Animal Services Officer (3252)

CITY OF SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA

CLASS SPECIFICATION

JOB SPECIFICATION TITLE: Animal Services Officer (3252)

CLASS CODE: 3252
DEPARTMENT:	ACCOUNTABLE TO: Varies	FLSA STATUS: Non-exempt

CLASS SUMMARY:

Performs routine animal services and control duties, both in the animal shelter and in the field. Assists Sr. Animal Services Officer in enforcing county and state laws, and city ordinances governing the restraint, licensing, vaccination, impoundment, care, and quarantine of animals.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

This is the entry level class in the Animal Services Officer series. Incumbents perform work under the immediate direction of Senior Animal Services Officers or higher level supervisory staff. The Animal Services Officer is distinguished from the Animal Services Officer, Senior classification which has responsibility for the full range of animal services and control duties that require a higher degree of independence and accountability. Animal Services Officers, Senior are also responsible for assigning and monitoring work of Animal Services Officers.

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.

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).

Some prior experience handling and caring for animals.

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 and disinfects pound facilities, vehicles and equipment as necessary.	5%
4.	Completes and maintains records on animal control violations and transactions.	Varies
5.	Receives 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 and recommends required action.	10%
6.	Explains, interprets, and makes presentations of ordinances, codes, laws, rules, and regulations to citizens, groups, agencies, businesses, and other entities.	5%
7.	Assists Sr. Animal Services Officer in conducting investigations, collecting evidence, and preparing reports concerning investigations. Will be required to testify and present evidence in court and at formal hearings. Issues code violation and court citations for infractions.	10%
8.	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. Assists Sr. Animal Control Officer in issuing warning notices and citations to the public and informing the public of basic regulations and procedures related to animal control program.	65%
9.	Segregates, isolates, and disposes of animals as necessary. Quarantines potentially rabid animals.	5%
10.	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 03/01

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