ANIMAL SERVICES OFFICER

About the position

The position involves performing routine and complex public safety work in the enforcement of Animal Services Ordinances. The role requires responding to complaints regarding violations, issuing warnings and citations, and appearing in court to testify about Animal Services violations. The officer will operate a light duty truck for patrolling and must be available to work on weekends, nights, and holidays as needed. The job includes using humane traps and other equipment to handle animals, removing dead or dangerous animals, and caring for animals in the shelter. Additionally, the officer will maintain records, process adoptions, and perform custodial duties as required.

Responsibilities

• Responds to complaints regarding violations of Animal Services ordinances, writes and issues warnings and/or citations.
• Appears in court to testify regarding Animal Services violations.
• Operates a light duty truck for patrolling and surveying.
• Works on weekends and is available to be on-call seven days a week, nights, and holidays.
• Uses humane traps, snare pole, nets, and other equipment to handle animals humanely.
• Removes dead, injured, or dangerous animals from streets/residential premises.
• Feeds, medicates, and cleans animals as needed.
• Maintains records and files of the animal shelter and the animals housed there.
• Compiles data regarding Animal Services and prepares reports of activities.
• Logs all incidents concerning Animal Services activities.
• Works an assigned shift using own judgment in emergency situations.
• Processes adoptions, reclaims, licenses, and renewals, including computer operations.
• Performs custodial and kennel duties as required.
• Selects and euthanizes animals in the shelter as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Specialized schooling and/or on-the-job education in animal services or law enforcement.
• 2 years of related experience and/or training, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Certificate of Training for Animal Euthanasia or completion of training offered by the Animal Services Department.
• Must meet requirements for Euthanasia Technician Certificate from Arkansas Department of Health Pharmacy Services.
• Some knowledge of law enforcement principles, procedures, techniques, and equipment.
• Working knowledge of animal restraint, behavior, and care techniques.
• Understanding of disease control and prevention.
• Ability to lift or work with larger animals.
• Ability to learn the city's geography.
• Valid Arkansas Class D (Non-Commercial Vehicle) Driver's License before employment and maintain it during employment.
• Ability to respond to dispatched calls within one hour while on-call.
• Effective communication skills and ability to maintain harmonious working relationships.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefit program.
• Participation in the City of Sherwood 457(b) Retirement Plan with a 3% contribution of base salary.