Pay range: $43,992.00 – $57,158.40 Annually

This position is the entry level Animal Control Officer position. Employees are able to move forward to the Animal Control Officer II position after having met the minimum qualifications and time for the position.

An Animal Control Officer (ACO) for the Lakewood Police Department will apprehend animals, investigate violations, interact frequently with citizens, and provide assistance and information on animal-related issues. The ACO’s duties include investigating complaints involving animals, mediation of complaints, education of citizens, issuing summonses, writing reports, case preparation and testimony in court.
Major Tasks, Duties, and Responsibilities

Incumbent is accountable for all duties of this job and other projects and responsibilities may be added at the City’s discretion. Employees must be able to perform the essential duties of this job with or without a reasonable accommodation.
Apprehends and confines animals that are sick or injured, including domestic pets, exotic pets, livestock, and indigenous wildlife.
Evaluates animal injuries, provides first aid and transportation to veterinary facilities or, in the case of wildlife, performs field euthanasia.
Apprehends and impounds animals that attack or injure humans or other animals and/or livestock that are off their property and unrestrained by owners.
Determines the violation (e.g., cruelty, abuse, abandonment), gathers evidence, follows up on conditions of animals and executes proper procedures for removal of animals from harmful situations.
Investigates and mediates neighborhood complaints pertaining to violations, such as animals disturbing the neighborhood. Issues warnings and summonses as appropriate.
Provides assistance, education, presentations (both formally and informally) and information to citizens.
Writes daily log, manual notices and miscellaneous forms, and bite reports on a frequent basis.
Educates citizens, City Council and other City employees regarding all animal control enforcement-related ordinances and topics.
Quarantines any animal capable of carrying rabies, following the confirmation of a human bite for rabies monitoring.
Assist Police Agents on a regular basis.

Reporting Relationships
Supervision Received:  Receives supervision from the Animal Control Supervisor.
Supervision Exercised: None

Essential Qualifications

Education and Experience
Education:  High school diploma or equivalent is required. Two or more years of college education is preferred. A Bachelor’s degree is highly desirable.
Experience: Experience dealing with the public in adverse or volatile situations and deals with those situations in a professional manner with the goal of problem resolution.
Certification/Licenses/Specialized Training
Valid driver’s license and a good driving record required.
KSA’s and Physical/Mental Reqs

Ability to maintain professional composure in unpleasant and sometimes appalling situations and demonstrate tact in emotional situations.
Ability to perform duties with little or no supervision. Demonstrate self-initiative to complete investigations, perform license compliance follow up and proactively patrol high complaint areas.
Must possess strong written and verbal communication skills to write accurate and professional reports regarding situations for each call for service received and other field-generated or initiated calls.
Must be able to write effective reports for use in establishing cases and courtroom testimony.
Polygraph and psychological examinations, oral board interview, background investigation and reference checks, physical, respiratory exam, and hair follicle drug test are required.
Must possess an affinity for animals.
Ability to pick up domestic and small wildlife carcasses and transport for disposal and tolerate unpleasant smells including vomit, feces and skunk smells.
A willingness to pursue and attend continuing pertinent animal-related training, as approved or directed by supervisor.
Must occasionally decapitate animals for rabies testing.

All Lakewood employees are expected to work and complete all tasks in a safe manner consistent with training, standard operating procedures, City or Department policies, and common sense. Working in a safe manner includes the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and complying with all City and/or Department safety rules. Horseplay on-the-job is strictly forbidden. The failure to work in a safe manner, use PPE, follow standard operating procedure or comply with a safety rule will result adverse employment consequences ranging from verbal discipline to termination from employment, including any applicable reduction in benefits under the Colorado Workers’ Compensation Act. Employees are also expected to encourage safe work practices by all co-employees, and to report any unsafe work practices immediately to a supervisor.

Very Heavy Work:  Exerting in excess of 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or in excess of  50 pounds of force frequently and/or in excess of 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects

PHYSICAL DEMAND
Bend or position self to move items from higher place to lower place or vice versa
Lift, carry, push, pull, move, or position from all levels up to 50 lbs.
Lift, carry, push, pull, move, or position from all levels over 51 lbs. with assistance
Sit, stand or be stationary
Stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, climb, balance, turn or twist all of which may include awkward positions on both
even and uneven terrain
Talk, hear, converse, communicate, or exchange information
Use of hands and/or fingers in a repetitive motion to handle, pinch, reach, grasp, move, feel, and inspect, etc.
Vision to include; distance, depth perception, peripheral and color
Walk, ascend or descend on both even and uneven terrain

Environmental Conditions may include
Confined spaces
Extreme cold or heat
Frequent vibrations due to equipment use
Fumes or airborne particles
Moderate to extremely loud noise environment
Outdoor weather conditions
Toxic or caustic chemicals
Wet or humid conditions
Work in high, precarious places
Physical Requirements

Must lift floor level or from below the knee; knee through chest level and above the shoulder level that may weigh in excess of 80 pounds.  May manipulate (push, pull or carry) items weighing in excess of 100 pounds with assistance. Must be able to carry items distances of plus/minus 50 feet.

Positions may include awkward postures, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, stretching.  Must be able to exert up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Hearing and Vision test

Must successfully complete and maintain required state or departmental physical standards and certifications.

The City of Lakewood is a drug-free workplace that provides employment opportunities in compliance with all pertinent federal, state, and local laws.  Accordingly, the City celebrates diversity in the workforce.  This position description is a valid statement of the job duties, responsibilities, requirements and performance expectations of this position.