Arapahoe County’s Public Works and Development (PWD) Department is an American Public Works Association Accredited Agency, the first County in Colorado to obtain this status. Within PWD, we are seeking an Animal Services Officer to join our team and serve the Arapahoe County community in this important role. We offer a competitive salary and benefits package, meaningful work, and a flexible and supportive work environment.
Some of the benefits of working for PWD include:
15 days (120 hours) of paid vacation per year
13 paid holidays (104 hours) and 1 additional floating holiday (8 hours) per year
12 days (96 hours) of paid sick leave per year
4×10 work schedule
Training and development opportunities to help you grow in your professional career
Comprehensive health insurance and retirement plan – see benefits tab for more detail
The Animal Services Officer performs a wide variety of field and administrative duties associated primarily with the enforcement of the Arapahoe County Animal Services Resolution and with reference to the Colorado Revised Statutes (C.R.S.), as well as enforcement of codes for any jurisdictions served by contract. The position includes rotation in after-hours, on-call emergency response for 24 hour/365-day coverage, and is subject to working weekends and holidays.
For recruiting purposes, this position is being posted as an Animal Services Officer I or II. Candidates will be considered for the highest level for which they qualify. The hourly pay range for an Animal Services Officer I is $20.76 to $31.14 and for an Animal Services Officer II is $23.25 to $34.88. The anticipated hiring range is around the midpoint of the pay grade for well-experienced candidates. This posting is to fill one Animal Services Officer vacancy.
Duties
The following duty statements are illustrative of the essential functions of the job and do not include other non-essential or marginal duties that may be required. The County reserves the right to modify or change the duties or essential functions of the job at any time.
The Animal Services Officer II is responsible for managing complex investigations pertaining to animal welfare/cruelty and dangerous dog incidents as an authorized Bureau of Animal Protection Agent, through the Colorado Department of Agriculture.
Duties performed by both the Animal Services Officer (ASO) I and II include:
Responds to calls for service regarding public safety concerns and the enforcement of the Arapahoe County Animal Services Resolution. Handles and maintains control over a variety of animals to include domestic pets, livestock, and wildlife. Ensures the use of safety procedures and equipment when handling possible aggressive, diseased, injured or deceased animals.
Investigates complaints pertaining to violations of the Animal Services Resolution and takes appropriate action to resolve the violation and/or conflict. Resolution may include educating or serving warnings, penalty assessments, or summonses. Ensures compliance with dog licensing/rabies vaccination requirements.
Rotates working in the office, as a call taker and dispatcher, receiving calls and complaints. Evaluates and researches information, educates callers, and dispatches and assists other officers out in the field. Assists Public, by phone or in person, to answer general animal safety, welfare, and regulation questions.
Investigates animal bites and places suspect animal(s) under quarantine. Assists Tri-County Health Department with quarantine observations involving animal to human bites or wildlife to animal/human incidents.
Documents through the appropriate data systems all details of a case. Prepares and submits appropriate court documentation to the court records department. Provides follow up with the District Attorney’s office to ensure resolution with cases submitted. Provides testimony in scheduled court cases.
Provides support and assistance to other internal and external agencies such as, but not limited to: the Sheriff’s Department, Arapahoe County Zoning, neighboring Animal Control Agencies, the Department of Agriculture, and other animal welfare/sheltering organizations.
Responds to emergencies involving animals during normal business hours or as needed during on-call shifts. Needs may require impounding and transporting the animals for sheltering and/or veterinary care and follow-up with pet owner’s family members.
Promotes the Animal Services program to citizens, homeowners, schools, and other agencies through one-on-one education or through group presentations.
SKILLS & ABILITIES:
Knowledge of, or ability to learn, various computer software programs, regulation enforcement (including an understanding of local and State laws relating to animal services) and the ability to read, understand, interpret and apply animal laws.
Knowledge in the techniques used in the handling of domestic and wild animals under conditions stressful to the animal, including animals that may be aggressive, injured, sick or deceased.
Knowledge of safety rules and regulations and ability to apply sound judgment to avoid situations putting self, other Animal Services Officers, citizen or animal at risk of injury.
Ability to follow written and oral instructions and effectively communicate (both orally and in writing). Listens attentively; ensures that information is understood by all parties, taking into account the audience and nature of the information; shares information in a timely manner using the most appropriate method. Practices attentive and active listening; ability to exhibit tact, restraint, and respect, but also be firm in addressing difficult and emotional situations with citizens.
