HomeMy WebLinkAboutAnimal Services OfficerUpdated: March 2024
CITY OF IOWA CITY – JOB DESCRIPTION
Posi�on Title: Animal Services Officer
Department: Police
Division: Animal Services
Supervisor: Animal Services Coordinator
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Civil Service: Yes
Pay Grade: 7
Job Number: 0702
Job Summary
Under general direc�on, patrols and enforces City and State codes and ordinances regarding
animal care and control. Catches and impounds stray animals and issues writen cita�ons.
Educates the public at large regarding animal related issues. Works with other Animal Services
personnel to maintain shelter opera�ons, including animal care, administra�ve processes and
customer services du�es.
Essen�al Job Du�es and Responsibili�es
The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive
or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.
• Patrols, enforces, and educates the public regarding City and State codes and ordinances
that pertain to animal keeping, care, welfare and public safety.
• Issues municipal infrac�ons, cita�ons or warnings to owners/caretakers.
• Assists first responders/police/fire when they have search warrants or when animals are
involved.
• Appears in court when necessary.
• Responds to calls concerning problems with wild and domes�c animals including vicious
animal complaints.
• Maintains close patrol in a neighborhood in order to capture an animal that is
consistently reported but has evaded capture.
• Conducts inves�ga�ons into animal cruelty, neglect, vicious animals, animal permits and
licensing, complaints such as loud or barking dogs and animal bites.
• Writes and submits permit inspec�ons and inves�ga�on reports.
• Impounds injured, stray, sick and dead animals to minimize public health risk and enters
informa�on about each impounded animal into the animal service database.
• Atempts to locate owners of lost and/or injured animals, through any available
informa�on in order to return animals to owners.
• Maintains records for quaran�ne of animals.
• Assists with animal care and cleaning of facility.
• Assists with coordina�ng and promo�ng aspects of Animal Services events, tours and
other community outreach.
Updated: March 2024
• Conducts self in a manner which promotes and supports diversity and inclusivity in the
workplace and community.
• Performs other du�es as assigned.
Minimum Education, Experience, Certification/Licensure, Other
• High school educa�on or G.E.D. and seven to twelve months of related experience or
training; or equivalent combina�on of educa�on and experience. Experience in animal
control or animal care.
• Animal Control Officer 1, Na�onal Animal Control Associa�on required within six
months. Euthanasia Technician cer�fica�on required within one year of hire. Valid State
of Iowa driver's license with sa�sfactory driving record. Must be 18 years of age. Must
pass criminal background check.
Preferred Education, Experience, Certification/Licensure, Other
• High school diploma or G.E.D. and one year of related experience or training; or
equivalent combina�on of educa�on and experience. Experience in computer/data
entry.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abili�es
• Ability to administer medica�ons and perform euthanasia.
• Ability to and work directly with the public in very emo�onal, some�mes highly charged
environment.
• Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as propor�ons, percentages, and volume.
• Ability to communicate effec�vely with the general public and educate public on
responsible pet care.
• Ability to demonstrate behavior observa�on and handling skills with domes�c and wild
animals.
• Ability to disseminate educa�onal informa�on to the public rela�ng to the centers
mission.
• Ability to handle frac�ous or aggressive dogs and cats with appropriate equipment.
• Ability to mul�-task, priori�ze, and effec�vely delegate.
• Ability to perform basic mathema�cal calcula�ons.
• Ability to prepare writen warning and cita�ons, reports and records.
• Ability to read and understand City and State animal code books and materials, safety
rules and procedure manuals.
• Ability to recognize normal and abnormal animal condi�ons and behavior and restrain
animals properly for treatment or transport.
• Ability to speak effec�vely before groups of customers or employees of organiza�on.
• Ability to use immobiliza�on equipment. General knowledge of animal disease and
preventa�ve maintenance.
• Ability to work both independently and as a team in a very busy, hec�c, high stress
environment.
• Knowledge of City ordinances and state laws regarding animal care and control.
Updated: March 2024
• Knowledge of various domes�c and wild animal species including general health, care,
and behavior.
• Skill in excellent public rela�ons experience, be public service oriented and believe in the
mission of the division.
• Skill in using computers and applicable so�ware applica�ons (Microso� Office – Word,
Excel, Outlook).
Supervision
No supervision of direct reports.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an
employee to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities of this job.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform
the essential duties and responsibilities.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use
hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally
required to sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or hear. The employee
regularly lifts and/or moves 10 pounds, occasionally will lift and/or move 50 pounds, and will
occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds with assistance. Specific vision abilities required
by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception
and ability to adjust focus. Hand dexterity, balance and strength are essential in performing
treatments on animals and during animal handling.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee
encounters while performing the essential duties and responsibilities of this job. Reasonable
accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential
duties and responsibilities.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to moving
mechanical parts, high or precarious places, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic
chemicals, risk of electrical shock, vibration, confined space, and traffic hazards. The employee
is regularly exposed to outside weather condition, dampness, direct sunlight, dust, pollen,
insect stings, and animals. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to
work closely with both domestic and wild animals and will be exposed to related hazards. The
employee is regularly exposed to communicable and Zoonotic diseases. The noise level in the
work environment is usually loud. Involves moderate exposure to dangerous situations.
Involves moderate exposure to stress due to the work environment and/or crisis situations.
Iowa City is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities
Act as Amended, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with
Updated: March 2024
disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential
accommodations with the employer.
Reviewed/Approved by: Dus�n Liston, Police Chief (4/2024)
I have read and understand the duties and requirements of this job description, and I
agree that I can perform the duties of this position with or without reasonable
accommodation.
Employee Date
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