HomeMy WebLinkAboutAnimal Services OfficerCITY OF IOWA CITY - Job Description
Job Class #07-02 FLSA Non-Exempt
Civil Service
Identification
Position Title: Animal Services Officer
Department: Police
Division: Animal Services
Supervisor: Animal Services Coordinator
Job Summary
Under general direction, patrols and enforces City and State codes and ordinances regarding animal
care and control. Catches and impounds stray animals and issues written citations. Educates the
public at large regarding animal related issues. Works with other Animal Services personnel to
maintain shelter operations, including animal care, administrative processes and customer services
duties.
Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities
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 infractions, citations 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 domestic 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 investigations into animal cruelty, neglect, vicious animals, animal permits and licensing,
complaints such as loud or barking dogs and animal bites.
Writes and submits permit inspections and investigation reports
Impounds injured, stray, sick and dead animals to minimize public health risk and enters information
about each impounded animal into the animal service database.
Attempts to locate owners of lost and/or injured animals, through any available information in order to
return animals to owners.
Maintains records for quarantine of animals.
Provides essential animal care following the center’s protocols including vaccinating, providing
shelter, food, water, and medical treatments for impounded animals.
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Prepares paperwork for adoptions, licensing, and reclaims.
Assists with coordination of adoption and reclaim processes.
Provides customer service to walk in visitors as well as phone and/or electronic inquiries.
Answers public questions relating to Iowa City Animal Ordinances, impounded animals, and
community and animal related problems.
Gives referrals to community resources.
Assists with preparing samples and performing laboratory screening tests including animal restraint.
Performs euthanasia and prepares samples for rabies testing.
Maintains controlled substance records.
Assists with the cleaning and disinfecting of all animal housing areas including cages, kennels,
trucks and animal equipment.
Performs facility custodial duties including washing windows, cleaning floors, cleaning bathrooms,
and other general facility cleaning and maintenance.
Maintains shelter building and vehicles.
Reports equipment repair or replacement needs to Animal Services Supervisor.
Prepares and conducts educational programs for the community.
Assists with coordinating and promoting aspects of Animal Services events, tours and other
community outreach.
Conducts self in a manner which promotes and supports diversity and inclusivity in the workplace
and community.
Performs all other related duties as assigned.
Physical and Environmental Conditions
The physical demands and work environment conditions described here are representative of those
that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job and are
encountered while performing those essential functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made
to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands
to finger, handle, feel or grip firmly; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch, bend,
climb, crawl or balance. The employee frequently is required to talk, hear, and smell. The employee
is occasionally required to sit, climb or balance. The employee must frequently (34-66% of the
workday or maximum 1 lift, push, pull, carry or move every two minutes) up to 25 pounds,
occasionally (11-33% of the workday or maximum 1 lift, push, pull, carry or move every 30 minutes)
up to 50 pounds, infrequently (0-10% of the workday or maximum 1 lift, push, pull, or carry or move
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every hour) more than 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.
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, wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, and
toxic or caustic chemicals. The employee is frequently exposed to outside weather conditions,
freezing ice and cold, slippery conditions and extreme heat. The employee is occasionally exposed to
moving mechanical parts and high, precarious places. The employee may be exposed to biohazards.
The employee is occasionally exposed to risk of electrical shock.
The noise level in the work environment is usually very loud.
Minimum Education, Experience and Certification
High school degree or equivalent required. One year experience in animal control or in a related field or
certification as an Animal Control Officer from a recognized academy or the National Animal Control
Association required. Valid driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record required. Must be 18 years
of age per Iowa Code 92.8. Must pass criminal background check.
Preferred Education, Experience and Certification
Associate degree from an educational institution accredited by a DOE recognized accreditation body
preferred. Computer/data entry experience preferred. Euthanasia Technician certification preferred and
will be required within one year of hire.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of City ordinances and state laws regarding animal care and control. Knowledge of various
domestic and wild animal species including general health, care, and behavior. Must be able to
demonstrate behavior observation and handling skills with domestic and wild animals. Must be able to
handle fractious or aggressive dogs and cats with appropriate equipment. Ability to recognize normal
and abnormal animal conditions and behavior and restrain animals properly for treatment or transport.
Ability to use immobilization equipment. General knowledge of animal disease and preventative
maintenance. Ability to administer medications and perform euthanasia. Ability to communicate
effectively with the general public and educate public on responsible pet care. Ability to read and
understand City and State animal code books and materials. Ability to perform basic mathematical
calculations. Ability to prepare written warning and citations, reports and records. Must be able to work
both independently and as a team in a very busy, hectic, high stress environment. Must have the ability
to multi-task, prioritize, and effectively delegate. Must be able to and work directly with the public in
very emotional, sometimes highly charged environment. Must be able to disseminate educational
information to the public relating to the centers mission. Must have excellent public relations
experience, be public service oriented and believe in the mission of the division.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by
individuals assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties,
and skills required of personnel so classified in this position.