Animal Control Officer

Animal Control Officer

This employee performs duties in retrieval, impounding, and care of stray and / or dangerous animals, community outreach, and the enforcement of laws and ordinances governing animals in the City of Rochester. Supervision is received from higher level Animal Services personnel. Related duties are performed as required. This is a Competitive Class position. The individual selected to fill this vacancy will be given a provisional appointment and will be required to participate in the next Civil Service Examination for this title. A qualified applicant may be provisionally appointed and serve in the position until a Civil Service Examination is administered and an appropriate eligible list can be established to make a permanent appointment in accordance with the Civil Service Rule of Three. City residency is preferred.

Typical Work Activities

• Responds to calls for service involving stray, injured or menacing animals;
• Seizes stray and dangerous dogs and other animals and transports to animal shelter for care and treatment;
• Assists the public with animal related concerns;
• Issues citations and warnings, to animal owners in violation of laws and ordinances;
• Investigates complaints of noisy animals, animal nuisances and vicious or neglected animals;
• Refers suspected animal cruelty situations to appropriate personnel;
• Shares information with pet owners to support healthy choices for the care and maintenance of their pets;
• Assists with euthanasia of animals, as needed;
• Administers medications and vaccinations upon intake;
• Patrols city neighborhoods to enforce animal laws and perform proactive outreach and pet owner assistance;
• Attends training deemed necessary by management;
• Assists in the development of new Animal Control Officers;
• Writes routine reports and completes written and electronic forms, works within computer records management system;
• Observes all safety rules and regulations;
• Collaborates with Police Department sworn personnel in certain situations;
• Performs census of impounded animals when so instructed;
• Operates a vehicle to transport animals, picks up supplies, and conducts community outreach;
• Maintains interior and exterior of facility for safety of employees and public as requested by supervisory personnel;
• Testifies in court as required.

Minimum Qualifications

High School Diploma or Equivalent, PLUS : One (1) year of work experience (full-time or part-time equivalent) which involved the care, treatment, handling, or transport of animals. Work experience may have been acquired, for examples, at an animal shelter, veterinary office, animal hospital, or field operation. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS : 1. Possession of a valid New York State Class D driver's license at time of appointment. 2. A valid Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator permit, issued by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, must be obtained within 6 months of appointment. 3. All licenses and certificates must be maintained throughout employment with this job.