Animal Services Officer, Senior (3251)

CITY OF SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA

CLASS SPECIFICATION

JOB SPECIFICATION TITLE: Animal Services Officer, Senior (3251)

CLASS CODE: 3251
DEPARTMENT:	ACCOUNTABLE TO: Varies	FLSA STATUS: Non-exempt

CLASS SUMMARY:

Performs the full range of animal services and control duties, both in the animal shelter and in the field. Enforces county and state laws, and city ordinances governing the restraint, licensing, vaccination, impoundment, care, and quarantine of animals. Provides lead direction to lower level Animal Services employees.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

This is the second level class in the Animal Services Officer series. This level class performs the full range of animal control and care duties. Incumbents are also responsible for assigning and monitoring work of animal Services Officers. The Animal Services Officer, Senior is distinguished from the Supervisor, Animal Services Field Operations who has full supervisory responsibility.

Incumbents in this class may need to work weekends, holidays, nights and rotating shifts, respond to emergency animal services assignments during off-duty hours, and wear a uniform.

QUALIFICATIONS

(These qualifications are typically required. An equivalent combination of education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities sufficient to satisfactorily perform the duties of the job may be substituted.)

Education and Experience: High school diploma and one year of experience performing animal control duties in a public animal control program or one two (2) years of experience in the care and handling of animals.

Licensing Requirements

Valid California Driver’s License and a good driving record. (Must maintain a good driving record.)
Incumbents may be required to complete P.C. 832 (Level 1) within one year following employment.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (position requirements at entry and depending on area of assignment):

Ability to handle animals humanely and safely.
Ability to read and comprehend the laws, ordinances, and regulations pertaining to animal control.
Ability to prepare and maintain accurate records.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public and other employees.
Ability to safely and accurately operate department-approved firearms and tranquilizer devices.
Ability to use telephones and radios.
Ability to use a variety of modern office machines and equipment, including personal computers.

Desirable Qualifications (likely to contribute to more successful job performance; can often be learned on the job):

Ability to recognize symptoms of rabies and animal diseases.
Ability to promote quality customer service.
Ability to present evidence and testify in a formal hearing or court of law.
Ability to clearly explain orally and/or in writing, animal control procedures and regulations to the public.
Ability to exercise tact and good judgement in all dealings with the public and promote quality customer service.
Ability to maintain statistical records.

DUTY NO.	TYPICAL CLASS ESSENTIAL DUTIES: (These duties and estimated frequency are a representative sample; position assignments may vary depending on the business needs of the department.) Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:	FRE- QUENCY

1.	Receives stray and relinquished animals that are brought to the shelter; assists the public in claiming impounded animals; receives associated fees.	Varies
2.	Feeds and cares for impounded animals.	Varies
3.	Cleans, disinfects and maintains shelter facilities, vehicles, and equipment as necessary.	Varies
4.	Completes and maintains records on animal control violations and transactions.	10%
5.	Receives and investigates complaints and reports from the public and other agencies regarding stray animals, animal nuisances, injured animals, or abuse of animals. Answers emergency calls concerning persons bitten by animals; recommends and directs required action.	15%
6.	Explains, interprets, and makes presentations of ordinances, codes, laws, rules, and regulations to citizens, groups, agencies, businesses, and other entities.	5%
7.	Conducts investigations by talking with the public and collecting evidence, prepares reports concerning investigations, and appears in court when required. Issues code violation and court citations for infractions.	10%
8.	Works cooperatively with other law enforcement groups when joint action is required.	5%
9.	Operates a vehicle to provide routine patrol and emergency rescue services throughout the city, maintaining radio contact with the shelter and local law enforcement agencies. While on patrol, picks up and transports stray or dead animals to the shelter and injured or sick animals to emergency animal care facilities. Uses tranquilizer guns and equipment to control or destroy dangerous and/or injured animals. Issues warning notices and citations to the public and informs the public of regulations and procedures related to animal control program.	5%
10.	Segregates, isolates and disposes of animals as necessary. Quarantines potentially rabid animals.	Varies
11.	Administers first aid or minor treatments to animals; assists with immunization clinics, vaccinations, and animal inspections.	Varies
12.	Provides work direction and immediate supervision to Animal Services Officers and assists with the training of new animal control staff.	40%
13.	Speaks to schools and other community groups concerning animal control services.	5%
14.	Advises public of legal rights and explains and interprets animal control laws, ordinances, regulations, procedures, and policies.	5%
15.	Performs other duties of a similar nature or level.	As Required

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Positions in this class typically require: climbing, bending, stooping, squatting, crawling, reaching, walking, lifting, stepping up and jumping over physical barriers, fingering, grasping, talking, hearing, and seeing.

Heavy Work: Incumbents may be required to lift up to 100 pounds while handling animals and equipment; may work outside and be exposed to inclement weather, may be exposed to bloodborne pathogens while using hypodermic needles on animals, may be exposed to animal scratches and bites, and may be subjected to moving mechanical parts, fumes, odors, gases, chemicals, pollens, and other airborne irritants.

CLASSIFICATION HISTORY

Established 01/01

S000