Animal Services Officer, Avenue, Gainesville, Florida

This is specialized enforcement and investigative work enforcing County Animal Services Ordinances. An employee assigned to this classification investigates animal cruelty and neglect charges and performs related duties to promote compliance with Alachua County ordinances regulating animal treatment. Work is performed under the direction of a higher level supervisor and is reviewed through conferences, reports and observation of the results obtained.

Graduation from high school or equivalent and one year experience in the area of animal control, veterinary medicine, codes enforcement or law enforcement; or any equivalent combination of related training and experience. Must provide means of being contacted by phone and must possess a valid State of Florida Driver's license. As a condition of employment incumbents must successfully pass/obtain the following: within one year from the date of hire - Level I Academy of the National Animal Control Association and registration by the Drug Enforcement Agency to handle controlled substances; within six months of the date of hire - certification by the Florida State Veterinarian Board as a Euthanasia Technician and a 40-hour minimum standards training course approved by the Florida Animal Control Association. Successful completion of a pre-employment physical examination and criminal history background investigation are required prior to employment.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

* Observes and reports violations of Animal Services Ordinances to appropriate individuals for further consideration. Investigates complaints, determines if there is a violation and takes appropriate actions to comply with ordinances.
* Picks up and impounds stray or at-large animals. Aids animals in distress by feeding starving animals and freeing trapped animals.
* Removes animals from inhumane conditions and drives vehicle to transport animals to shelter for treatment and care.
* Prepares written investigative reports, issues warning notices or citations, and takes sworn statements that may result in court action.
* Conducts preliminary investigations and files reports on cruelty and animal neglect complaints.
* Works closely with other humane and law enforcement agencies on incidents involving animals.
* Provides for care and maintenance of assigned vehicles, equipment and facilities.
* Performs euthanasia on injured, sick, dangerous, or unwanted animals by means of lethal injection; calculates dosage requirements for euthanasia procedures according to the weight of the animal.
* Prepares rabies specimens for laboratory tests by decapitating and placing specimens in biohazard containers.
* May transport rabies specimen.
* Performs related work as required. APPLY