An understanding of street and road system, geographical patterns, and numerical address systems.
Ability to drive specialized trucks to perform the duties of the position.
Ability to lead by example and set the foundation for appropriate workplace behavior.
BEHAVIORAL COMPETENCIES (required for all position at ACG):
Accountability
Accessibility
Inclusivity
Integrity
Requirements
EDUCATION:
ASO I: High school diploma or GED equivalent is required.
ASO II: Associate’s degree or two-year certificate is required.
EXPERIENCE:
ASO I: Requires one (1) year of professional interaction with the general public and one (1) year of experience working with animals.
ASO II: Requires two years of experience in the field of animal control.
ASO II: Animal Control Officer certification through the Animal Welfare Association of Colorado (AWAC) is required. Commission as an Agent for the Colorado Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Animal Protection is also required.
Any equivalent combination of education and work experience that satisfy the requirements of the job may be considered.
Supplemental Information
PRE-EMPLOYMENT ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
Must successfully pass pre-employment testing which may include an acceptable motor vehicle record (MVR) and background check.
Position requires passing pre-employment physical capabilities exam, drug screen and strength tests. The physical capabilities exam may be periodically required to ensure continued safety of the employee.
Possession of a valid Colorado Class “R” driver’s license or ability to obtain within two (2) weeks of appointment is required.
POST-EMPLOYMENT ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
Will be required to obtain Animal Control Officer certification (County provides training) within first year of employment through the Animal Welfare Association of Colorado (AWAC), if the selected candidate does not already have this certification at the time of hire.
Commission as an Agent for the Colorado Department of Agriculture Bureau of Animal Protection is required to be hired at or promoted to the ASO II level.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Work is performed in a shared office environment and outdoors, either within a vehicle or out in the open. There is exposure to adverse weather conditions and road hazards, potential for slipping or falls, and exposure to aggressive animals and zoonotic diseases. Must be able to withstand driving for extended lengths of time. Training for management of risk and injury prevention is provided to the employee.
Some work is performed in an office environment for record maintenance and court appearances and involves use of telephones, dispatch radios, computers, office equipment, and verbal interaction with staff, citizens and others.
County issued work boots shall be worn when completing on-site field inspections. Athletic or canvas-type shoes are not permitted when completing field work. No other footwear is allowed.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS (Average % of Time, Strength):
Patrols for stray, aggressive, or injured animals and responds to citizen complaints (25%, Light to Medium)
Maintains up-to-date records and files on animals collected and cases worked (15 %, Light)
Removes dead animals, transporting and disposing of properly, including apprehending, lifting and carrying animals (5%, Light to Heavy)
Removes and impounds stray animals (20%, Light to Medium)
Responds to emergency calls, such as animal cruelty complaints, aggressive dog complaints, animal bites, and stray animals (20%, Light to Medium)
Performs such other related duties as may be assigned (5%, Light)
Issues citations. Testifies in court. (10%, Light)
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The following are some of the physical demands commonly associated with this position.
STANDING/WALKING/RUNNING: Dealing with public, chasing stray animals.
SITTING: Vehicle patrol, report writing, dealing with public.
LIFTING/CARRYING: Equipment, live and dead animals, food, water, traps and cages.
HANDLING: Domesticated and feral animals, wildlife, birds, reptiles, bats, etc.
PUSHING/PULLING: Kennel, vehicle and equipment maintenance. Handling animals.
REACHING/HANDLING: Lifting traps and cages, animal foods.
FINE DEXTERITY: Ability to handle small animals.
KNEELING/CROUCHING: In locating and capture of animals.
CRAWLING: In tight, cramp spaces to rescue, trap or capture animals.
BENDING/TWISTING: Ability to bend and twist in the rescue and capture of animals.
CLIMBING/BALANCING: Ability to scale walls, fences and other obstacles.
VISION: Ability to distinguish colors.
HEARING/TALKING: Ability to hear and determine direction of sound.
FOOT CONTROLS: Ability to maintain balance.
Definitions:
Occasionally: Activity exists less than 1/3 of the time.
Frequently: Activity exists between 1/3 and 2/3 of the time.
Constantly: Activity exists more than 2/3 of the time.