and noise extremes, machinery and / or moving vehicles, vibrations, electric currents, animals / wildlife, toxic / poisonous agents, gases or chemicals, oils, and other cutting fluids, violence and / or disease, or pathogenic substances. Some tasks require manual dexterity, in addition to visual and hearing acuity. Some tasks may involve identifying and distinguishing colors.