Animal Management Officer

Position Purpose
Process includes: Application, Personal History Questionnaire, testing, interview, polygraph, psychological evaluation, background investigation.

To provide 24-hour emergency and non-emergency animal management services through enforcing municipal and state laws, interpreting and inspecting certain environmental aspects of the city code and work in conjunction with other city departments for the protection and safety of Arvada citizens and animals. Job Functions / Scope of Authority

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Responds to and investigates allegations of municipal violations such as: Stray, vicious, injured, sick, nuisance and dead animals to determine validity of complaints and the appropriate course of action to mitigate issues.

• Capturing, controlling or confining of domestic pets, livestock and wildlife.

• Collects evidence, issues citations, conducts necessary follow-up, prepares cases and testifies in court hearings and trials.

• Proactively patrols and enforces observable animal violations for all areas of the city.

• Maintains updated case files for documentary and historical purposes through the police records management system.

• Demonstrate a high level of ethics, integrity, and confidentiality.

• Uses specialized safety equipment to ensure personal safety such as a Conducted Electrical Weapon, catch pole and snappy snare.

• Interacts with the public via phone, electronic mail, in writing or in person to ascertain complaints and to provide or gather information related to complaints, enforcement, and other city codes.

• Clearly and concisely transmits on police radio and follows proper radio procedure.

• Capable of working alone and in a team environment.

• Exercise initiative and judgment as well as make decisions and problem solves in a variety of situations.

• Performs informal mediation and makes referrals to formal mediation.

• Consult, interact, and coordinate with a variety of city departments concerning repeat problems.

• Prepare monthly statistical reports for general patrol and park enforcement activity.

• Documents calls for service requiring reports or other written records (i.e. search warrants, etc).

• General office duties such as filing and copying.

• Use of special equipment to capture evidence such as heat laser thermometer, digital camera, and small hand tools (microchip reader).

• Gives school and other community education presentations.

• Educate owners and complainants about current ordinances in effect and responsible pet ownership.

• Demonstrates a respectful attitude towards customers and coworkers that promotes teamwork, open communication, and effective customer service.

• Acts with the customer in mind, responds to requests promptly and provides effective services or solutions for customers.

• Exercises appropriate level of initiative and judgment to make decisions within the scope of assigned authority.

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge and enforcement of laws and regulations governing the licensing, quarantine, impoundment and control of treatment/control of animals.

• Knowledge of and adherence to Arvada Police Department policies and procedures.

• Strong understanding of the US Constitution as it pertains to search and seizure.

• Good interpersonal skills.

• Strong computer and typing skills for data entry, reports, time sheets, and e-mails.

• Ability to effectively communicate information, both verbally and in writing, to support organizational objectives and interact with all levels of personnel within the city in a positive and cooperative manner.

OTHER FUNCTIONS:

• Operates an emergency city vehicle equipped with a SWAB unit with only side mirrors (designed to carry animals) in normal and high profile situations.

• Perform euthanasia as necessary using Schedule II drugs and/or assists with euthanasia decisions.

• Assists patrol with traffic control, evacuations and transportation of large pieces of evidence/found property.

• Participation on miscellaneous city committees, attends neighborhood meetings and special events.

• Assist with training of new hires.

• Use of hazing devices such as pepper ball guns to displace menacing wildlife.

• Other duties as required.

--Employees are held accountable for all duties of this job--

SCOPE OF AUTHORITY:

Sworn civilian employee with enforcement authority. Receives minimal supervision under the direction of the Police Sergeant. Plans daily work activities and prioritizes tasks. Defined procedures cover most of the duties. Expected to handle different and specialized functions in department or functional area.

Financial Accountability:

No financial responsibility.

Working Environment / Qualifications

WORKING ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES:

The work environment/physical activities described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job.

Work is primarily performed in an office and outdoor environment with moderate noise levels. Physical effort and activities include: moderate to extensive physical work. Heavy lifting, pushing or pulling of objects up to 100 pounds occasionally and/or 50 pounds frequently. Occasional work in high, precarious places, near heavy traffic, and near moving mechanical parts. Exposure to adverse weather conditions, zoonotic and occupational illnesses and injuries, traffic hazards, toxic or caustic chemicals (skunk), wet/humid conditions, dead animals, animal behavior (bites), wildlife, and psychological stress. Visual acuity to operate machinery or perform tasks at arm length. Visual acuity to operate a motor vehicle. Visual acuity to make general observations or inspections. Exposure to classroom environment, firearms range, driving, physical agility for self-defense and arrest control, and exposure to adverse weather conditions. Occasional animal chasing. Occasional animal rescue missions in potholes and window wells. This position is required to work shift work, holidays, and on-call duty hours. Hours are early morning to late evenings, 7 days a week.

MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS (EDUCATION, LICENSE, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE):

High school diploma or GED equivalency. Human relations and interpersonal communication skills as demonstrated with two (2) years customer service experience in a high pressure work environment required. Computer and typing proficiency required. Valid Colorado driver license required. State certification for animal management officers through Department of Agriculture and Colorado Association of Animal Control Officers expected within first year of hire. CEW (conducted electrical weapon) certification and defensive tactics certification or the ability to obtain these certifications within one (1) year of hire.

Preferred Qualifications:

One (1) year experience related to animal management or an environment designated for the treatment, care and placement of animals preferred. Associates degree preferred.

Vision Mission Values

The City's Core values are in every employee's individual Performance Plan which helps us to reinforce our expectations for living and working by our Core Values.

Every City employee is expected to perform his/her job to the highest professional standards. This includes upholding the City's values with integrity and accountability, acting in a manner that is respectful and inclusive towards others, and adhering to the City's policy on employee conduct as detailed in the personnel rules sec. 70-143.

Vision: We Dream Big and Deliver
Mission: We are dedicated to delivering superior services to enhance the lives of everyone in our community.
Values:
Innovation: We excel in creativity, flexibility and the use of best practices while valuing diverse backgrounds, ideas and perspectives.
Passion: We are a high performing, inclusive team inspiring each other to pursue excellence.
Opportunity: We value our diversity, embrace possibilities, face challenges, persevere and take action to deliver quality results.

City of Arvada Police Department

THE MISSION

We, the members of the Arvada Police Department, pledge

RESPECT
For the law, our community, and one another

DEDICATION
To service and professionalism

RESPONSIBILITY
For public safety and ethical conduct

WE WILL ALWAYS STRIVE FOR EXCELLENCE.

The City is an Equal Employment Opportunity