Animal Control Officer - Police

JOB SUMMARY

The Animal Control Officer performs routine and specialized community service duties to control animals and protect lives and property in the Town of Mount Pleasant.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:      

• Receives and responds, through use of departmental vehicle, to complaints involving animals.
• Performs various administrative duties including the preparation of detailed written incident reports and other reports as necessary.
• Testifies in court proceedings when necessary.
• Patrols the Town and contract areas looking for stray animals.
• Issues citations to animal owners for non-compliance or violation of local animal ordinances.
• Uses various animal control equipment including nets, traps, etc. to capture stray animals.
• Transports diseased, injured and dangerous animals to the SPCA or other appropriate facilities as necessary.
• Provides public education materials and lectures regarding ordinances and basic animal care-related information.
• Participates in educational programs to the public. 
• Performs other related assigned duties.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM WORK:

• High School Diploma or GED;
• Or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience;
• Preferred one (1) year of experience involving the care of animals;
• Eligible for Naca Level I training
• Eligible for Animal CPR certification.
• Valid South Carolina driver’s license

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of South Carolina and Mount Pleasant Laws and ordinances;
• Knowledge of animal control practices and techniques;

• Skill in the use of oral and written communication;
• Skill in the use of common sense to determine the most appropriate response to emergency situations;
• Skill in the use of operating animal control vehicles, and various types of animal control equipment in a safe and effective manner;
• Skill in the use of animal care
• Ability to protect yourself and others;

• Ability to handle and carry out duties during emergency situations under adverse weather and stressful, life threatening conditions;
• Ability to deal with disgruntled or violent members of the public in a safe and tactful manner. 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The work requires frequent and recurring assignments requiring strenuous effort and endurance or quick reflexes to perform the work, such as lifting and carrying on a continuous basis for extended periods of time, or regular travel on foot over rough terrain or barriers, or the potential need to subdue or restrain violent animals.

Specific vision abilities required by this job are those required to possess a valid South Carolina driver’s license.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:     

The work environment involves a high degree of individual tolerance to combinations of extremely unpleasant elements, such as those listed above or mental stress from constant conflicting urgent time and attention demands of the utmost priority. The nature of the physical environment may be such that the employee's personal well-being and/or safety are constantly compromised such as Fire and Police personnel.