Animal Control Officer

Animal Control Officer

In this position, the incumbent will respond to citizen requests for service and / or complaints regarding animals. The position requires the apprehension and impoundment of animals that are at large or being kept in violation of municipal code. The incumbent in this position will investigate animal bites and / or attacks, care and treatment violations, and dog fighting cases. This position must issue summons and citations to residents of Indianapolis / Marion County for violations of State law and the Indianapolis Municipal Code and will testify in a court of law on behalf of the Division of Animal Care and Control. Incumbents will also provide assistance to other branches of local law enforcement as needed.

The purpose and mission of Animal Care Services is advocating animal welfare, adoption, and rescue. The agency does this by protecting and promoting the health, safety, and welfare of pets and livestock in Marion County. The agency is able to do this by cultivating a productive, collaborative, and compliant work environment in order for our workforce to meet the needs of the constituents of Indianapolis and Marion County.

Equal Employment Opportunity : The City of Indianapolis Marion County is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status. We value diversity in perspectives and experiences among colleagues and the residents of this city of whom we serve.

Position Responsibilities :

• Ability to effectively address hostile situations involving citizens
• Ability to handle all types of animals, including stray animals, animals with aggressive temperaments, and vicious animals.
• Maintains daily records of each animal impounded (e.g., tags, location, description, etc.) to ensure that impounded animals are returned to rightful owner.
• Patrols assigned district for animals that are in violation of Indianapolis Municipal Code and state laws.
• Investigaes all assigned animal related incidents / complaints and provides follow-up on reports of animal bites and attacks.
• Maintains confidentiality when necessary regarding animal investigations.
• Issues citations and court summons regarding violations of local or state law involving animals and provides testimony in court.
• Maintains a daily activity log, including the time assignments are received and completed, records out of service time, and any individual initiated incidents that arise in the field.
• Inspects pet shops, kennels, breeders, and special events for licensing and suitable conditions for animals.
• Euthanizes animals and when necessary prepares a specimen for the State Board of Health for rabies testing.
• Performs a variety of police-community relation functions and reports suspicious activity to Supervisor or Dispatcher.
• Provides general assistance to the public and works with individuals throughout other Division(s) and / or Department(s), including the Indianapolis Police Department, Marion County Sheriff's Department, Court and Criminal Justice System, and the Health Department.
• Maintains assigned vehicle in a clean and sanitary condition and ensures proper working condition on a daily basis.
• Maintains and is responsible for uniform(s), weapons, tools, and equipment supplies (bolt cutters, tranquilizer, dog / cat stick, dog / cat cage, stretcher, darts, guns, etc) while following all job site safety regulations.

Qualifications :

Independent Judgment : Independent judgment is essential for this position to prioritize assignments and activities. While actions are dictated in part by established policies and procedures, civil / criminal laws and, Indianapolis Municipal Code the work is generally performed independently and supervisory assistance is available when necessary and / or needed. Work is reviewed on a spot check basis and generally upon completion of an assignment by a supervisor who has given the incumbent general / detailed instructions. Errors in actions or judgment could have a significant impact on the Department of Business and Neighborhood Services, other law enforcement agencies, and the citizens of Indianapolis. A high degree of independent judgment is required as related to the responsible use of assigned equipment.